The Enchanted Kiss

The moment their eyes met, Patricia felt the impulse to escape, but William grabbed her hand and ushered her into his office, sealing the door behind them. He cornered her with both hands, wearing a mischievous smile. "Finally, you've decided to hear my answer," he remarked.

The office was quite dark with only a small lamp on the desk.

As William leaned in closer, Patricia's heart raced, and she could feel his breath on her face.

"He's so close," she thought, feeling a mix of anxiety and anticipation.

She had the power to push him away if she wanted, but she chose not to. Patricia realized that this was her chance to finally understand his feelings, even if it meant facing rejection.

With her hands clenched, she looked directly into his intense gaze.

"That's right," Patricia responded, her voice steady. "I came to hear your answer."

William raised an eyebrow. "I thought you might have regretted your request."

"I did not!" Patricia retorted. "I was just...just...preparing myself for whatever will happen..."

William couldn't help but notice Patricia's flushed face and nervous demeanor, which only fueled his desire to tease her further.

"So, what do you think my answer would be?" he asked playfully. "You made it clear that you won't give me the stone unless I become yours."

Patricia's embarrassment grew as it felt like William might feel obligated to accept her offer, which wasn't what she wanted at all. To avoid any further awkwardness, she quickly took the stone from her bag and handed it to him. Patricia lowered her head, struggling to gather her thoughts.

"You can have it," she said, her voice soft. "I don't want you to become my lover because of it."

William considered her words carefully. "And what will you do if I refuse?"

"I will never bother you again," Patricia replied with determination.

William remained silent, studying Patricia's face as she grew increasingly nervous. The tension in the room became palpable, and Patricia couldn't bear it any longer. She became convinced that he was going to reject her.

"I should make this easier for both of us," she thought.

With a sigh, Patricia gently pushed William aside while forcing a smile.

"I think I've burdened you with my demand," she said, her voice soft. "I'm sorry, just consider it as if it never happened."

As Patricia made her way to the door, ready to leave, William suddenly pulled her back.

"Why are you so impatient?" he asked, his tone filled with curiosity. "I haven't given you my answer yet."

A mix of relief and surprise washed over Patricia as she turned to face him.

"Aren't you going to reject me?" she questioned hesitantly. "I just wanted to avoid making things more awkward."

William smirked. "Why would you think that? I was just trying to think of a way to accept your offer."

Before Patricia could fully process what was happening, William leaned in and kissed her. Everything happened so quickly that her mind went blank.

"What's happening?" Patricia thought, feeling William's lips gently against hers and her heart racing.

As he kissed her, Patricia's mind raced, and she found herself out of breath. She pushed him away, her voice trembling as she asked, "W...What are you doing?"

William grinned mischievously. "I'm kissing my lover. Is there anything wrong with that?"

"L...Lover? Who? Me?" Patricia stammered in disbelief.

William stepped closer to her, his expression serious. "Do you want me to kiss you again to prove that I've accepted your offer? I will be your lover, but remember, this little charade will end when I decide. Do you agree?"

Patricia's face lit up with happiness. "Alright! I agree..."

"Good," William replied, his tone firm. "And for your own sake, don't tell your brother. He won't accept it."

Patricia nodded in agreement, a secret smile playing on her lips.

"Don't worry, I won't tell him anything," she assured William.

William grinned but then playfully teased her, "Good... Now, I think you should leave. Or do you want more than kissing? Because I don't mind..."

Before William could finish his sentence, Patricia hurriedly stormed out of the room. She was elated, but her heart raced with nervousness. It was her first time embarking on a romantic relationship, and the mixed emotions left her feeling both excited and apprehensive.

She headed toward the ship's deck to get some fresh air.

"I can't believe I did it!" she thought to herself. "We're finally a couple. Does that mean he likes me? I guess I'll find out soon."

Just then, Lilith jumped onto her.

"He accepted to be your lover, right?" Lilith asked excitedly.

Patricia couldn't hide her smile. "How did you know that?"

Lilith teased, "You're smiling like a fool... tell me, what exactly happened?"

After Patricia shared the details of what had transpired, she turned to her friend for advice.

"So, what do lovers usually do?" Patricia inquired.

Lilith shrugged. "Well, I'm not sure myself."

"But you and Patrick are lovers!" Patricia pointed out.

Lilith sighed. "So what? We could barely find time to talk to each other in the middle of this chaos. Just act the way you usually do. You did kiss twice. Your relationship is evolving quickly."

Patricia still worried. "Do you think that will be enough? He said he will end things when he feels like it. What if I fail to capture his heart?"

Lilith reassured her, "Don't worry, I think you've already captured his heart. I can't give you much advice because William will not be a normal lover. You'll have to figure out on your own how to deal with him."

Patricia nodded. "I guess so..."

That night, Patricia struggled to sleep, her thoughts consumed by the intense kiss she had shared with William. It left her feeling excited and full of anticipation for what the future held.

The next day, everyone was abruptly awakened by William's shouting.

"MOVE, EVERYONE! HURRY UP, TAKE YOUR PLACES!" he yelled.

Startled, Patricia and Lilith rushed to the surface to see what was happening. Their expressions turned to shock when they saw what lay before them.

"Oh my God!" Patricia exclaimed.