Chapter 66

~ Elara’s POV

Rufus's sudden confession left me speechless. The whole world seemed to hold its breath. I couldn't believe what I just heard. But then, seeing him all flustered and fidgety, I knew his words were genuine. Just as I opened my mouth to reply, he fumbled a bit and turned back to me.

Rufus scurried inside before I could even get a word out. "Don't worry, take your time!" he called back, flustered. Looking at him dash through the door, I couldn't help but smile. He was adorable, like a shy puppy with a tail wagging a mile a minute.

But then his words hit me. Technically, any girl would be lucky to have Rufus. He was kind, thoughtful, basically a walking dream come true. Heck, I even used to wish Rayel acted more like him. He treated me with respect, remembered my favorite things, and always knew how to make me laugh. He was practically perfect in every way.

But as much as Rufus seemed like a dream come true, my heart just wasn't in it. The truth was, I had never seen him as