William's knuckles turned white as he clenched his wine glass.

Elizabeth's words echoed in his mind.

"To be honest, even though you're my cousin, I truly believe you don't deserve Elise. She's endured so much tragedy in her past. When she finally found the courage to love again, you delivered the final blow. I can't even imagine her pain right now! I'm terrified she might never open her heart to anyone again," Elizabeth confessed, her voice heavy with concern.

Why did fate keep testing such an incredible woman?

One devastating blow after another threatened to break her spirit.

William set down his glass with a heavy sigh.

His shoulders slumped in defeat.

"I was only..." he whispered, voice barely audible. "Afraid she would leave me."

The fear consumed him daily. After everything she'd been through, what if she closed her heart completely? What if she walked away and never looked back? The possibilities haunted his every waking moment.

He knew the solution was simple in theory.

He needed to end his engagement with Victoria.

But reality was far more complicated.

He couldn't act recklessly without considering his family's safety. He couldn't sever ties with his grandfather completely, regardless of their strained relationship. Doing so would only put Elise in greater danger.

If William lost his wealth, influence, and reputation, how could he protect Elise from those who wished her harm?

Ending the engagement required careful planning and precise timing.

Every move had to be calculated.

His greatest fear was that Elise would drift too far away before he could make things right. He wasn't even sure he could win her back once she made up her mind.

When Elise decided something was over, it stayed over.

Just like with Samuel.

Even though Samuel had been with Elise tonight, William didn't need to investigate whether they'd reconnected. Elise's character ensured she never looked back once she moved forward.

He had to reach her now.

He had to convince her to wait for him.

He couldn't let her disappointment in him become permanent.

Elizabeth listened to her cousin's confession, her heart aching for both of them.

William was always so strong and reserved. Hearing the raw pain in his voice broke her heart.

Only true love could make someone this afraid of loss. It was the kind of love that made pride irrelevant.

Elizabeth found herself at a loss for words.

Neither of them was truly at fault. They were simply victims of cruel circumstances.

She downed several glasses of wine before speaking again.

"Listen," she said firmly. "Since I live with Elise, I can keep an eye on her. I'll talk you up when I get the chance. If I notice anything important, I'll let you know immediately. You focus on ending your engagement, and leave Elise to me for now."

William looked up, his expression unreadable.

"Aren't you glad you have a cousin like me?" Elizabeth smiled proudly, patting her own shoulder.

"...Yes," William admitted softly, his usual stern demeanor melting away.

Elizabeth nearly choked on her wine. Her cousin had never praised her before. When he'd helped with her homework as a child, he'd even questioned whether she was really a Levine!

This rare moment of vulnerability from William meant more than she could express.