Perry suddenly wrapped his arms around Lilian's tiny body, engulfing her whole being in his embrace. His voice was hoarse, seductive, and loud enough for the bystanders to hear.
"You have my word, Lee, and I will surely stick to it."
But Perry looked disappointed and heartbroken. He could clearly feel Lilian's disgust and irritation as she jerked away, her body trembling with nausea. If she had eaten anything in the past seven or eight hours, she would have surely vomited. Perry buried his face in the crook of her neck and laughed bitterly, a sound of self‑deprecation.
Fred, who had clearly heard Perry's words, wisely turned to Elsie. "Miss Clinton, this way please," he said quietly, guiding her out.
As soon as they left, Perry scooped Lilian off the ground in a bridal style. Lilian, suddenly feeling her body floating lightly in the air, was frightened. Instinctively, she grabbed the nearest thing—wrapping her hands around Perry's shoulder. The unexpected gesture caught both of them off guard. Their eyes locked, staring straight into each other's gaze without blinking.
The look in Perry's eyes was full of doting indulgence, while Lilian's gaze burned with hatred, disgust, and killing intent. Perry thought to himself, I will do everything in my power to win your heart, Lilian, my love.
He slowly bent his head, about to kiss her. But Lilian quickly turned away, evading him. Perry's indulgent gaze did not waver. He chuckled softly and carried her into the private escalator, his eyes never leaving her face until they reached the fifth floor—his bedroom.
---
As soon as he stepped inside, Perry gently laid Lilian on his large, soft bed. He leaned down, aiming for her lips, but she evaded again. He chuckled, kissing her cheek instead.
"You must be hungry," he said warmly. "I asked them to prepare your favorite meal. It will be done soon."
He sat beside her, his eyes roaming freely over her body until they landed on her clean, smooth, tempting thighs. That sight shattered his last bit of rationality.
Perry swallowed hard, his Adam's apple rolling uncontrollably. He closed his eyes tightly, forcing himself to stand and turn his back on her. Lilian didn't even bother to look at him.
"Rest. Dinner will be ready soon," he muttered, rushing into the bathroom.
---
Inside, he stared at his reflection in the mirror. His shaft stood erect, demanding, nearly fifteen centimeters long. Perry laughed bitterly, shaking his head in resignation. Only Lilian Asienwegher can make me feel this way.
He admitted to himself that if he hadn't stopped in time and run into the bathroom, nothing would have prevented him from devouring her right then. But he didn't want to force her into anything she didn't want.
"Yes," he whispered to himself, "I will be patient with her."
Though he knew it would be troublesome, knowing how much he missed and yearned for her, he resolved to endure and wait until Lilian was willing to accept him.
He sighed, gently caressing himself before taking a cold shower. Wrapping himself in a bathrobe, he stepped out to find Lilian already eating, nearly finished with her meal.
---
He sighed regretfully. He understood her intention—she didn't want to eat with him. She had quickly gulped down her food before he could join her.
As Perry sat opposite her, ready to eat, Lilian elegantly picked up a serviette, wiped her mouth, and said, "I'm filled up."
She stood quietly, walked to the bathroom, and closed the door behind her.
Inside, Lilian prayed desperately that Elsie would find the note she had slipped into her dress and seek Derek's help. Otherwise, she couldn't imagine spending the rest of her life with Perry.
She bathed, then remained sitting in the bathroom, nauseous at the thought of what Perry might do to her in the bedroom. Exhausted, she sat on the sink and dozed off.
---
The sound of the door opening jolted her awake. Perry walked in, smiling gently. He picked her up in his arms.
"Come to bed and rest. You really are very tired."
Knowing Perry's pampering nature, Lilian quietly let him carry her to the bed. He laid her down, pulled up the quilt, and tucked her in. Then he lay beside her, resting his head on his palm. With his other hand, he brushed a strand of hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear. He smiled warmly.
Lilian didn't care. She closed her eyes, pretending to be asleep.
Perry sniffed a laugh, looking at her dotingly. He knew she was awake. He bent down, kissed her forehead, smoothed her hair, and caressed her face indulgently. His voice was hoarse, filled with emotion.
"I love you very much, Lee. Please give me a chance to love you. I will make you happy. Please don't leave me again, okay?"
He watched her closely, searching for any reaction. But Lilian continued to pretend to sleep.
---
Perry sighed deeply, lay down, and pulled her into his arms. Lilian's body stiffened, her breath held, waiting for the worst. But to her surprise, Perry didn't make a move.
Unlike the Perry she had known before—who would have torn off her nightdress right from the bathroom—this time he restrained himself.
Confused, she wondered what was happening.
Then Perry's voice broke the silence. "Lee, tell me… what can I do to make you accept me? I'm willing to do anything for you—except let you go."
Lilian sneered inwardly. Anything, huh? Let's see how solid your promises are.
She slowly opened her eyes, looking at him disdainfully. "Really?"
Perry had a premonition. He knew whatever she asked wouldn't be easy. But he had already resolved to please her. He smiled genuinely, nodding. "Yes."
Lilian twisted her lips, sniffed a laugh, and nodded. Then she looked straight into his eyes.
"First, stop all your businesses."
She knew none of Perry's businesses were clean.