Chapter 688

　　Derek's POV 　　I held her quietly, without any intention of pressuring her. 　　I knew she was in immense pain and turmoil, and all I wanted was to help her escape this predicament. 　　"Ms. Hartley, we can discuss everything else later. The most pressing matter at hand is to resolve your current difficult situation. I understand you are an innocent woman, unwilling to submit easily to others. Still, the circumstances leave us with no other options," I took a deep breath and continued, "I can promise you solemnly that I will not disclose a word of what happens tonight to anyone. After tonight, everything will return to how it was, as if nothing had happened. If you don't have special feelings for me, I can... find someone else for you, like Forrest or..." 　　Before I could finish, she reached out and gently covered my mouth with her hand, her eyes slightly reproachful. At that moment, my heart fluttered with a hint of panic. 　　"If there really is no other choice, I would rather it be you,"