Their gazes locked, and undeniable emotions began to bloom between them.

Elise truly never imagined that after surviving all her hardships—and more recently Samuel—she would suddenly embark on another relationship.

She wasn't entirely certain about this decision, yet she took that first step anyway.

Was William naturally skilled at charming words, or was he simply not as icy as she had assumed—not as disillusioned with the world as she believed?

After defining their relationship, an unexpected silence fell between them, creating a palpable awkwardness.

"Do you despise the man who slept with you that night?" William asked abruptly.

A flicker of nervousness crossed his typically composed expression, while Elise wondered why he would bring that up.

Perhaps because her aversion to men seemed to stem from that incident?

"I do," she admitted.

William's eyes subtly shifted as Elise continued, "He was fully conscious that night. I remember it vividly—begging him to stop, pleading with him not to touch me... but he never listened."

The memory still carried a pain that lingered stubbornly in her mind.

"But is it possible your body's response differed from what you described?" William murmured.

However, his voice was too soft for Elise to catch, and she asked, "What did you say?"

Her right ear remained deafened at that moment, and her left ear couldn't pick up such quiet words.

"What if you encounter that man again someday? What would you do?" William rephrased his question.

"I won't," Elise stated firmly. "Because I never saw his face throughout the entire ordeal. I don't know his identity, so I'll simply pretend he never existed—even if I'm only deceiving myself!"

William pressed his lips together and reached for her hand.

Her fingers twitched instinctively, and he immediately released her, sensing her discomfort.

Yet just as he withdrew, she suddenly caught his hand, startling him.

"I'll try my best to grow accustomed to you," she promised.

William's lips curved into a gentle smile.

"That's alright," he said softly. "I can be patient."

Elise's heart quickened its pace—she'd be lying if she claimed to feel nothing.

If she hadn't endured so much tragedy, she knew she would love William with every fiber of her being, without hesitation.

But despite her impulses, memories of betrayal and heartbreak surfaced unbidden.

She understood she shouldn't project others' mistakes onto William, yet humans are emotional creatures, far less rational than they pretend to be.

Perhaps time could heal these wounds!

Soon, evening deepened, and Elise walked William to the door.

Now that they were officially together, parting felt unexpectedly difficult.

"Get some rest soon," William finally told her.

"You too," Elise replied.

"Good night."

"Good night."

"Now close the door."

Elise found herself speechless, feeling they might continue this exchange indefinitely at the doorway.

Well, someone had to break the cycle...

However, just as she moved to shut the door, William suddenly reached out to stop her.

While Elise stood frozen in surprise, he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.

Elise stiffened completely.

"Boyfriend privileges." He smiled warmly, then gently closed the door for her.

Heat rushed to Elise's cheeks.

Who was it that claimed he could wait again?!

Honestly, all men were truly impossible!