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Allison pressed her lips together, staring at him in disbelief.

‘Back then he was so gentle and kind. How did he grow up to become such a jerk?’

She wanted to tell him exactly what she thought of his ridiculous demands. But she couldn't afford to let this situation spiral out of control. Not when Shane was involved.

After a moment, she finally met Silas's eyes again.

“Fine. I’ll give you six months. I won’t block you or disappear without telling you for the next six months. But if I still don’t fall for you by then, you have to stop pursuing me.”

“Sure.” Silas agreed immediately.

Way too quickly.

Allison stiffened, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. He had accepted her conditions so readily that she couldn't help wondering what she had just walked into.

“Unblock me now,” he added.

“I will,” she replied.

Silas continued staring at her, then glanced at the phone in her hand. His expectant gaze made her frown again. He didn't move or say another word, simply standing there and waiting as though he had no intention of leaving until she did what he wanted.

With an exasperated sigh, Allison finally pulled out her phone, found his contact, and unblocked his number.

When she lifted her head, she caught the faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. She chose not to comment on it. Instead, she looked him straight in the eyes and said, “From now on, you cannot kiss me without my permission.”

He looked at her for a moment before stepping closer, closing the distance between them until he stood directly in front of her. Allison could feel his warm breath brush her shoulder as he leaned toward her.

“But how am I supposed to make you fall in love with me if I can’t kiss you?” he murmured.

He drew back just enough to meet her eyes, his expression full of shameless amusement.

Allison frowned immediately, her brows drawing together.

“You’re not allowed to kiss me until I allow you to,” she said, her voice firm.

Silas raised an eyebrow, his expression turning thoughtfully serious. He slipped a hand into his pocket and leaned closer, his gaze fixed on hers.

“How will you know whether you want me to kiss you if you don’t even let me try?”

Before Allison could respond, he began lowering his face toward hers, bringing his lips closer as though he intended to kiss her again. His imposing figure crowded her space, and his proximity left her momentarily breathless.

She quickly placed both hands on his shoulders and pushed against him.

“I’ll tell you when I want you to kiss me. Until then, you’re not allowed to do it.” She held his gaze, making sure he understood she was serious.

Silas remained still for a moment, looking down at her. Then, surprisingly, he stepped back without arguing.

“Fine.” He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly as though he had just thought of something. “But remember your own words. When you want me to kiss you, you have to tell me. Don’t forget that.”

Allison stared at him, wondering how he could turn even a simple agreement into something that worked in his favor.

“All right,” she muttered.

Only then did Silas finally step away, giving her some much-needed space.

His overwhelming presence had left her breathless, and she took a moment to steady her breathing. Meanwhile, he bent down, picked up the suitcase she had been struggling to carry downstairs, and lifted it with ease.

Allison watched quietly as he started down the stairs without another word.