?Chapter 437:


    Atst, she helped him over to the sofa, only for him to add casually, “You’ll need to take off my pants too.”


    There was no way around it—Ste had to help. She crouched down and began trying to unbuckle his belt, but no matter how many times she tried, it wouldn’te undone.


    She tugged at the left side, then switched to the right, even tried sliding it up and down a little, but nothing worked. It was like the buckle was mocking her, and she couldn’t figure out where it was supposed to open.


    The thing was practically a puzzle. Each failed attempt made her cheeks burn hotter.


    Then, with a smug calmness, William pressed his hand lightly against the belt, and it popped open with ease.


    Ste’s face flushed. He’d totally yed her.


    “William Briggs, you’re doing this on purpose!” she snapped, using his full name out of sheer irritation.


    William grinned, clearly amused. He liked how she said his name—firm, annoyed, and personal.


    “You never asked. I figured you were just fascinated by the design,” he said smoothly, feigning innocence.


    Ste rolled her eyes, realizing there was no use arguing. Instead, she focused on pulling his trousers down to the floor.


    “Handle the rest yourself,” she muttered, refusing to meet his gaze.


    “I did mention I can’t move my hands, didn’t I?” William replied casually, as ifmenting on the weather. Ste felt her patience wearing thin.


    With a deep breath and a hint of reluctance, she shut her eyes and reached forward to take off his underwear.


    Her fingers trembled slightly as they brushed against the soft fabric.


    In her head, she repeated over and over, “He’s gay. Just think of him as one of your girlfriends. This means nothing.”


    But William’s gaze never left her. His eyes followed the delicate lines of her face, watching as her cheeks flushed pink despite her tightly shut eyes. His Adam’s apple bobbed once… then again.


    After finally sliding on the hospital pants, Ste opened her eyes, only for them tond on the noticeable bulge below his waistband. Startled, she instinctively stepped back.


    “William, you…”


    The words caught in her throat as her face red red. It was happening again, just likest time.


    William remained unbothered. His voice was calm, as if he’d said it a hundred times. “I told you before—it’s not exactly something I can control.”


    Ste was so flustered, she didn’t know where to look. Her ears burned with embarrassment.


    At that exact moment, the door swung open, and in came Willow, holding a meal box. Her eyes widened instantly. “What… are you two doing?”


    Ste turned rigid, whipping her head toward the door as her heart nearly stopped.


    .


    .


    .