Chapter 5

William seemed very happy, looking at me with burning intensity, his voice lower and huskier than before. "Would you help me put it on?"

I nodded.

As I approached and my fingers inadvertently touched his shirt front and tie, I could feel his muscles tense instantly, his Adam's apple bobbing.

But he quickly relaxed, simply looking down at me deeply.

I carefully clipped the tie clip onto his tie, adjusting the position.

The platinum gleamed coldly, complementing his composed attire perfectly.

"Done." I looked up.

He glanced down at it, then lifted his face proudly, unable to suppress his smile. "Perfect. Now when people notice it and ask why I changed accessories, I can tell them it's a gift from you—and that you put it on me yourself."

Lost in his imagination, he grew more and more proud.

That expression was exactly like a large dog that had received an exclusive treasure and was satisfied to the point of wanting to show it off, every pore radiating joy.

It was truly overwhelming.

But... though we'd been close these past days, we still hadn't defined our relationship.

I hesitated. "But if you announce it like that, won't people misunderstand?"

William's imaginative expression froze.

The amusement in his eyes quickly faded, replaced by indescribable heat.

"Misunderstand?" he repeated in a low voice, even huskier than before.

Then he suddenly wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me into his embrace. The distance between us vanished instantly as his scent completely enveloped me.

"Chloe," he lowered his head, gaze falling on my lips, eyes churning with visible desire, "I very much hope people will misunderstand... or better yet, that it won't be a misunderstanding, but the truth."

Before finishing, his head lowered, targeting my lips with clear intent.

"William!" I cried out, reaching up to push him away.

But he caught my hand.

He kissed me, then slowly moved his lips to my earlobe, then my neck.

He unbuttoned my shirt, exposing large expanses of skin.

I felt something cool and wet.

He was gently biting my neck with his teeth, like some beast holding its prey.

An instinctive fear engulfed me. I struggled hard, tears falling uncontrollably.

His movements stopped abruptly.

I could see the churning desire in his eyes instantly replaced by shock and a trace of guilt, though his arms still held me loosely, not releasing immediately.

He looked at me, voice hoarse as he pressed, "I'm sorry, but please—tell me what you're thinking."