Page 52 of A Minute Past Midnight

“I know.”

I pulled back enough to look at him. “You made me really happy today. Not that you don't make me happy any other day, but today, it truly means a lot to me.”

His expression softened. “That’s all I wanted. All I ever want for you.”

“And . . .” I paused.

He raised an eyebrow. “And what?”

“I knew you were lying.”

He laughed. “About what?”

“When you said you didn’t have any surprises.”

His smile became dangerous. “You’re right.”

I pointed at him. “I knew it.”

“But . . .”

I frowned. “But?”

“That wasn’t my only surprise.”

My entire body went still. “Samir, what did you do now, sir?”

He stepped away from me. “Wait here.”

“Why?”

“Because I said so, Cinderella.”

I crossed my arms. “That’s not a good enough reason.”

“Juliana.”

I smiled. “Fine.”

He walked toward one of the nearby tables and returned holding a small folder. My heart immediately started beating faster. “What is that?” He didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he opened it then handed it to me.

I looked down. My eyes scanned the paperwork, trying to figure out what I was looking at. Then my breathing stopped.

“Samir.”

“Read it.”

I shook my head. “No.”

“Juliana.”

“This isn’t . . .”

“Read it.”

My fingers trembled as I looked again. It was the deed to the house. This house. My eyes slowly lifted to his. “No. I can’t take this.”

He smiled. “You can.”