Chapter 1029

Ralph's kiss startled Hannah, but she didn't push him away, even after regaining her composure. Perhaps it was because this was precisely what she craved. She missed him terribly, longing only to be with him. Consequently, she didn't refuse his kiss, leaning in to return it.

Ralph felt her response and was overwhelmed with happiness. She wasn't as rough or brutal as before; her kisses were shy, like any woman's. Instantly, he forgot his fears, lifting her and pressing her onto the sofa. Hannah's head spun. The kiss was unlike anything she'd ever experienced. While Ralph shed his fears, Hannah shed her troubles, allowing him to kiss her lips, face, and neck, even letting him touch her clothes.

However, the moment his fingers brushed her skin, Hannah snapped back to reality and pushed him away.

"Ouch!" Ralph exclaimed, unprepared for her sudden action, tumbling to the ground.

"Gah!" he groaned, though the fall didn't hurt. He sensed she hadn't used the same force as when she'd twisted his arm. Sitting up, he looked at her. She was undeniably moody—one moment fine, the next gloomy. It was too much for Ralph.

"Are you okay?" Hannah blurted nervously, hearing his cry of pain, immediately regretting the concern as incongruous with her cold demeanor. "We're at the office!" she continued coldly, glancing at the window. Thankfully, she'd drawn the curtains, preventing anyone from seeing inside. Relieved by the privacy, she breathed a sigh of relief.

Hannah had almost lost herself but recoiled at the sight of Heather's photograph—a stark reminder she was in Heather's office. The numerous self-portraits showcased Heather's vanity and narcissism, making Hannah even more nervous. It felt as if Heather were watching, preventing Hannah from continuing with Ralph.

From the floor, Ralph seemed to misinterpret her words. We're at the office? Does that mean we're in the wrong place? Does she mean we can continue this elsewhere? He took it as an invitation, believing the coldness a facade and "Heather" quite receptive. At least, that's what her body language seemed to suggest.

"I'm sorry I overstepped!" he apologized gracefully, rising and dusting himself off. "I just missed you. I love you so much. My emotions got the better of me. I'm sorry if I offended you. But I must tell you, I genuinely like you. I love you. Not just because you're the daughter of the Riggs family, but because of who you are!"

Hannah's eyes flickered at his declaration of love, her gaze locking with his.

"Really?"

"Of course! Heather, I love you. I've never loved a woman like this before!" Ralph knelt before her, his sincerity evident. These words came easily to him, his eyes appearing genuine, his pretense undetectable. Hannah was moved. Yet, the mention of "Heather" felt like a bucket of cold water. She knew she couldn't reveal her true identity and didn't want to hear Heather's name from the man she liked.