Chapter 183

• Richard and Lily sat on the couch, Lily's hand gently resting on Richard's. She looked at him with concern and asked softly, "Why, Richard? Your eyes say you love him deeply." Richard's voice was barely above a whisper as he replied, "I don't want the world to label him in ways he doesn't deserve. He's not just an ordinary person; he's the sole heir to a vast empire, with immense responsibilities on his shoulders. And I'm just a simple employee. I'm not worthy of him. The world would say I was just looking for an opportunity to trap him, that I used him for his wealth when he had no one else. After that, people wouldn't look at him the same way. He deserves better."
• Lily's expression was empathetic as she responded, "That's not true, Richard. Loving someone isn't a crime, but denying your feelings for the sake of others is. You're not just hurting him; you're also torturing yourself for the rest of your life." Richard's resolve seemed unwavering as he said, "I can't be with him. That's my decision, and it's for the best—for both of us."
• Lily stood up, her anger evident as she said, "Then why bother caring about him? If this is what you want, go marry some girl and settle down. He'll never bother you again. Why stay single and give him false hope? Marry someone normal like you, another ordinary employee." Richard looked at her in shock, his voice stumbling as he replied, "I...I can't do that. I don't want to marry anyone."