Jade arrived at the penthouse. Daniel was already there, calm and charismatic, a glass of champagne resting loosely in his hand.
She sat gracefully on the luxurious couch.
"Good evening."
"I heard you spent some time with Riguel today," he said casually, his tone unreadable.
"Straight to business?" she replied with a faint smile. "No welcome home, no how was your day?"
Daniel's lips curved slightly as he took a slow sip of his champagne.
"I don't waste words when I'm curious."
"Yes, I was with him," she said. "Or rather, he came and meet me."
"And?" Daniel asked, his amber eyes studying her.
"He claimed he had business in town. Apparently, he's staying for a while."
"That's interesting," Daniel murmured. "Riguel never liked staying in one place for more than three weeks. Even business couldn't hold him."
"Well," Jade shrugged lightly, crossing her legs, "people evolve. Not everyone enjoys being mysterious, silent, and emotionally unavailable."
His gaze lingered on her, amused.
"Is that your professional diagnosis… or a personal observation?"
She tilted her head, meeting his eyes.
"If the description feels familiar, that's hardly my fault."
A soft chuckle escaped him. He set his glass down, unhurried.
"Careful, Jade. Some mysteries are more entertaining when they're left unsolved."
"Or when someone finally dares to ask the right questions," she replied, smiling.
Their eyes locked, the air between them suddenly charged.
Daniel broke eye contact first, moving toward the large window overlooking the city. The lights of the skyline reflected in the glass, just like the thoughts he kept carefully hidden.
"You ask questions as if you're not afraid of the answers," he said quietly.
Jade smiled, leaning back against the couch.
"I've learned that fear is a luxury I can't afford anymore."
"That sounds like experience speaking," Daniel replied, turning slightly toward her.
"Let's just say life has a way of pushing you forward," she said. "Especially when you're suddenly going to married a man who treats conversations like negotiations."
A faint smile touched his lips.
"And yet, you're still here."
She raised an eyebrow.
"Should I be impressed?"
"No," he said calmly. "Curious."
He walked closer, stopping just far enough to keep a careful distance. The faint scent of his cologne reached her, subtle and intoxicating.
"You don't seem bothered by Riguel's presence even if he's your cousin," Jade observed. "Most men would've asked more questions by now."
"I trust my instincts," Daniel replied. "And they tell me that whatever Riguel wants… it has nothing to do with you."
Her expression softened for a brief second.
"That's surprisingly reassuring."
"Don't get used to it," he said lightly.
She laughed under her breath.
"There it is. The mysterious CEO resurfacing."
He leaned slightly closer, his voice lower.
"Would you prefer I pretend to be someone else?"
"No," she whispered. "I prefer honesty. Even when it's uncomfortable."
Their eyes met again. This time, neither looked away.
"Oh, I almost forgot. I'm going to my mother's house tomorrow," she said.
"And why are you telling me?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "Do you need my permission to visit your mother?"
"I thought you should know that your cousin Riguel will be there too," she added.
"Is he your new best friend now?" Daniel said dryly. "What did you do to Gabriel?"
Jade rolled her eyes.
"Ha ha. Very funny."
"And what exactly is he doing at your place?" he asked.
"He gets along well with my mother, and he decided to come help her," she explained.
"Help her?" Daniel paused. "What happened?"
"Our neighbors decided to destroy our house out of jealousy," she replied sarcastically.
"I see," he said simply.
He turned to leave, then stopped and glanced back at her.
"You haven't forgotten our contract, have you?" he said calmly. "And the kiss before midnight."
"Don't worry," she replied with a smirk. "I don't feel like paying penalties."
Outside, the city continued to glow, unaware that something delicate—and dangerous—was beginning to take shape between them.
Jade entered Daniel's room and kissed him without warning. She didn't have time to linger—she still needed to continue her research on VESPERIS.
"Where are you going in such a hurry?" he asked calmly.
"Don't you remember?" she replied. "According to the contract, I decide the duration of the kiss."
She gave him a quick, sarcastic smile.
"Your Highness, may I take my leave for today?"
He nodded, sensing that something was troubling her. She left quickly.
.
.
Back in her room, she tried once again to search for VESPERIS, typing the word over and over. But the results were the same as before—nothing new, nothing useful. Exhausted, she eventually fell asleep while researching.
.
.
.
The next morning, she went to her neighborhood. Riguel was already there, laughing with her mother. Jade joined them, trying to ignore the unease in her chest.
Suddenly, someone knocked on the door.
"Are you expecting someone else, Mom?" Jade asked.
"No," Madame Lee answered, confused.
Jade stood up and opened the door. Her eyes widened in shock.
"Daniel?"
Daniel stood at the doorway, impeccably dressed, his expression calm as ever. Yet his gaze moved instantly past Jade, drawn to the familiar sound of laughter inside the house.
"Good morning," he said politely.
Jade blinked, still surprised.
"What are you doing here?"
"I was in the area," he replied simply.
Behind her, Riguel's voice echoed.
"Daniel? What a surprise!"
Riguel approached, smiling warmly.
"Didn't expect to see you here, cousin."
Daniel's eyes flicked briefly toward Riguel before returning to Jade.
"I came to see my wife," he said evenly.
"There's something else," he said calmly.
Everyone turned toward him.
"I'm here to help too," he added.
Madame Lee blinked.
"Help?"
He turned back to Jade.
"I'll make myself useful," he said quietly. "After all, that's what a husband is supposed to do."
Jade searched his face, unsure whether to smile or question him.
The word wife lingered in the air longer than necessary.
Madame Lee beamed.
"Daniel! Please, come in."
He stepped inside, his presence immediately shifting the atmosphere. His eyes followed Jade as she moved, noting how naturally she stood beside Riguel.
"You seem… comfortable here," Daniel remarked, his tone neutral.
"It's my home," Jade replied lightly.
"Of course," he said, his gaze resting on Riguel again. "And you're clearly well surrounded.
Riguel laughed.
"Jade has always been easy to get along with."
Daniel's jaw tightened for a brief second—so quick it was almost unnoticeable.
"I'm glad you're keeping busy," Daniel said. "You've always had a talent for inserting yourself wherever you're welcome."
Riguel raised an eyebrow, amused.
"I'll take that as a compliment."
The air felt heavier now—charged with something unspoken.