Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

Suddenly, they found themselves falling back into the banter of their early days, with Pearl often teasing Richard.

"No, it's not," Richard retorted, a smile on his face without him even realizing it.

"You're too unromantic," Pearl teased as she settled into a nearby chair. She observed him, noting his reluctance to turn around, and asked with curiosity, "What's the matter? It's been so long since I last saw you, and now you're acting all shy."NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

"I'm getting married tomorrow," Richard replied, his words dampening Pearl's mood.

"I went to all this trouble to see you, and you hit me with that news," Pearl lamented, feigning sadness. "Fine. I'll go have a drink with Wayne. Damian's not a bad choice. Or maybe I'll find-"

Pearl felt the world spin around before she could finish speaking. Richard immediately pushed her against the wall.

"Go and find a man if you dare," he warned, his calm exterior barely concealing his anger.

"Mister Richard, you're as overbearing as ever," Pearl remarked, flashing him a mischievous smile before planting a quick kiss on his lips.

"I can't do anything about you." Richard sighed, his anger dissipating as he pulled her into a tight embrace. He leaned on her shoulders and muttered gloomily, "I've been waiting for you for so long."

Pearl felt a pang of guilt. She only managed to settle everything after such a long time. "Aren't you afraid I'm here to wish you happiness?" she asked softly.

Richard shook his head. "Your presence here means you've done everything well. If nothing is stopping you, I won't let you go this time."

Pearl felt a rush of warmth at his unwavering trust and understanding. This might have been why she found herself in love with him. He always had unwavering faith in her, consistently showing understanding and support.

They were perfectly in sync, even matching each other's pace.

"What about Winona, Richard?" she asked, the seriousness of the situation weighing on her mind.

Richard shrugged nonchalantly. He had already made arrangements to handle Winona if Pearl's cure came before the wedding.

He explained his plan to Pearl, but she frowned in disapproval.

"You want someone to pretend to be you and sleep with Winona?" she exclaimed, appalled by the idea. Despite Pearl's strong dislike for Winona, she didn't wish disgrace upon her. After all, Winona's grandfather was Pearl's nominal mentor.

Richard reassured her. "It's just a ruse. We'll stage some photos and use them to convince her to call off the wedding discreetly. It won't be spread to the Internet."

The Jesselton family took these matters seriously, and once the wedding was called off, it would be final. This realization finally brought Pearl a sense of relief.

Richard caressed her hair, his eyes filled with determination. "Trust me, I'll take care of everything and give you an explanation."