By Jackie Brygel
Pictures: Trevor King
As her career is set to take off, the 17-year-old wants her 25-year-old lover by her side the whole way.
Teenager Cassi Van Den Dungen’s love for an older man has helped make her Australia’s Next Top Model‘s most talked-about contestant, but as far as she and Brad Saul are concerned, nothing will keep them apart.
Only just 17, a forthright Cassi makes no apologies for her unconventional romance with the 25-year-old bricklayer.
“I’ve never really thought about the age difference,” she says. “I was always just more interested in Brad and getting to know him. No-one else could ever change my opinion of him.”
“You can’t help who you fall in love with,” adds Brad. “When I was younger, I had a dream of the ultimate woman and, to me, Cassi is that woman. I don’t look at her age.”
Speaking exclusively to Woman’s Day from the outer Melbourne home they share with Brad’s father Anthony and younger sister Jessica, the loved-up pair hold hands as they chat about the intensity of their relationship and plans for the future.
Contrary to reports they are engaged, Brad reveals he’s yet to “officially” ask Cassi — who moved in with his family shortly before going into the ANTM house — to marry him.
“I said to her over the phone that I was going to buy her a ring and she knew exactly what I meant,” he explains. “I’ll ask her when the time’s right and it’s more personal.
“That’s to show our love for each other.”
Says Cassi, “We want to have a bit of money behind us before we have our wedding and go on our honeymoon. I plan on our honeymoon taking at least a month. My career is only just starting, as well.”
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