We were at the hospital so that I could receive treatment for the burns. Collin was at the cashier while Perilla stayed with me. I had ointment and bandages around my arms. "I'm sorry," she apologized, and I looked at her. "It was unfortunate that you got hurt for Collin, but you specifically told me that you'd protect him to the best of your abilities. What you did proved to me that you meant what you said." She smiled a little.

"So you purposely threw the tea so that I can prove to you that I will protect him?" I questioned in bewilderment, and she nodded. "Are you crazy? What if I wasn't quick enough? What if I didn't catch on quick enough? He could've gotten hurt," I added angrily.

"Dear, Collin is a grown man. He can deal with a little hot tea," she replied nonchalantly. "Plus, you should worry about yourself instead."

"Sorry, no offense, but you are insane." I shook my head.

"I have to be to protect Collin," she declared. "At least you can be with him now."

"Thank you, Ms. Gray," I responded with sincerity.

"Just call me Aunt Perilla," she remarked, and I smiled. Collin came back, and we all went home.

2 DAYS LATER

"I'm so glad my aunt let us be together," Collin said. "Honestly, I thought she'd bother us continuously."

"I don't have that much time in my life," Aunt Perilla remarked, carrying a trash bag as she walked past us, and I laughed.

"Anyways, at least we're finally having our first real date tonight," he said with a huge smile on his face. Him being so excited was incredibly gullible. How did I score such a wonderful guy? I definitely did not deserve him. "What are you thinking about that has you smiling so?" He cupped my face with his hands.

"I'm thinking about you," I answered and grabbed his face then laid a kiss on his lips. He smiled and returned the kiss.

"I have to go to work now. See you tonight," he stated and left. I had to go back to work too. There were five more days until my interview at 'Top City Talent'. I had to publish my new story and start another one. I changed into some more appropriate clothes then walked to 'Rainbow Ink Co.'

"Julia! Welcome back! It's been so dull without you here," Harry declared, giving me a hug. "Your newbie has had a hard time without you." He pointed to Cassie who was on the verge of falling asleep. I walked over to her and knocked on her table a few times.

"Cassie Bekke," I called her.

She straightened up and noticed me. "Ms. Heldin! You're back! Oh, thank the Lord!" she exclaimed, and I laughed.

"Leave the work to me. Okay? Get some rest. I'll cover for you," I said with a wink, and she smiled greatfully. I went to Mrs. Heywood's office to let her know I was back and well. "Good morning, Mrs. Heywood."

"Julia, it's good to have you back. How's the injury?" she questioned.

"It's healing well," I answered. "Also, here is the finished and final manuscript of 'Nonchalantly." I passed her a stack of papers.

"I'll look over it and tell you if anything's wrong," she responded, and I left.

I continued to work until it was time for my date with Collin. "Bye, guys. I have to go," I stated as I packed up my stuff.

"What, you have a date?" Harry joked.

"Yes, actually, I do."

"Really?" he asked, surprised, and I nodded. "With who?"

"I'll tell you some other time. Bye," I replied and left.

. . .

I looked at myself in the mirror as I held up different outfits in front of me. "Which one should I wear?" I asked myself. Collin was making us dinner then we would hang out in his apartment room. I looked between a peach dress with frills and a white dress with thick straps and leaf-like designs. I think the white one looked cuter. I chose that one and paired it with white flats then accessorized my body with the purple jewelry set Aunt Perilla gifted me.

I went to the top floor and knocked on Collin's apartment door. He answered it in a matter of seconds. He was wearing a gray tee that flattered his upper body and black jeans. "Jules, you look...beautiful," he complimented me.

"You look like you do every day, perfect," I stated with a smile. He grabbed me by the waist and pulled me in, letting his hands rest behind my waist. My hands circled his neck, and I looked up at him.

"You're the one who's perfect," he remarked sweetly.

"I beg to differ."

He kissed my forehead. "Let's go eat dinner," he said, and I followed him. He made lasagna, which was absolutely fantastic in taste and appearance. After that, we cuddled together on his couch, which faced his huge glass window that has a view of the lit city at night. The apartment building was a six-story building, and he lived on the top floor. What else would you expect?

"This is wonderful," I comment.

"What, the view?" he asked.

"Yes, that and us," I answered.

"Me too," he agreed.

"I love you, Collin Gray."

"I love you too, Julia Heldin." He kissed me on my lips a few times then gave me a final kiss on my head. I snuggled closer to him and got comfy in his arms. I was so happy in the moment. Everything was just right in the world when I was with him. What did I do to deserve such a wonderful man in my life? I must've been a saint in my past life. I hoped that every day forward will be the same as now. I closed my eyes and slowly drifted off to a never-ending slumber.