Elise found herself genuinely supportive of Elizabeth's relationship with Nathan, though a small part of her heart still clung to a faint hope regarding Ethan.

Perhaps, just perhaps...

Even then, Elise recognized the conflict within herself.

"You're saying we should take that step already?" Elizabeth asked hesitantly.

"I actually assumed you two had already crossed that line," Elise replied honestly. "I'm surprised you're being this reserved about it."

"It's not that I'm reserved," Elizabeth confessed awkwardly. "Things just never progressed that far... though he did catch me watching something explicit recently."

"You were watching what?" Elise couldn't help but laugh.

"Don't judge! Samantha asked for my help researching something, and I got curious. Nathan walked in while I was browsing! Honestly, we almost did it right then... if he hadn't suddenly gotten called away for some emergency."

"And since then? No other opportunities presented themselves?" Elise inquired. "I never took you for the shy type."

"I'm still a woman, you know," Elizabeth retorted. "I can't exactly make the first move every time! Besides, Nathan might appear like a playboy, but he's surprisingly traditional about intimacy... That's why I'm wondering if I should be more forward. It feels like our relationship is missing something without that connection."

"If you're certain about Nathan and your feelings for him are genuine, then who initiates doesn't really matter... Though I do encourage you to go for it," Elise offered her full support.

At this point, it would be unreasonable for Elizabeth to keep saving herself for Ethan.

Elizabeth visibly brightened after receiving Elise's encouragement. "So... Should I prepare myself?"

"Absolutely." Elise smiled warmly.

"By the way, when are you coming back to Crestwood?" Elizabeth couldn't resist asking. "I mean, Rockville is where Victoria grew up. Don't you think the atmosphere there feels tainted because of her?"

Elise chuckled, genuinely appreciating Elizabeth's protective concern.

Her life would have been so much simpler without all the family drama.

"I'll return once I've sorted things out here," Elise replied—meaning when she had fully recovered.

"Perfect. I'll cook you a welcome feast when you're back," Elizabeth exclaimed excitedly.

"I'll hold you to that."

"Don't keep me waiting too long. At this rate, my future children might be reciting their ABCs before you return."

They continued chatting for a while longer before ending the call.

Elise had to admit she envied Elizabeth's personality—always straightforward and carefree regardless of circumstances, forever optimistic about life.

Elise set down her phone and gazed up at the sparse stars dotting the dark sky, lost in thought.

The night had grown deep, yet sleep eluded her.

She hadn't napped much today, but restlessness kept her awake.

Checking the time, she saw it was already 11 PM.

Was William coming back tonight?

Probably not.

She rose from her bed, leaning on her crutches as she left her room to get a glass of water.

Just as she opened her door, she spotted William striding in from the living room, his cheeks flushed as if he'd been drinking.

He noticed her immediately and smiled at her standing in her doorway. "Waiting up for me?"

Elise snorted in disgust and immediately turned around, abandoning her plan for water.

His words irritated her so much she lost all thirst.