Chapter 864 One More Time: text © owner.

Emelie responded with cool detachment, "I'll have someone send the wedding invitation to your place. You're welcome to come, Mr. Middleton."

William's anger flared, his voice dropping to a growl as he said, "Emelie."

She looked up. "At this point, the wedding can't be canceled. Do you think this is just a game? This is the Filo family's wedding. Do you need a refresher on the Filo family's standing in Faldoria?"

"No need, I know," William replied sharply. Jayden had made that crystal clear.

Emelie realized that there was no use in continuing the pointless back-and-forth, so she turned her attention back to her meal and resumed eating.

William watched her in silence, his eyes fixed on the top of her head.

After a while, he asked, "Are you sticking with this mistake for the Filo family's sake, or do you still have feelings for Wesley, despite everything you know?"

Emelie frowned. The anger she had managed to tamp down after last night anger so fierce it felt like it could rip apart the absurd world around her began to simmer again under William's relentless questioning.

She looked up at him, confusion clear in her eyes. "I don't understand you, William. I really don't. Why do you keep asking questions when you never seem satisfied with my answers?"

It seemed that, no matter what she said, it would only end up disappointing or unsettling him.

William thought that it was about her feelings for Wesley and he fell silent. He took a sip from his glass of water, which was now lukewarm, and felt a chill settle in his stomach.

Emelie had finally managed to quiet him. She picked up her phone, checking her messages as she ate.

Jodie had sent a new update: "Ma'am, we've got a lead on Beathan."

Emelie typed back. "Capture him alive; I have questions for him."

Just then, the doorbell rang. William, trying to keep his frustration in check, stood up to answer it.

It was Ashton, delivering Emelie's clothes.

Ashton was taken aback to learn that Emelie had spent the night at Sunnington Hill but didn't press for details. Instead, she glanced inside as she handed the clothes to William.

Sure enough, she saw Emelie seated at the dining table in William's robe, eating calmly.

She thought this signaled that their relationship had finally thawed, that William's patience had paid off, and she felt a genuine sense of satisfaction for them.

William's eyes silently asked if there was anything else. Ashton quickly shook her head and left.

William shut the door and carried the bag of clothes back to the room.

He set the bag on the coffee table, pulled out a box, and removed a patch. Then, he walked behind Emelie, ready to lift the hem of her robe.

Emelie quickly grabbed the collar of her robe and turned to face him. "What are you doing?"

William's initial irritation softened as he met her gaze. He held up the patch. "You mentioned your back was sore. I'm just applying a pain patch. It should help."

Emelie glanced at the patch. It was meant for back strain.

After a brief hesitation, she finally let go.

William carefully slid the robe off her shoulders, exposing her entire back and, inevitably, a good portion of her front.

His eyes fell on the scar below her left breast, a mark from their passionate night. The hickeys from his kisses were now clearly visible. He couldn't help but wonder if he had truly lost control to that extent.

Emelie, who had been waiting patiently, broke the silence. "Is it done yet?"

"The patch can be a bit tricky," William said, applying it to her lower back and adjusting her robe.

As Emelie reached to fix the collar of her robe, she felt a warm, soft kiss on her neck. It was his lips.

Her breath caught. "...William, don't push your luck."

"This is pushing my luck?" William's voice was low, his Adam's apple moving as he spoke. "I haven't even started yet."

"Are you leaving?" he asked, his tone almost hopeful. "If so, can we do it one more time?"