So they really were deeply in love. How ridiculous they had all been. Only moments ago, they had shamelessly tried to get Ashley to hand over Arthur’s contact information. Now, after hearing Arthur’s declaration, they looked like complete fools. Arthur shot Lily and her group one last look before turning away, pulling Ashley along with him as they left the lecture hall. Ashley led Arthur back to her dorm. The moment the door shut behind them, Arthur wasted no time—he pulled her into his arms with such force that she almost lost her breath. Burying his face in the curve of her neck, he whispered, "Ashley, I’m so sorry you had to go through that." He had never imagined that his negligence would allow her to suffer this much. Hearing the things they had said about her before he arrived had made his heart feel like it was being torn apart. How could they say such things to Ashley? She was so pure, so wonderful. He cherished her like the most fragile treasure, yet they had treated her so cruelly. Ashley nestled deeper into his embrace, feeling the warmth she had missed for so long. She always felt safest in Arthur’s arms. Hearing the guilt in his voice, she quickly shook her head. "No, Arthur, this isn’t your fault." "It’s their own jealousy. No matter what I do, they would still find a reason to hate me. This has nothing to do with you." Ashley spoke softly, trying to soothe him. The last thing she wanted was for him to blame himself. They stood there for a long time, neither wanting to let go. Finally, Arthur took a step back and gazed at her seriously."Ashley, if anyone ever bullies you again, or if anything bad happens, you have to tell me." Then, as if afraid she hadn’t fully understood, he pulled her back into his arms, his tone filled with undeniable certainty. "You have to remember—I’m your fiancé. And soon, we’ll be husband and wife. No matter what happens, I will always be your husband. I will always be here to protect you." His words carried the weight of a vow. Ashley’s heart felt warm. Arthur’s sudden arrival had been the last thing she expected today. She had been exhausted, annoyed, and frustrated beyond belief after dealing with those people. They were like relentless pests, buzzing around her with their baseless accusations. And then, out of nowhere, Arthur had appeared. Like a miracle. The moment he stepped into the room, all her troubles had vanished. She nodded softly, obediently whispering, "Okay." Arthur looked at her, his heart stirring. Then, with a mischievous glint in his eye, he suddenly asked, "Ashley, did you miss me?" Her face turned bright red. Lowering her head, she shyly raised a fist and lightly punched his chest. "You’re so annoying." Her playful hit only made Arthur’s heart race even faster. Before she could react, he reached out and gently lifted her chin. He leaned down and captured her soft, pink lips in a deep kiss. Ashley’s face burned hotter than ever. It had been too long since they last saw each other. There were so many things they wanted to say, so many words they had longed to exchange. But right now, none of them mattered. All their emotions, all their longing, were poured into this one passionate kiss.Time blurred. Ashley didn’t even realize how long they had been kissing until she was completely out of breath. Only then did Arthur finally release her. Her lips were swollen, glistening from his kiss. Seeing how soft and red they had become, Arthur’s eyes darkened. "Ashley," he murmured, his voice low and husky. "You’re becoming more and more irresistible." Hearing that, Ashley’s face turned even redder. The way he looked at her sent shivers down her spine. Arthur felt a fire ignite inside him. Holding her so close, feeling the warmth of her body against his, he couldn’t help himself. His hands began to wander, exploring the soft curves he had missed for so long. The moment his hands brushed against her chest, Ashley gasped. "Stop!" she yelped, quickly grabbing his wrists. Panting slightly, she stammered, "This is my dorm! There are people outside!" She had been with Arthur long enough to know exactly where this was going. His heavy breathing, his wandering hands— She was flustered, nervous… but deep down, there was also a tiny bit of anticipation. Realizing her own thoughts, Ashley felt her entire body heat up. But Arthur was far past the point of caring about what was outside. Leaning into her ear, his voice dropped into a dangerously seductive whisper. "It’s okay… we’ll just be quiet."