Elise stood on the shore, calling out, "William!"

William broke through the water's surface moments later. He had already discarded his tuxedo jacket. The white dress shirt beneath was completely soaked, clinging tightly to his sculpted physique.

"Can you come out now?" Elise asked.

"Almost there," he responded.

"Take my hand," she offered, extending her arm to help him.

However, he declined, "You shouldn't touch me right now, Ms. Scott."

Elise's fingers twitched slightly, understanding his implication.

"I can manage on my own," he added, stepping out of the ocean.

The night air carried a chill, and William's body visibly shivered as he reached the beach.

A cool breeze swept over him, causing him to sneeze. He looked thoroughly disheveled in that moment.

Elise couldn't suppress a giggle at his appearance.

He shot her a grumpy look. "I wonder who's responsible for this?"

"Come on. Let's get you inside," she said, her mood noticeably brighter.

She followed him back toward the ocean villa.

He was heading straight to his room for a warm bath when she called out, "William."

He turned to find her smiling warmly. "Thank you."

She felt genuinely moved by everything he had done for her that evening.

William returned her smile, though it seemed weary. "I'd actually prefer if you scolded me right now, Ms. Scott..."

Elise frowned. Did he have some hidden masochistic tendencies?

"Something like calling me an idiot or worse," he finished before turning away and closing his bedroom door.

A faint smile touched Elise's lips.

She understood exactly what William meant.

Perhaps, just perhaps... things might work out better next time!

Returning to her own room, she took a quick shower before slipping into bed.

The trip had exhausted her so much that she usually fell asleep instantly these past few days.

But tonight, for some unknown reason, sleep completely eluded her. She found herself staring at the starry sky through her window.

She bit her lip unconsciously. Though some time had passed, her lips still felt slightly swollen.

The memory of that fiery, passionate kiss with William made her cheeks burn with embarrassment.

Yet when she recalled it, she felt no disgust whatsoever.

Their previous two kisses had been mere gentle brushes compared to this one...

Elise buried herself under the blankets - she really shouldn't dwell on this any longer!

The next morning, Elise emerged from her room with dark circles under her eyes. Her lack of sleep was clearly showing.

William sat across from her during breakfast. He too sported dark circles and looked equally tired.

"Ms. Scott, could it be that you were..." he began, deliberately letting his words trail off.

"No, I just napped too much yesterday and couldn't sleep at night," she denied quickly.

He grinned knowingly. "How did you know what I was going to say? Why so quick to deny it?"

Elise felt speechless and seriously considered cursing at him.

"We'll be leaving for the airport after breakfast," William murmured, his tone betraying his reluctance.

Elise actually shared his sentiment.

They were still the same people, but she couldn't shake the feeling that everything would change once they returned home.