The moment the pancake vendor lady mentioned the word "marriage," a flush crept up Julissa’s cheeks. She quickly waved her hands. “No, no, it’s not like that. A friend’s store just opened recently, and I was only here to show some support for a few days. I wasn’t planning to stay long, so it’s time to head back.”After speaking, she sneaked a glance at Scott, then hurriedly looked away.Scott, on the other hand, was seriously thinking about marriage. Although they hadn’t been together long, neither of them was the type to treat a relationship lightly. Scott had already pondered it many times over. He felt it was time to start planning the wedding.Living together without registering the marriage or holding a ceremony left him feeling uncertain—like their relationship wasn’t fully solidified. If they got married, it might also keep people like Lucas from hovering around her.But marriage would mean getting the approval of her parents first.Her mother seemed easy to deal with, but her
Scott said coldly, “I know that was a stage costume. I won’t hold it against you. Even if I did, it wouldn’t be your fault.”This was something Scott fully intended to settle with Alan.Julissa pressed her lips together, trying even harder to reflect and recall.“Mr. Nichols, is it because of this that you knew I went to Lucas for help?” she asked carefully.Scott was silent for a moment before replying, “It’s not wrong to ask a friend for help. I know you originally wanted to contact Anna, but couldn’t reach her, so you went to Lucas.”“That’s not it though…” She grew more distressed.Truthfully, all the things she mentioned bothered Scott—whether it was the tight backless dress or her seeking help from Lucas.But he wasn’t about to blow up over a sexy little dress, especially since she hadn’t done anything else inappropriate.As for Lucas, Scott knew there were no ambiguous feelings between him and Julissa.So those weren’t really her faults.“Keep thinking.” Scott finished getting
“Alright, go on. I’m listening,” Scott said patiently, indulging her.Julissa absentmindedly traced small circles on his chest with her fingers. After a while, she murmured, “Mr. Nichols, if I’d known that ‘gigolo’ was actually you, I wouldn’t have run away. I would’ve stayed in your arms and made you take responsibility.”Scott chuckled, “I would’ve loved that.”Then Julissa suddenly remembered something, sitting halfway up. Her long hair cascaded down, hiding her chest, which naturally tempted Scott to brush it aside. But she swatted his hand away, boldly lifting his chin.“No peeking. First answer me this—when you said you had limited experience before, did you mean that night with me was your *only* experience?”“Mhm. That night was my first time too.”“Ah…” She groaned and pressed her forehead against his chest in frustration.“What’s wrong?”“I blacked out that night… and now I realize I forgot such a precious memory.”“Didn’t I just help you relive it? Want a replay?”Julissa l
After Scott finished speaking, he clearly felt Julissa’s body stiffen. She looked at him in disbelief.“Mr. Nichols, are you lying to me?”“Do I look like I’m lying?”Julissa’s eyes began to redden. She raised her hands, and Scott thought she was going to slap him.But instead, she cupped his face in her hands, staring at him, crying and laughing at the same time.“It was you… Why was it you? Why didn’t you tell me earlier…”Seeing her reaction, Scott was relieved—at least it meant she wasn’t angry at him.“At that time, we didn’t even know each other. But I still brought a drunk you to a hotel and did that kind of thing… Even though it was you who came onto me first, you were still drunk. Even though we became a couple later, what I did that night was wrong, so I never dared to tell you.”His explanation was sincere, and he closely watched her expression. He had tested her views before—Julissa had always shown strong disdain for this kind of behavior. That made him even more afraid t
Julissa looked a little nervous and didn’t immediately move closer. She hesitantly asked, “What’s wrong?”They hadn’t seen each other in nearly a month, and so much had happened in between. There seemed to be a distance between them now—or rather, she seemed a bit afraid of him.Scott sighed silently and softened his voice.“Let me hold you.”Julissa blushed and obediently sat down beside him.He pulled her into his arms, resting his chin on the top of her head. “Did you miss me?”“Mm…”“In the future, when you’re in trouble, don’t always try to handle everything on your own. Come to me, okay?”“Mm…”At this moment, Julissa was as obedient as a kitten.He loosened his hold on her shoulders and playfully flicked her forehead. “Don’t just agree now and then do whatever you want again later, making decisions on your own.”Julissa rubbed her forehead and whispered, “That was my only secret… and I’ve already told you. No one can use anything against me anymore.”Hearing her innocent words,
Scott pressed his lips into a tight line, clearly unsettled by the word "host."Julissa felt even more uneasy.She knew how serious this was—putting herself in his shoes, if Scott had ever gone to a similar place and said he'd been with a "princess," she'd have a hard time accepting it too.Still, she wanted to explain—wanted to make it right.“I know it was stupid to act out of spite like that. I regretted it right away, and I didn’t dare tell you… Later when Alan blackmailed me, I still didn’t say anything, because I was scared you'd think I was reckless or…”“No,” Scott cut her off. “I know what kind of girl you are.”Julissa quietly let out a breath. If he could understand, then why did he still look so conflicted?Was it that his mind could forgive her, but emotionally, he was still struggling?She reached out cautiously and tugged on his hand, her voice timid, “Mr. Nichols…”She thought, If he doesn’t push me away—if he doesn’t reject my touch—then maybe there’s still hope for u