The morning sunlight kissed Lila's bare shoulder as she stirred awake. The warmth of the room wrapped around her like a lover's arms. Her muscles still ached with memories from the night before—raw, intimate, unforgettable.
She stepped into the bathroom, the steam already curling around her. As she slipped into the bathtub, letting the water soothe her skin, she closed her eyes. But then, she felt a shift—water rippling behind her.
Astor.
Without a word, he joined her in the tub, sliding in behind her. Lila felt her cheeks bloom with color. She had never done this before—bathing with someone. It felt too intimate, too raw. But Astor, ever confident, wrapped his arms around her, pulling her against his chest.
"You're shy," he murmured against her neck, placing gentle kisses there. His fingers explored her body with familiarity, reverence, as if she was a masterpiece he wanted to memorize again and again.
"I need to finish bathing," she whispered breathlessly, trying to escape the haze. She stepped out quickly, leaving him chuckling behind her.
Down in the kitchen, she tried to steady her hands while reaching for the eggs. But Astor walked in shirtless, towel slung low on his hips.
"You don't need to cook. I'm here now. I'll take the whole responsibility," he said with a small smirk.
She turned, raising a brow. "No, it's not gonna happen."
He leaned against the counter. "You always say that... but it does happen."
He walked closer, dipped his head and kissed her nose. She gasped, her stomach fluttering like a thousand butterflies before she dashed back to her room, laughing and blushing.
Her phone buzzed. When she checked, her eyes widened.
57 missed calls from Nico. 20 from Kai. 10 from Mom. And a flood of texts.
Nico: "Come. I want to say something."
Kai: "Be safe. Take care."
Mom: "Is that a hot man???"
Lila burst into laughter. Astor peeked in. "What's so funny?"
"My mom," she said between giggles. "She's asking if you're hot."
Astor laughed, shaking his head. "She's got good taste."
Later, he brought her breakfast—perfectly scrambled eggs, toast, and fresh juice. They ate together, quietly enjoying the domesticity.
"You should move in with me," he said casually.
Lila paused, then smiled softly. "I'll think about it."
After breakfast, she headed to work.
—
During lunch break, Nico invited her out. He drove her to a secluded, serene garden filled with blooming flowers. She looked around, amazed.
"It's beautiful," she breathed.
"It is," he said softly. "My mother is buried here."
Lila's heart clenched. She looked at him and placed a hand over his. "I'm so sorry."
Nico's expression crumbled, and suddenly, he broke down.
"She was everything... and after she died, I never laughed again. Until you came."
Lila hugged him tightly. "I'm still here, brother."
"Don't go," he whispered.
"I'm not married yet. I'm not going anywhere," she reassured.
Then, a buzz on his phone interrupted the moment. An email. Sender: Unknown.
Nico opened it. Lila peeked at the screen. "Forgot? It's me, Lana."
She laughed.
"What?" Nico asked.
"Oh brother, looks like I'm not going... you're going first!"
He looked confused. "Why?"
"Lana!" she teased, poking his arm.
"Stop!" he groaned, blushing.
They spent the rest of the day together—laughing, talking, eating lunch. Nico finally understood. She wasn't his lover. She was his sister. And that realization filled him with warmth.
That night, he drove her home, where Astor was waiting.
Nico got out of the car and walked up to Astor. "Hey, brother-in-law," he said with a playful smile.
Astor chuckled and shook his hand. "Thanks, brother."
Nico waved goodbye to Lila. She waved back.
—
Later that night, Lila and Astor walked by the riverside, hand in hand. The moonlight shimmered on the water. They rented a small boat and sat side by side, surrounded by silence and stars.
She looked at him. "It's unreal, isn't it?"
"It's perfect," he whispered.
They kissed, slowly, deeply—like time itself had stopped just for them. Afterward, he walked her home. She invited him to stay the night.
In the room, he kissed her forehead. She got into bed, and he slid in beside her, pulling her into his arms. They fell asleep, tangled in each other.
—
Morning came.
They got dressed for work. She smiled at him. "Boss, I'm yours—but don't call me for no reason today."
He grinned. "My wish."
But at the office... he did call her. Again. And again.
Annoyed, she stormed into his office, slammed the door, pulled him by his tie and kissed his face all over.
"Stop! I get it!" he laughed.
She bit his lip lightly. "Think about those nights when I couldn't even move my legs."
He burst into laughter. "God, you're too cute."
Just then, her phone buzzed. A message from Kai: "Let's meet at lunch?"
Lila smiled. Another story was about to unfold.