Chapter 3

After dinner, William had his driver take me home.

On the way, I overheard his assistant talking to him and learned that at the time I'd asked him to dinner, he'd originally had an important international video conference.

I felt terrible. "Did I make you miss your meeting? I'm sorry, I didn't know..."

Seeing my dejection, William bent down, bringing his face very close to mine. His scent enveloped me instantly.

He spoke quietly, his breath almost brushing my cheek. "How could a meeting be more important than you? After all, you asking me out isn't something that happens every day."

His face was so close I could see his long, thick lashes clearly.

And those beautiful eyes were filled entirely with my reflection.

In that moment, I could even hear my heartbeat accelerating.

"William..."

Perhaps seeing my discomfort, he slowly pulled back. "I should go take care of things."

The goodbye was hurried.

And when he turned to walk away on those long legs, his steps seemed a bit... uncoordinated.

I watched his retreating figure and slowly rolled up the car window.

I felt inexplicably happy.

Like maybe... I actually really enjoyed being with William.

That evening, William finally finished work and sent me a message.

A photo of the bright moon hanging high—clearly just taken. I quickly replied: [So beautiful.]

He replied even faster. [Yes. Seeing it made me think of you.]

Think of me? I felt oddly shy. [Are you always this good at flirting?]

But he seemed completely sincere. [I just said what I thought. Does that count as flirting?]

This man... how could he always say things that made my heart race while being so matter-of-fact?

I was wondering how to reply when a new message popped up: [Are you free for dinner tomorrow?]

I barely hesitated. [Yes!]

In the following days, William's pursuit was passionate and direct.

We saw each other almost daily. He constantly sent me carefully selected expensive gifts. I truly experienced what it felt like to be buried in luxury presents.

But constantly accepting his generosity made me uncomfortable, so before dinner one day, I went early to a nearby high-end department store to pick out a gift for William.

After searching for ages, I couldn't find anything William would actually need.

Finally, in the men's accessories section, I spotted a platinum tie clip with simple design but excellent quality.

Just as I was paying and having it wrapped, a derisive laugh came from behind me.

"Chloe, finally done with your tantrum?"

My movements instantly stiffened.

I knew that voice very well. It was Alexander's.