"Hey, wait!" Shawn called, chasing after Alice, who was quickly walking through the bushes. "At least hear me out!" he insisted, and Alice halted.
"Be quick," she ordered, crossing her arms over her chest. Shawn didn't stop until he was a shoulder-length distance from her.
"Listen, Alice. I've always rejected you because of Nyla. I didn't want to be the reason she was pestering you, but now I know you can stand up for yourself. I promise you my love," he said, his gaze intense.
"Scoff... leave me alone, Shawn." She sneered, turning to go, but he caught her slender wrist and pulled her into an embrace.
Oh, I've always wanted you to hug me, but I'll play tough for now, for all the tears you've made me cry. Oh, I wish you'd just kiss me, she thought inwardly.
"I'll never leave, Alice. Ever since I saw you, I've always wanted you, but I restricted myself because of Nyla. Please, accept me," he pleaded. Oh, how it feels to have the famous rich guy at your mercy. I'm jealous now, she mused internally.
"Ha... you liar! Don't you dare say ano—" She was silenced by his warm lips against hers, devouring her soft yet tempting mouth.
Oh my God. How long have I waited for these lips! Alice rejoiced in her heart.
"Alice, please," he murmured under their kiss.
"Shawn, I'm not breathing," she lied, just to avoid his impending question. He pulled away from her lips but hugged her again.
"Damn you, just say the magic word, you idiot," she muttered, a voice only she could hear.
"A-Alice... I-I love you. I love you, Alice, and I promise to treat you right. You will be the only woman in my heart," he confessed, his voice trembling slightly.
"Ha! Oh, really, Shawn?" She scoffed, her eyes challenging.
"You don't like me, do you?" he asked, his voice tinged with sadness.
"Your acting skills are pro, you know," she replied, refusing to answer his question directly.
"Alice, forget everything and let's start fresh," he said, his voice filled with sincerity.
"Shawn, I'm not angry with you, but I'm not ready for relationships," she stated.
"Oh, c'mon, not 'relationships' but 'a relationship.' Singular!" he corrected, a hint of desperation in his tone.