"After the fire started, you were trapped inside. I saw Samuel rescuing Sophia and abandoning you," William said, his lips pressed tightly together. "I rushed into the flames and carried you out."

Elise was stunned by this revelation. She had always assumed a firefighter had saved her, as her hazy memories included a figure in firefighter gear.

"I snatched a helmet from a firefighter nearby. The smoke was thick—I feared I wouldn't reach you in time," William explained, as if reading her thoughts.

Elise looked down. Suddenly, she remembered seeing William in the hospital for the first time, his wrists heavily bandaged.

"You've explained a lot..." Elise turned to face William, her eyes returning to their usual icy demeanor. "Why were you so kind to me? We were strangers who met by chance, and I've done many things to hurt you. Why would you care for me?"

Elise couldn't bring herself to believe him.

Trust didn't come easily to her.

She let out a soft, bitter laugh. "Don't tell me it was love at first sight. You've encountered countless beautiful and accomplished women, Mr. Levine. How could you possibly fall for me at first sight... or rather, that first night? Why would you be so determined to have me?"

"That night was unforgettable," William stated bluntly.

Elise bit her lip.

"And yes, it was my first time," William added.

"I never took you for the conservative type," Elise retorted.

"Turns out I am," William replied, his gaze unwavering.

Elise's heart fluttered unexpectedly.

"Maybe it started years ago—" William began, but Elise cut him off.

"I don't want to hear any more of your so-called explanations. Your words may or may not be true. To me, everything ended when your grandfather announced your engagement. Anything else is pointless."

"Is it really pointless?" William's eyes seemed to redden slightly.

"Yes."

Hearing his explanations would only prolong this painful charade rather than provide closure.

Nothing would change the inevitable outcome between them.

"Perhaps this sounds selfish, but logic tells me that you and Victoria grew up together. Your engagement and eventual marriage are natural progressions. I was merely the woman who forced you into intimacy, abandoned your son, and left. Now you're simply getting revenge for my irresponsibility," Elise stated frankly.

"I told you I would break off my engagement with Victoria," William said, a tremor in his voice. "It will only take six months. Is that too much to ask?"

He was growing frustrated. Elise's stubbornness was testing his patience.

But after everything she had endured, Elise found it impossible to trust anyone with her heart.

She would rather walk away than risk being hurt again.

"It's not about whether it's too much to ask. I'm not obligated to wait for you. Maybe you're right about me—I don't accept defeat easily, and I'll fight against any force that tries to crush me. But our connection isn't deep enough for me to be fearless for your sake. You've given me no reason to trust you unconditionally."

Elise pulled her hand from William's grasp and took out her phone. Scrolling through news articles, she saw endless coverage of William and Victoria's public displays of affection.

"Look at this! All of this erodes any trust I might have in you!"