CHAPTER NINETY THREE – THE FINAL EXAM

When they finally broke apart, both breathless, Cassie rested her forehead against Florian's. "We shouldn't," she whispered, even as her heart raced. "I know," Florian replied, his voice husky. "But I can't help how I feel about you, Cassie. You're incredible." For a moment, they sat in silence, the weight of their impossible situation hanging between them. Then, with a soft sigh, Cassie pulled away. "We should get back to studying," she said reluctantly. Florian nodded, but as they turned back to the textbooks, his hand found hers under the table, their fingers intertwining. In that moment, Cassie felt a surge of determination. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together. The next morning, as Cassie walked into her final exam, she felt a strange mix of nervousness and calm. She had studied hard, she knew the material, and she had Florian's unwavering support. Whatever Vivian had planned, Cassie was ready. As she worked through the exam questions, Cassie felt a s