“I'm not buying it."

"Look at them together, they're like pieces of the same puzzle.

Lilah's beauty is undeniable. People throwing around the ‘seductress’ label are probably just green with envy, don't you think?"

"People's judgments are too often based on foggy pictures and odd angles. Just because Lilah's in a photo with a man doesn't mean there's a scandal. Perhaps it was just a courteous embrace, maybe even a cheek kiss. What's the harm in that? Mr. Harris isn't bothered, so why are we fussing over it?"

"And Katie's tall tales? Total fiction. She's the one caught in scandals, yet she throws Lilah under the bus. Pure jealousy, that's all it is. It's revolting, honestly. Katie's just envious of Lilah."

"Ah, the envy is real for me too. Just look at Lilah-her beauty, her grace. Who wouldn't be charmed? If I were in Mr. Harris' shoes, I'd have fallen for her just the same."

“Should I join the commotion online?" Lilah cast a glance at Gerard.

“If you feel like it," he replied with nonchalance.

“I think I will. Wear this, and I'll take a picture.”

With that, Lilah reached for an exquisite gift box.

Gerard was taken aback, not expecting the gift to be completed so swiftly. Noticing the shadows beneath her eyes, he wondered if they were for his sake. The realization warmed yet distressed him simultaneously. Upon opening the box, his surprise deepened.

"This... It's a ring?"

"It means more this way," Lilah replied with a light laugh, her voice airy with mischief. "Your hands are nice-this ring will suit you. I've crafted a matching one for myself."

She lifted her hand, revealing a delicate, feminine ring, and Gerard's heart felt a surge of warmth.

“Would you?" His voice was an inviting murmur as he extended his hand toward her. Lilah slid the ring onto his finger, a piece of silver-white elegance that made his hand look like a work of art, more mature, more dignified.

"How does it look?" Beaming with pride, Lilah admired her work. To a designer, there was no greater joy than finding the perfect fit for their creation.

His eyes twinkled back at her, reflecting the stars of the night sky.

“I'm quite fond of it."

At his smile, Lilah caught her breath; it was disarmingly charming.

“Stop smiling," she blurted out, cupping his face in her hands impulsively.

Gerard's expression registered confusion for a brief moment.

Her earnest gaze locked with his, she confessed, "Your smile is too attractive. It's overwhelming. I'm afraid I can't control myself."

His smile only widened at her words, his voice a rich, enchanting timbre. "That's not an issue. There's nothing you could do that I wouldn't welcome."

In the driver's seat, Calvin was at a loss for words. He toyed with the idea of whether he should excuse himself and exit the car.