William's voice was deep and melodic, filled with regret.

"I didn't get here soon enough."

Elise shook her head gently.

"You came exactly when I needed you."

Everything felt right in that moment.

William's heart fluttered as he watched tears trace paths down Elise's cheeks.

His gaze softened with tenderness.

He reached out and brushed her cheek with his thumb.

Gently wiping away her tears.

She trembled slightly at his touch.

Her eyes fluttered open.

Their gazes locked.

An undeniable attraction sparked between them.

She didn't look away as he leaned closer.

That small spark between adults could easily ignite into flames...

Just as William's lips were about to meet Elise's soft, inviting mouth...

She turned her head at the last moment.

His kiss landed on her cheek instead.

William opened his eyes.

He stared at her from mere inches away.

"I'm sorry," Elise whispered.

It was a clear rejection.

William's Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed.

He slowly straightened up.

"Don't apologize. I was moving too fast."

Elise's heart raced wildly.

They hadn't progressed far in their relationship.

William didn't seem angry...

Yet she felt strangely guilty.

As if she had disappointed him somehow.

William stood up, preparing to leave.

Elise suddenly spoke up.

"I have an aversion to intimacy."

William paused, turning back to look at her quietly.

She continued, holding his gaze.

"When I was eighteen, I was drugged."

"I had sex with a stranger."

"My memories are hazy from that night."

"When I woke up... all I felt was disgust."

William pressed his lips together as she spoke.

She maintained eye contact.

"Since then, any physical contact with men makes me uncomfortable."

"Both mentally and physically."

"It's like an instinctive revulsion."

"This isn't about you specifically."

When she finished speaking, she suddenly sat up.

She rushed into her bathroom.

In her haste, she only partially closed the door.

It remained slightly ajar.

William heard the violent sounds of her vomiting.

It was gut-wrenching to listen to.

The sounds continued relentlessly.

William's expression was unreadable.

He stared toward the bathroom door.

After what felt like an eternity, the sounds subsided.

William entered to find her kneeling by the toilet.

She had vomited extensively.

Even her stomach bile had come up.

Her stomach felt somewhat better now.

But the violent retching had left her weak.

She couldn't muster any strength.

"Are you finished?" William asked.

There was a sharp edge to his tone.

Elise nodded meekly.

William simply scooped her into his arms.

He laid her carefully back in bed.

His actions contrasted sharply with his tone.

They were surprisingly gentle.

"William," Elise called to him.

It felt like the first time she'd truly said his name.

"Yes?"

"I'm tired."

"Then sleep."

"You should go," Elise urged softly.

"I don't take advantage of vulnerable people."

Whether his words reassured her or not...

Elise turned onto her side.

She quickly fell asleep, aided by the alcohol.

Her sleep was surprisingly peaceful.

William studied her sleeping face.

He noted the tear stains on her cheeks.

He reached out to wipe them away.

But withdrew his hand just before touching her fair skin.

A bitter smile touched his lips.

"How much do you despise me, Elise?"