"You're the one lying! I'm serious," Annis snapped, trying to pull away. "Let me go."

Alick remained calm. “If you're serious, then I'll go find a prostitute right now. You stay here and watch."

Annis glared at him. "You're despicable!"

Alick smiled at her and said, "I actually like it when you're angry."

It showed that she really cared about him.

She didn't want to share him with anyone else.

Annis looked down and spoke in a raspy voice. "You're so irritating."

Alick tentatively embraced her gently.

This time, Annis didn't push him away. Instead, she clutched his collar and pleaded, “Can you please stop making this so hard for me?"

Her shoulders shook slightly.

Tears finally fell.

She leaned into Alick and confessed, "I... I don't think I deserve you anymore."

Alick held her close, kissed her hair, and then her cheek.

He whispered into Annis's ear, "I had sex with you when you were a virgin. I know how pure you are."

"No, I'm not pure anymore..."

"Shh!"

Alick pressed his finger to her lips and continued, "I've dealt with those who hurt you. They're going to be in jail for a long time. I made sure they learned their lesson."

“But...”

“Do you really think I'd be better off without you?"

Annis looked up, her face thin and beautiful, eyes brimming with tears. "No, I don't want that. I just want you to be happy. I want you to have a peaceful life."