Lin Yaoyue had learned to treasure quiet mornings more than she ever thought she could.
Today, sunlight streamed softly through the penthouse windows, washing the room in gold. She woke slowly, eyes adjusting to find Jiang Zeyan still asleep beside her. A rare occurrence she'd grown to appreciate.
She didn't move. Just watched.
It was strange, she thought, to see him like this. So open. Vulnerable. He always carried himself with purpose, strength, and precision. Yet here, asleep, none of that mattered. His breathing was slow, peaceful, the tension that defined him completely absent. She loved that he trusted her enough to let go like this, even if only briefly.
Eventually, Zeyan stirred. His eyes opened slowly, catching hers.
"You're staring," he murmured, voice still thick with sleep.
"Maybe I am."
"That's my line."
"You were taking too long," she said softly.
He smiled faintly. "Fair enough."
They stayed there quietly for a moment, neither wanting to break the fragile comfort of the morning.
"I like seeing you like this," she said finally. "Not rushing anywhere."
He reached out, gently brushing her hair away from her cheek. "I like that you're still here when I wake up."
Her heart skipped slightly. "Getting sentimental?"
"Maybe," he admitted.
"It suits you."
He rolled his eyes lightly, but he didn't deny it. Instead, he shifted closer, pulling her gently into him.
"I'm trying to get used to it," he said softly.
"To what?"
"You. Us. Happiness."
She nestled her head against his shoulder. "Me too."
He kissed her temple gently. "We'll figure it out."
"I know."
She felt his breathing slow again, peaceful. They didn't say anything more, didn't need to. It was enough just to lie there, close, quiet, safe.
——
Later that morning, she found him standing by the kitchen counter, pouring two cups of tea. He handed one to her without looking up.
"You remembered," she teased gently, taking the mug.
He gave a soft huff. "Of course."
"You're spoiling me."
"I intend to."
She laughed lightly. "You're shameless."
"I'm persistent."
"That too."
He leaned against the counter, watching her with an intensity he usually reserved for business matters. "I like this."
"Tea?"
"Us."
She blushed slightly but held his gaze. "Me too."
"We could do more of it," he said carefully. "Normal things. Without distractions."
She lifted an eyebrow playfully. "CEO Jiang suggesting work-life balance? Who are you?"
His lips curled upward in amusement. "Someone you've had a bad influence on."
"Good," she said with satisfaction. "You needed it."
"I did."
He stepped forward slowly, setting his mug aside to gently take hers and place it next to his. She felt his warmth as he leaned in, his lips brushing lightly over hers, a quiet, lingering kiss.
"You're going to make us late," she murmured softly, smiling against his lips.
"I don't mind."
"Now that really worries me."
He smiled again, quieter this time, and kissed her once more before stepping back.
"We have all the time in the world," he said softly, eyes meeting hers with
certainty. "No rush."
——
That afternoon, they went out for lunch a small, casual café where they could sit unnoticed at a quiet table. It felt good not to be watched, not to feel pressure, to be just two people together without pretense.
Yaoyue smiled at him over her plate. "I still can't get used to seeing you like this. Relaxed."
"Is it that strange?" he asked.
"A little," she admitted. "But I like it."
"Good." His expression softened. "Because I don't plan on hiding this side anymore."
"Careful," she teased, taking a sip of tea. "You might start rumors."
"Let them," he said calmly. "As long as you're beside me, they can say whatever they want."
Yaoyue tilted her head, eyes thoughtful. "You've changed."
"Yes," he agreed. "Because of you."
She reached across the table, gently resting her hand on his. "Then let's keep it this way."
"Forever," he said quietly, turning his hand to hold hers more firmly.
She smiled softly, squeezing his hand. "Forever."
——
That evening, they returned to the penthouse, comfortable in the simple routine they'd found. He cooked quietly while she sat nearby, watching and talking casually about the day. She liked this best: ordinary moments where it felt like their walls had fallen completely away.
After dinner, they moved to the balcony, their now-favorite spot, overlooking the city's quiet glow.
She leaned against his shoulder, comfortable, breathing in the quiet.
"You know," she murmured softly, "it's funny how things turned out."
"How's that?" he asked, voice gentle in the quiet night.
"I signed that contract expecting it to be fake. A job, nothing more. Yet here we are."
"Regretting it?" he teased softly.
"Not even a little."
He shifted slightly, his arm settling more securely around her shoulders.
"Me neither."
She glanced up at him, eyes soft in the dim light. "Promise?"
"Promise."
"Then I'll hold you to it."
"I know," he whispered, voice tender. "I wouldn't expect anything less."
She smiled into the night, heart full and calm.
In that quiet, in that moment, the world felt impossibly right.