Richard froze, his body tense. A soft, sleepy voice drifted from behind him, laced with drowsiness. "Don't go."

The words were like a cat's gentle claws, a tingling sensation that stirred his heart into chaos.

"Don't go…" Tiffany repeated, her voice fragile yet insistent.

Richard frowned. Staying meant leaving wouldn't be an option. He gently pried her hand from his wrist.

But Tiffany sat up, grabbing his arm tightly, clinging to him as if glued to his side. Her pitiful voice trembled with unshed tears. "Do you really hate me that much? You avoid me, and now you won't even stay in my dreams?"

He thought, Does she think this is a dream? Good. At least she'll think this isn't real.

Richard turned coldly, his expression indifferent. "Let go."

"I won't!" she declared, her voice firm. Her determined eyes locked onto his, unwavering.

Richard remained silent. His strength surpassed hers. With a simple twist, he slipped free.

He moved toward the window, ready to disappear. A loud thud echoed behind him.

Turning, he saw Tiffany had fallen off the bed. Her head hit the floor, and a bright red bump formed on her forehead. His knuckles whitened as he clenched his fists.

He forced himself to stay still, but his heart twisted at the sight of her tears welling up. In a voice thick with tears, she cried, "It hurts…"

All his defenses crumbled. His cold heart began to shatter. Even a heart of steel would have melted. And with Tiffany, he had no defenses to begin with.

There was no thought of leaving her, no intention of keeping his distance, no concern about James.

Without hesitation, Richard rushed to her side, lifting her into his arms and placing her back on the bed. Her swollen, bruised forehead filled him with guilt. It was all his fault.

Tiffany, still sobbing, wrapped her arms around his neck, her emotions pouring out.

"Don't go. Don't leave me…" she pleaded, tears streaming down her face.

Richard's heart softened. He held her close, gently patting her back, his voice soothing. "I won't leave. I'm not going anywhere. Please, don't cry."

Tiffany whispered, revealing her hidden thoughts: "Someone told me your eyes and mouth can lie, but your heart never will. And right now, my heart is telling me… my feelings for you… they might be more than just a little bit."

Richard was stunned. His shock was evident, but quickly replaced by joy.

"What did you just say?" Richard's voice trembled.

He was usually commanding and fearless, but now showed unusual nervousness and hope. "Could you repeat that?"

"No," Tiffany sniffled.

Richard felt his heart split open. But then she lifted her head, a mischievous smile lighting her tear-streaked face. Her eyes sparkled. "I'll show you instead."

Before he could react, she kissed him—a soft, slightly cool kiss, faintly sweet with alcohol. She pulled back, wiping her nose. "Was that clear enough?"

Richard froze, then laughed—a laugh unlike any cold smile he'd shown before. His face lit up, like ice thawing.

Tiffany was stunned. Before she could process what was happening, she was pulled into his warm embrace. His intense gaze locked onto hers.

"Tiffany Kelley, listen carefully," he said, his voice deep and dominant. "I will never let you go for the rest of my life."

He sealed his vow with a passionate kiss. It wasn't just a kiss; it was a claim, a mark, a promise.

Tiffany felt lightheaded, overwhelmed, yet her heart bloomed. She didn't know how long had passed when Richard released her, his gaze even fiercer.

Tiffany nervously played with her fingers. "Don't push your luck. My feelings aren't that strong." She showed a tiny gap between her fingers.

Richard's smile widened. "That's fine. I'll make sure that little bit becomes infinite."

Tiffany blinked, dizzy from the alcohol and the bump on her head.

The next morning, Zoe found Tiffany's room empty—the bed unmade, a half-finished glass of water on the table. "Where did she go?"

Meanwhile, at Royal Bay, Tiffany woke late, rubbing her aching head. Pain shot through her skull. "Who hit me?" she thought. Then she realized something was wrong. This wasn't the dormitory; it was Richard's room at Royal Bay. Her clothes had been changed. What had happened last night? She worried she'd done something inappropriate.