The first public appearance came sooner than expected.
A business banquet. Cameras. Smiles sharpened like knives.
Shen Kaizhe placed his hand on Lianrui's lower back—just enough to claim her, not enough to comfort.
"Smile," he murmured. "They're watching."
She leaned in slightly, lips curving.
"Then hold me properly. A husband who looks afraid of his wife invites suspicion."
His jaw tightened.
But he pulled her closer.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
"President Shen is very affectionate tonight," someone whispered.
His voice dropped, meant only for her.
"Don't push your luck."
She met his eyes, calm and fearless.
"I thought we were pretending."
Something flickered in his gaze—something dangerous.
Almost a Kiss
Later that night, on the balcony.
City lights bled into the darkness below.
The wind brushed past Yue Lianrui's hair, lifting a few strands across her cheek.
Shen Kaizhe reached out without thinking.
His fingers paused—hovering just beside her face.
She looked up.
Their eyes met.
Too close.
The city noise faded, leaving only the space between them, heavy and charged. His hand smelled faintly of ink and metal—his office, his world. Her breath was warm against his wrist.
"You shouldn't look at me like that," he said quietly.
"Like what?" she asked.
"Like you're not afraid."
She tilted her head slightly.
"Should I be?"
For a moment, he forgot the contract. Forgot the rules. His gaze dropped to her lips.
One step closer.
Just one.
Then his phone rang.
The spell shattered.
He stepped back, answering coldly, his voice returning to steel. Lianrui turned toward the city, heart steady—but her fingers trembled.