Only then did Raegan realize the trap she had fallen victim to at the hands of this cunning man.

Mitchel raised his knee, lightly brushing it against her leg. His gaze was penetrating as he said, “Come back to me. I can do it even better than that night."

Raegan's face flushed when she heard him say that.

Suppressing her racing heart, Raegan exclaimed firmly, “That's impossible!"

Suddenly, Mitchel's handsome face darkened. He looked at her lips and demanded in a hoarse, menacing voice, “Say that again?"

Raegan lowered her head. With eyes glistening with tears, she spoke with a soft yet resolute voice.

"Even if I say it ten times, my answer will remain the same."

Raegan and Mitchel had faced numerous trials and the disapproval of Mitchel's parents. All these signs seemed to scream that Raegan's love for Mitchel was a lost cause.

"Then there's no need to say it again." Mitchel lowered his head, cradled her face, and kissed away her tears with his lips.

"Don't say it again. I can't bear to hear your refusal."

Raegan felt the urge to resist. However, Mitchel held her so close that she felt he was trying to meld her into his very being.

"I know you don't mean it. But please, don't reject me this soon.

Promise me you'll think it over, okay?"

Mitchel's hands, which were clasping her, trembled slightly.

He was usually so proud, but he lowered his pride for the woman in front of him. He felt diminished, humbled even, by his own actions.

A single word from Raegan could knock him down.

Once Mitchel was gone, Raegan opened the door and collapsed onto the ground. The tears she had been holding back now cascaded freely.

Despite her constant reminders to herself not to succumb to temptation, being close to Mitchel stirred something deep within her.

Right now, she hated herself for her lack of resolve. She was afraid of being shattered beyond repair after being deeply entangled with him and falling for him once again.

The following day, Raegan went to the hospital to bring soup for Nicole. Before going out, she carefully applied light makeup to hide the dark circles under her eyes.