The music began to play.

Elise started singing with her graceful, melodious voice.

Everyone had been pouring drinks and chatting.

But they all stopped when they heard her singing.

They were left in shock by her beautiful voice.

Elizabeth was rubbing her ears in disbelief.

"What a shame she's not competing on The Voice," she murmured. "She sings so much better than I do."

"Aren't you an actress?" Nathan pointed out.

"...Can't I explore other career paths?" Elizabeth retorted sharply.

"Well, she sings beautifully, but I wonder..." Nathan turned to William just then. "Is she trying to convey something with those lyrics?"

As William narrowed his eyes, Elizabeth looked utterly speechless.

"What are you implying?!" Elizabeth snapped. "It's just a song! Are you suggesting William is cheating on Elise?!"

"I didn't say that," Nathan quickly defended himself.

Soon, Elise finished her song.

Everyone applauded enthusiastically.

She had been too focused on singing to notice their attentive listening.

The sudden applause made her cheeks flush with embarrassment.

She quickly put down the microphone.

She headed straight for the restroom – she still felt shy about singing in front of relative strangers.

Besides, this might be the last time she'd see them.

Once she cleared things up with William, their paths would likely never cross again.

After taking several moments to compose herself, Elise opened the restroom door.

She found William waiting outside for her.

Seeing her emerge, he said, "I'm taking you home."

He had probably noticed her discomfort.

Nevertheless, Elise gathered her courage and said, "William, we need to talk."

"Yes?" William raised an eyebrow.

His cheeks were flushed from alcohol.

His eyes looked slightly unfocused.

If anything, the alcohol made him seem more approachable than usual.

Even so, Elise spoke as steadily as possible. "Let's end things here."

William's fingers trembled almost imperceptibly at his sides.

Though his reaction wasn't obvious outwardly.

Elise could feel a sudden coldness radiating from him.

However, he didn't lose his temper or appear despondent.

Instead, he asked with remarkable calmness, "Did I do something wrong?"

The question took her by surprise.

What mistake was he referring to?

Did Elise dislike his friends? His lifestyle?

He had been careful not to push too fast.

He'd only introduced his closest friends, agreeing to let Nathan celebrate his birthday together.

He believed this would help her gradually get to know him better.

He wanted her to feel comfortable around him, not resistant...

Had he moved too quickly and upset her, despite his efforts not to scare her away?

A million thoughts raced through William's mind, crushing his heart all at once!

"No," Elise said firmly. "I've told you before – I won't fall in love again. I've rejected you multiple times."

"Elise Scott." William cut her off. "Give me a real reason so I can move on. Otherwise, I won't accept this."

She couldn't recall if he had ever used her full name before.

Yet hearing it now sent a sharp pain through her chest.

It felt like she had genuinely hurt him.

But he was the one who had gotten ahead of himself.

Biting her lip and taking a moment to steady herself, she finally said, "I can't accept how you approach relationships. I know I have a troubled reputation. Men assume I have loose morals because I'm not a virgin... But I'm not that person. Even when I dated Samuel Mitchell, we only held hands and hugged, nothing more. I dislike overly intimate men because I draw the line at premarital intimacy."

She changed her tone and met William's gaze directly. "I've said a lot, but my point is – that's how I view relationships."

William returned her gaze steadily and asked, "So? How has my approach to relationships disappointed you?" He could change, couldn't he?