During this period at the Velvet Haven, Elsie kept everything business as usual, even working harder than before in hopes of winning Avery''s favor.


    However, in the shadows, she never ceased to gather evidence of Avery''s wrongdoings.


    Despite the challenging journey and the constant danger of irreversible consequences, she was determined to follow this path without looking back.


    Today was Elsie''s monthly volunteer day at the local orphanage.


    She woke up early, freshened up, put on her volunteer t-shirt, grabbed the gifts she had prepared for the kids, and hurriedly drove off.


    "Hi, Ms. Archer. You''re here so early."


    "Good morning, Ms. Archer."


    "How have you been, Ms. Archer?"


    The teachers and fellow volunteers warmly greeted Elsie upon her arrival.


    Here, Ms. Archer was everyone''s favorite.


    Elsie responded to each greeting with a smile, kindly handing out the homemade treats she had prepared.


    "Wow. Ms. Archer, you made these apple pies again. We all love them."


    Some of the younger caregivers couldn''t wait to take a bite in front of her, their faces lighting up with the joy of delicious food, "Ms. Archer, it''s a pity you can onlye once a month. If you coulde every week, or even every day, that would be amazing. We''d be so lucky."


    Elsie smiled softly, feeling a twinge of sadness in her heart.


    She wished she could, but she couldn''t.


    Besides, all good thingse to an end, and she didn''t know when her transient life would reach its conclusion. Coming once a month kept their rtionship light;


    if she suddenly stoppeding one day, they wouldn''t feel too heartbroken.


    "Ms. Archer, it''s about time. The kids are waiting for you," a teacher hurried over to remind her.


    "Alright, I''m on my way."


    This ssroom was quieter than the others.


    Elsie was writing on the ckboard with precise and graceful handwriting, much like herself.


    The children were diligently taking notes, the sound of pencils scratching on paper creating a serene atmosphere.


    Just then, a tall, sharp silhouette quietly appeared at the ssroom''s back door. Elviszily narrowed his eyes, leaning against the door frame, his figure strong and pleasing to the eye like a meticulously crafted painting.


    Elsie turned around, her slender, fair hands moving gracefully through the air.


    She was using signnguage.


    Elvis'' pupils contracted, his heart rate increasing.


    Only then did he realize that the children in this ss were all deaf or mute.


    The kids responded to her with signnguage,municating smoothly without any barriers.


    Elvis watched Elsie, who was dressed in simple work clothes and had her hair tied in a casual ponytail, intently.


    Today, she looked different, not as meticulously made up as usual, her face bare and naturally beautiful, like an uncarved gem.


    Without makeup, she didn''t look as much like Evadne.


    Elsie was so engrossed in teaching that she didn''t notice Elvis, who had been standing outside for a while.


    "Hey? Sir, how did you get in here?" a teacher ran over, quite surprised.


    "Ah?" Elvis blinked, "I, uh, just walked in."


    "Who are you looking for? Outsiders can''t juste in here; please leave."


    Their conversation was loud enough to catch Elsie''s attention.


    Seeing that familiar figure, which always made her heart flutter, Elsie rushed out of the ssroom in a fluster.


    "Wilma. This gentleman, he''s a friend of mine."


    Elvis, with his hands in his pockets and a slight turn of his face, watched her with amusement as her cheeks flushed and she breathed heavily in nervousness, looking as innocent as a young girl.


    His gaze deepened.


    "Ms. Archer, he''s your friend, huh? Well, then carry on as you were."


    The teacher walked away, herughter hinting at the delight of discovering something juicy.


    In the quiet corridor, Elsie and Elvis stood bathed in a warm, brilliant sunlight, looking at each other.


    She watched him approach, the fine, golden light casting over his sharp features, the breeze ruffling his hair, making him too dazzling to look directly at.


    Until he was right in front of her, so close they couldn''t get any nearer.


    Elvis'' handsome lips curvedzily, his voice a tempting whisper,


    "Thanks for bailing me out, Ms. Archer."


    "Why are you here?" Elsie braced her hands against the wall, her heart racing uncontrobly.


    She tried to keep herposure, as if afraid he would hear her heartbeat.


    "Guess why?"


    Elvis leaned in, his arm propped near her head, his face inching closer, his breath


    hot and overwhelming, enveloping herpletely.


    "Stop messing around. I need to go back and teach the kids. Let me go."


    Elsie''s cheeks were burning, her body trembling slightly, her heart like ake


    disturbed by a sparkling stone, rippling outwards.


    Elvis raised an eyebrow, his lips barely touching her flushed ear,


    "Then give me a kiss. Kiss me, and I''ll let you go."