The dreamer in spring boudoir

Four years ago, Rivercity was a kaleidoscope of blossoms in the enchanting month of April. Emily Parker, with a petal in her hand, traced the soft pink hue. She adored cherry blossoms, a fondness inherited from her late mother, whose name carried the essence of cherry. Her brother, knowing her affection, had transplanted many cherry trees in their villa, a gesture that brought her joy despite his busy political life.

"Miss Parker!" A sudden burst of red roses appeared before her eyes, followed by a handsome face. "Flowers for a beauty, please accept these," Lucas Ray, the heir to Ray Enterprises, said with a charming smile. "Ive admired you for quite some time. May I have the honor of dining with you today?"

"Actually, shes unavailable," a cold voice interrupted from behind. Emily turned to see a man with sharp features and sunglasses, exuding an air of authority.

"And who might you be to know Miss Parkers schedule?" Lucas challenged, his tone brimming with arrogance.

The mans lips curled into a slight smile as he removed his sunglasses, revealing deep, dark eyes. "I dont concern myself with who chases which woman... except for her," he said, his gaze fixed firmly on Emily. "She is mine."

Emily stood there, dumbfounded. This man, who had always been so aloof and unapproachable, was now claiming her as his own?

"Do you even know her?" Lucas scoffed, undeterred by the mans bold claim.

"Emily Parker," William Grant said, his voice smooth as silk, leaving no doubt that he knew exactly who she was.

As the heir to the Grant Family, William had been a legend at Dawn High School, the object of many girls affections. Emily had been no exception. Yet, their encounters were few and far between, and he had always treated her with indifference.

But today, he was telling her that she belonged to him. Her heart fluttered uncontrollably as he approached, the cherry blossoms swirling around him like a scene from a dream.

Before she could react, his lips were on hers, His kiss is overbearing and possessive. Emily stood frozen, her mind a blank canvas as his tongue explored her mouth. When he pulled away, he whispered with a mischievous glint in his eyes, "Didnt anyone teach you to close your eyes during a kiss?"

She was left speechless, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "How can you just..." she stammered, at a loss for words.

"How cant I?" he countered with a devilish grin. "Youre mine, arent you?"

"I... I cant be yours," she protested weakly, her heart racing with a mixture of fear and excitement.

"Oh?" One eyebrow lifted in a challenge as he closed the distance between them. "But you do like me."

Her eyes widened in shock. How could he know her deepest secret? She had been careful to keep her feelings hidden. But here he was, laying bare her heart with just a few words.

"I dont have a man I like," she lied, trying to regain her composure.

"Is that so?" he mused, his gaze never leaving her face. "Then how do you explain this?"

In his hand was a drawing she had made, a portrait of him. How did he get it? She had hidden it so well.

"Your face is quite red," he teased, clearly enjoying her flustered state.

"Its just an old school assignment," she snapped, trying to snatch the drawing back. "Theres no need to make a big deal out of it."

"The one making a big deal out of it seems to be you," he remarked, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Before she could retort, he took her hand and slid an antique ring onto her finger. The emerald gleamed in the sunlight, a symbol of his claim on her.

"From this moment on, you, Emily Parker, are mine," he declared, his voice a seductive whisper that sent shivers down her spine.

Her heart pounded in her chest as she stared at the ring. It was too sudden, too domineering, and yet, she couldnt bring herself to remove it. His lips brushed against her forehead in a tender kiss, leaving her breathless and confused.

"Listen well, Emily," he said, his breath warm against her ear. "I know Richard Parker has high standards. In four years, when the Grant Family is strong enough, I will come to the Parker Family to propose."

And with that, he left her standing under the cherry blossoms, her world turned upside down by his words and the promise of a future she never saw coming.