Chapter 237

Chapter 237
Lily's POV
"How did you find Colette?"
"Actually, she found me. She told me James had kidnapped you and brought you here, then urged me to come quickly to save you."
I felt a surge of gratitude as I looked at the frail girl. Despite her pallor, her eyes were determined.
William said to James, "Even the person you love doesn't want you doing these depraved things. Don't you understand that?"
James retorted, "She's just kind-hearted. Her kindness is the most precious thing in the world, but some people want to exploit that kindness for their own selfish purposes." His gaze turned toward William, cold and piercing.
I shuddered at his twisted expression.
At that moment, Colette regained consciousness.
She looked at James with tears welling in her eyes. "James, I know you meant well, but I don't need this kind of help."
Despite her rebuke, James's eyes remained adoring. "For you, I would do anything, even give my own life."
"I don't want that!" For the first time, Colette spoke her true feelings. "This only makes me sad and unhappy. Even if I could live like a normal person afterward, I wouldn't be happy."
Her voice was weak, but every word was resolute.
I could feel the sincerity and pain in her words. This wasn't impulsive—it was a cry from the depths of her heart.
"Colette..." James's smile froze, tears hidden in his eyes.
Colette continued, "Let it go, James. Just love me for whatever time I have left."
Having never spoken so much at once, Colette's legs gave way, and she fell to her knees with a thud.
Though wincing from the pain, she still looked at James with pleading eyes.
Seeing this, my heart ached for her.
James's expression was complex, filled with the disappointment of defeat. He seemed to realize this plan could no longer succeed.
At that moment, I spoke up: "Actually, I can help her."
Everyone in the room turned to me in surprise. James's eyes immediately brightened. "You mean you're willing to save Colette? Really?" There was a glimmer of hope in his eyes.
"My teacher Matthew Rodriguez and I will do everything we can to help her."
"Thank you, thank you so much." James's voice trembled. He slowly released his grip, but as he moved to help Colette, William's men restrained him.
Colette struggled to her feet and tugged at William's sleeve. "William, please let James go. For the sake of me telling you where Lily was, please?"
William remained silent, his gaze shifting to my face. Seeing my approval, he nodded. "Fine, I'll release him."
James's arms were freed, and Colette rushed forward to embrace him tightly. They held each other, James gently stroking her back, his eyes full of guilt and love.
They embraced until William's expression darkened with impatience. Only then did James remember to unlock my shackles.
My body went limp, and William quickly came to support me.
"You promised to treat Colette Zweigler. Keep your word," James reminded me.
I rolled my eyes in exasperation. "Yes, I promised, but not right now. You kept me locked up for seven days—can I at least catch my breath?"
James had no response to this, but Colette nodded with a smile. "Lily, it's okay. You should rest well."
Looking at her pale face, I sighed softly. "Don't worry, I'm definitely more reliable than James."
Colette couldn't help laughing. "You're the first person to say that. How interesting! No wonder someone as cold as William would fall for you. If I were a boy, I'd probably be crazy about you too."
James immediately responded, "I wouldn't be. Girls like her are too clever. I prefer someone sweet and innocent like you."
William's hand on my waist tightened slightly as he shot James a sidelong glance. "It's not your place to like her. You've been around Lily for half a year and haven't made a single good impression."
James gritted his teeth. "William, do you have to say something to irritate me?"
William replied coldly, "It's called class."
The atmosphere between them was tense yet somewhat amusing. "These two are so childish," I laughed inwardly.
As I prepared to leave, James blocked our path, asking what help I needed—he would take full responsibility.
"Okay, I'll make a list for you."
After saying goodbye to James and Colette, I followed William back to the Sterling mansion.
As soon as we entered, I was pulled tightly into William's embrace. He rested his head on my shoulder, motionless like a statue.
"What's wrong?" I asked softly, feeling his tense body and rapid breathing.
"I was so afraid," William whispered. "Those days when I couldn't find you, I was terrified."
His voice was low with a slight tremor that tugged at my heart. This was the first time I'd heard William so frankly express his fear.
"I couldn't sleep at all. I was afraid if I was too late, something would happen to you. This is the first time you've been out of contact for so long. I was truly scared I might never see you again." His words struck my heart one by one.
I felt a warm current flowing through me.
"William..." I held his head, gently stroking his soft hair. "I know how hard you've tried to love me."
When William looked up, I was shocked to see his eyes were wet—the first time I'd ever seen him shed tears.
"William is actually crying?" I couldn't believe my eyes.
This typically cold, calm, and composed man was actually shedding tears because he worried about me.
William stubbornly turned away. "I'm not crying."
Seeing him like this, my heart completely melted. This William—cold on the outside but soft within—who had silently protected me, who was willing to set aside all pride for me.
In this tender moment, I made a decision: "William, let's get engaged."
William froze, as if not believing his ears. "What did you say?"
"I said, let's get engaged." I repeated, my voice firm and clear.
William's eyes widened in disbelief. "Are you serious?"
I nodded, a smile spreading across my face. "Of course I'm serious. After everything that's happened, I've realized how fragile life is. I don't want to waste any more time."
William's expression gradually shifted from surprise to joy, his lips curving upward, tears glistening in his eyes.
"Then I should properly propose." William took my hand and knelt on one knee. "Lily Reed, will you marry me?"
Although this proposal had no careful preparation, no roses, no diamond ring, not even any romantic setting, to me, it was the most perfect proposal in the world.
"I will," I answered without hesitation, tears in my eyes.
William stood up and held me tightly, whispering in my ear, "I promise, this time, no one will separate us."
I leaned into his embrace, feeling his strong heartbeat, the security and warmth he gave me.
"But first, we need to help Colette. I promised her."
William nodded. "Of course, I'll help you. But do you really have a way to cure her completely?"
"I can't guarantee a complete cure, but I can at least extend her life and improve her quality of life," I explained.
William's eyes flashed with admiration. "You never cease to amaze me."
I smiled. "It's just my profession."
Sitting on the sofa, William poured me a cup of hot tea and asked quietly, "Have you really forgiven James?"
I thought for a moment. "Forgiveness might be stretching it, but I understand his motivation. Loving someone to the extreme can sometimes make people lose their rationality."
"If it were me, I would also do anything to save you," William said seriously.
I looked into his eyes. "But you wouldn't hurt innocent people. That's the difference between you two."
William nodded, gently embracing me. "Rest now. You must be exhausted after these past few days."
I leaned on his shoulder and closed my eyes. After this nightmare, I had finally returned to safety, to William's side.
"Sometimes, danger helps us see what we truly desire in our hearts."
I thought as I drifted off to sleep. In my dreams, I saw a beautiful future with William and the new life we were about to begin.