The euphoria of the afternoon lingered, a warm glow that enveloped Ava and Liam as they basked in the afterglow of their newfound love. But as the initial excitement subsided, a practical concern settled over Ava."Liam," she began, her voice hesitant, "there's something we need to discuss."Liam, sensing a shift in her demeanor, turned his full attention to her. "What is it, Ava?""I think... I think we need to keep our relationship private, at least for now," she explained, her gaze meeting his with a mix of apprehension and determination.Liam frowned slightly, his brow furrowing in concern. "Private? But why, Ava? We have nothing to hide.""I know," Ava said, her voice soft but firm. "But the world doesn't see it that way. They see you, the billionaire bachelor, and me, the scholarship student who just landed a major investment. The gossip will be relentless. They'll say I used you, that I slept my way to the top."Liam's expression hardened, a flicker of anger flashing in his eyes. "Let them talk, Ava. We know the truth. Our relationship is nobody's business but our own."Ava reached out, her hand gently resting on his arm. "I know, Liam. But I don't want to give them any ammunition. I want to build my company on my own merits, not on the back of your name or our relationship."She paused, her gaze searching his. "I know it might seem unfair, keeping our love a secret. But it's important to me, Liam. It's about protecting my reputation, my integrity, and the future of my company."Liam, his initial frustration giving way to understanding, nodded slowly. He cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs gently stroking her cheeks."I understand, Ava," he said, his voice soft and reassuring. "And I respect your decision. We'll do it your way. No public displays of affection, no grand announcements. We'll keep our love private, a secret treasure shared between us."He leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a tender kiss. "And if it means waiting a little longer to move in together, then so be it. I can wait, Ava. As long as it takes. Because what we have is worth fighting for, worth protecting."Ava's heart swelled with gratitude and love. She had known Liam would understand, that he would prioritize her needs and respect her wishes. He was more than just a billionaire bachelor; he was a man of integrity, a man who truly loved and cherished her."Thank you, Liam," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "This means the world to me."Liam smiled, his eyes filled with a warmth that melted away her remaining anxieties. "You mean the world to me, Ava. And I'll do anything to protect you, to support you, to build a future with you, even if it means keeping our love a secret for a while."They sealed their pact with another kiss, a silent promise of a love that would endure, a love that would thrive in the shadows until the time was right to reveal it to the world. For now, their love was their own, a private sanctuary amidst the chaos of their public lives, a bond that would only grow stronger with each passing day, nurtured by trust, understanding, and the unwavering certainty that they had found something truly special, something worth cherishing and protecting.