William was just as astonished, though Elise had to confess her own surprise matched his.

"I never understood why she made me promise that." Elise hesitated, her mind reaching back through time. "Perhaps she feared my talent would draw unwanted attention. That it might bring danger to my doorstep."

She paused again, closing her eyes to better recall her mother's face before continuing. "Yet my mother was never one to back down from challenges. She faced everything with courage and determination. That's what makes her request so puzzling to me."

A soft sigh escaped her lips. "The tragedy is that she's no longer here to provide answers. I'll never truly understand her reasons. Still, she was the only person in this world I completely trusted. The only one who genuinely cared for me without conditions. That's why I've always honored her wishes, even when they didn't make sense to me."

William remained silent, his thoughtful expression suggesting he was contemplating the same mystery that had haunted Elise for years. Why would a mother ask her daughter to hide such remarkable talent? Why conceal a gift that could bring her daughter so much recognition and success?

"If Amanda hadn't tried to sabotage me, I would have continued keeping my identity as Lovely secret," Elise murmured, the words tinged with regret. She felt she had failed her mother's final wish.

William sensed her emotional turmoil immediately. His voice softened with understanding. "Sometimes life's greatest disappointments turn out to be blessings in disguise. Perhaps your mother possessed foresight beyond what we can comprehend. Maybe she was protecting you from challenges you couldn't yet imagine. Or perhaps this was destiny's way of ensuring you revealed your talent at the perfect moment."

Elise turned to study William's face intently.

Though part of her suspected he was simply being charming, she couldn't deny his words brought her comfort.

"Maybe you're right," Elise conceded with a faint smile, feeling some of her guilt lift from her shoulders.

Her mother had always taught her to accept what couldn't be changed. To embrace life's unexpected turns with grace rather than resistance.

"Actually, there's something else you said that I must disagree with, Ms. Scott," William changed the subject, his tone turning more serious.

"What?" Elise asked, confused about what could have possibly upset him.

"Your claim that your mother was the only one who cared about you," William stated with unwavering sincerity. "That's simply not true. I care about you deeply."

Elise pressed her lips together, touched by his declaration.

He never missed an opportunity to express his feelings for her.

"That's why you must promise to come to me with any troubles you face from now on," William continued, his gaze intense. "Your mother appeared in my dream and asked me to love you in her place."

Elise felt a smile tug at her lips, both amused and deeply moved by his words.

She knew he was being ridiculous—William never remembered his dreams when he slept.

Yet his sentiment warmed her heart.

After all, who wouldn't yearn for a safe harbor in life's storms? Who wouldn't want someone to lean on when the world became too overwhelming?

"Give me time, William," she whispered.

She had endured too much pain, too many betrayals. They had turned her into someone cautious, someone who struggled to trust.

But with patience and time, she knew she could rediscover the confident woman she once was.

"Of course," William agreed instantly.

He rose and moved to stand before her, gently guiding her head to rest against his abdomen. The gesture offered her physical support, a tangible representation of the emotional shelter he promised.

It silently communicated his commitment to stand by her side always. To never abandon her no matter what challenges they might face.

The room filled with comfortable silence, wrapping them in its warm embrace.

"It's getting late. Shouldn't you be heading to bed, Ms. Scott?"

Elise stiffened immediately at his words, her body going rigid.

She had been completely disarmed, basking in the tenderness William offered, only for him to deliver such a direct remark!

William smiled at her reaction—she reminded him of a gentle kitten suddenly bristling with alarm.

Amused but trying to maintain seriousness, he stated solemnly, "Don't look so defensive, Ms. Scott. I'm well aware that my handsome appearance makes me vulnerable to certain... advances. I would never force anything to happen without proper commitment and consent."

Elise looked up at him, incredulous. He made it sound like he was the potential victim here!

William continued, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Of course, since you now understand that I'm essentially helpless and harmless against your charms, if you were to insist on taking advantage of me..."

As he gave her a meaningful look while she still leaned against him, she quickly pulled away, her cheeks flushing crimson.

"I wouldn't be able to resist," William finished with a playful smile before turning to leave.

He paused after taking a few steps and added, "For your information, Ms. Scott, your room is on the second floor while mine remains on the first. Also, it was the hotel staff who helped change your clothes earlier, so please respect my innocence in that matter."