Night had fallen when they finally returned to the villa. Elise was completely drained, her body refusing to cooperate any further.

Yet the very next morning, William was already pulling her from bed. He guided her sleep-heavy form toward the waiting helicopter.

The flight started peacefully. They circled the entire island, taking in the breathtaking views from above. It was serene, almost meditative.

Then William produced the parachute.

Could she say no?!

"We're jumping together. I'll have you secured to me the entire time," William assured her.

That wasn't her concern! She was terrified of heights!

Ignoring her silent protests, William fastened their harnesses together. He led her firmly to the helicopter's open door.

"William..." she whispered, her voice barely audible over the rotor blades.

"Yes?"

Elise squeezed her eyes shut, surrendering to the inevitable. "If I die today, I'll haunt your dreams forever."

"That's exactly what I'm counting on." His voice, deep and magnetic, vibrated against her ear. Then they were falling.

She kept her eyes tightly closed. The wind roared past, a deafening torrent. The sudden, gut-wrenching sensation of freefall nearly stopped her heart.

"Open your eyes, Ms. Scott!" William shouted over the rushing air.

"No!"

"Be good now!"

"Absolutely not!"

"Or I'll kiss you right here!"

Elise gritted her teeth. His threats always found a way to disarm her.

Reluctantly, she forced her eyes open. The vast expanse of cerulean sky and fluffy, cotton-like clouds filled her vision.

"Look down," William instructed softly.

She obeyed. The endless azure ocean stretched beneath them. The island appeared as a beautiful, intricate jewel dotted with curious shapes.

The sheer, breathtaking majesty of nature washed over her. All her fear melted away in an instant. A profound sense of peace began mending her weary spirit.

William deployed the parachute. Their descent slowed dramatically. Elise finally allowed herself to relax.

She unclenched her fingers from his clothing. Spreading her arms wide, she embraced the sensation of floating through the immense sky. It was pure, unadulterated freedom.

"Extreme sports are remarkably effective for stress relief," William commented. "I used to do this frequently."

Elise turned her head to look at him. "Were you under a lot of stress?"

"Being the heir to Levine Holdings is no simple task." He offered a faint smile.

She nodded, understanding his meaning without needing further explanation.

He continued, "My grandfather fell ill the year my parents died. The grief of burying his own children was too much for him. My aunt and uncle couldn't stabilize the company. My cousin was barred from taking any executive role."

"The entire weight of our family's legacy landed squarely on my shoulders. I was just twenty. I was grappling with my own profound loss while being forced to lead Levine Holdings and maintain order. When the pressure became unbearable, I'd escape for a while. I'd engage in extreme sports like this. I'm living proof of its effectiveness."

So that was his intention in bringing her here. He wanted her to forget all her troubles. He wanted her to find complete release.

It wasn't merely about being playful.

Elise's heart pounded fiercely in her chest. She was overwhelmed by his thoughtfulness, by how deeply he cared for her.

On the fifth day of their trip, they went shopping.

The island boasted several luxury shopping malls. One housed the largest outlet for high-end brands.

Compared to extreme sports, Elise felt confident in her shopping prowess. Once again, she had underestimated William.

His capacity for extravagance far exceeded her imagination!

In every store they entered, he would simply flash his credit card. He instructed the attendants to pack anything she so much as glanced at. He never inquired about prices. He never asked if she actually desired the items.

"I didn't say anything!" Elise protested.

"I like it. That's reason enough," William replied smoothly.

"Aren't you worried about going bankrupt?" she challenged.

"Don't underestimate your boyfriend's financial capabilities," he stated with utter seriousness. "This is mere pocket change. You have nothing to concern yourself with, Ms. Scott."

"What, by your definition, isn't pocket change then?!" she huffed in disbelief. Buying the entire mall?

"Well..." William considered her question carefully. "The moment you sign our marriage certificate."