Chapter 115

William lifted Emily onto the bathroom counter, gently pinching her flushed cheek with his fingertips. "Don't overthink things while I'm gone."

Emily bit her lip, gathering courage before asking, "Do you really think I can help it?"

He paused while filling a glass with water, glancing up at her. "Hmm?"

"Between us..." She met his gaze steadily. "It's always been about money. I'm afraid one day you'll suddenly decide you don't need me anymore."

William frowned slightly.

He had assumed she didn't care about him at all. After all, she hadn't even sent a single message during their two weeks apart.

"Afraid I'll dump you?" His eyes locked onto hers.

Emily nodded.

He suddenly laughed.

He'd almost mocked her, wondering if she was more worried about losing his money—but then he remembered. Aside from the initial 500,000, she'd never touched a cent of his money. She'd built her own career in voice acting, standing firmly on her own feet. She didn't need to rely on him anymore.

"Want to be my girlfriend?" The words slipped out before he could stop them.

Emily froze, then quickly shook her head.

He gripped her chin. "You should want to. It'd be weird if you didn't." Handing her the glass, he added, "I'll give you an answer when I get back from Switzerland."

......

At 2 p.m., the moment the apartment door closed behind him, his words echoed in her ears again.

What was there to consider? Was it about whether they'd continue this arrangement—or about something more?

She'd been too stunned to ask at the time. Now, she worried she might be reading too much into it.

She glanced down at his shirt, still draped over her body. Their last encounter before his departure had been intense. He'd left in high spirits, even kissing her forehead with a murmured, "Be good. Wait for me."

In the walk-in closet, she slipped off the shirt and stood before the mirror. Her skin still carried a faint, telltale flush, certain marks standing out vividly. She couldn't deny it—William's skills had grown more refined, nearly driving her to lose control earlier.

Her fingertips traced the mirror's surface. The curves reflected back seemed more alluring than before. Perhaps that's why he keeps coming back. But beauty fades. Novelty wears thin. Eventually, they would part ways.

She slapped her cheeks lightly, shaking off the thought, then changed into her usual clothes and headed to the hospital. Her sister's EEG showed promising improvements. Professor Johnson said if treatment continued, she could wake up any day now.

Provided, of course, the specialist remained on her case. And that meant... for now, she still needed William's support.