Even then, William remained completely unaware of his mistake.

Elise decided to be blunt. "You're dating Elizabeth, aren't you?"

She realized indirect approaches hadn't worked. Adults usually avoided such direct confrontations to spare each other embarrassment. They weren't enemies, after all.

But after repeated failed attempts at subtlety, directness seemed the only option.

William blinked, surprise flashing in his eyes.

His stunned silence prompted Elise to continue. "I've known Elizabeth long enough to recognize her goodness. She can be bold sometimes, but her heart is kind and innocent. I don't know your reasons for dating her—whether it's genuine or temporary—but she deserves better treatment. If you're truly seeking a family and mother for James, she's actually a wonderful choice."

"She certainly is," William agreed.

That familiar ache returned to Elise's chest, but she dismissed it. She had gracefully accepted that William belonged to someone else now.

After everything she'd endured, emotional pain had become more manageable.

"So you're stepping aside for her?" William asked suddenly.

"No, not specifically for her. I simply believe you two are well-matched," Elise said sincerely. "I genuinely wish you both happiness. We can all remain friends from now on."

"Do I look like I need another friend?" William countered.

"Then we don't have to see each other again," Elise stated, turning to leave.

William swallowed hard, his voice turning icy. "You're truly heartless, Elise Scott."

Elise pressed her lips together, pausing momentarily.

Truthfully, there were things she couldn't easily let go—especially James.

If she had any regret about rejecting William, it was James.

"What kind of monster do you think I am?" William suddenly exclaimed, grabbing her wrist.

The sudden motion caught her off guard, slamming her against his solid chest.

His grip was forceful, almost retaliatory.

Her nose collided painfully with his chest, bringing involuntary tears to her eyes.

As she struggled to free herself, William held her slender frame firmly against him. The scent of fresh pine and alcohol filled her senses.

Then came a sharp pain in her ear—he was biting her earlobe!

Gritting her teeth against the pain, Elise dug her nails into his arms, pressing deep into his flesh to make him release her.

Instead, he tightened his embrace—partly in retaliation, partly from fear of losing her...

Or perhaps from the anxiety of reclaiming what he thought was gone forever.

And then...

"Elizabeth!"

William released Elise's delicate ear, now flushed red from his biting.

Elizabeth stood before them.

She had simply had too much to drink and stepped out to use the restroom—not to intentionally interrupt them!

"Who am I to you?!" William demanded.

The question left Elizabeth speechless.

Had excessive happiness made him lose his mind?!

"Say it!" William barked more severely.

"My... cousin?" Elizabeth answered uncertainly, suddenly feeling like William had become someone else entirely in his euphoric state.