Alex POV:
As I savored the last bite of my breakfast, the warm sunlight streaming through the window cast a golden glow on the table. My wife, Jenny, and Jack chatted quietly, their voices a gentle hum in the background.
I finished my coffee, feeling the rich aroma linger on my palate. With a gentle touch, I kissed Jenny's forehead, the softness of her skin a comforting familiarity.
"Have a good day," I said, my voice low and even, as I stood up to leave for work.
The sound of my Lamborghini's engine purred to life as I drove away from the compound. The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of blooming flowers and fresh-cut grass.
As I drove, my phone rang, shrill in the silence. "Found anything?" I asked, my tone calm and detached.
"Yes, boss," Drew replied, his voice laced with a hint of urgency. "It's Jerul Canxon. I noticed something strange yesterday when I left the company. A man was lurking outside the gate, looking around. When he saw me, he tried to approach me, but I went back inside."
My grip on the steering wheel tightened, my mind racing with possibilities. "Track him down," I ordered, my voice firm.
"I did, boss," Drew said. "He's working for Jerul Canxon. You need to be careful; that man is dangerous."
I nodded, my eyes scanning the road ahead. "Keep the identity of the workers here secret," I instructed, my voice calm and measured. "Jerul can start targeting them to get to me."
Drew hesitated, his voice laced with doubt. "But boss, there are 3000 workers here. How can I possibly keep their identities secret?"
I sighed, my patience wearing thin. "Start with my secretary, the managers, and important workers. Jerul will likely target them first."
The call ended, and I dialed Drew again. "Hello, boss," he answered.
"Drew, make sure to keep a close eye on things. I don't want Jerul getting any closer to me or my people."
As I entered the underground parking lot, the sound of the car's engine echoed off the walls. I stepped out, my eyes scanning the dimly lit space before making my way to the back door of the building.
Jenny POV:
Since the day I exchanged vows with Alex, my life has been a gilded cage. I'm forbidden from even the simplest pleasures, like cooking. My days blend together in an endless expanse of idleness.
So, I decided to take a stroll around the estate, craving a taste of freedom. But even that was tainted by the presence of six bodyguards, their eyes watchful as hawks, and the suffocating nose mask that obscured my face.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the room, I settled onto the plush couch, my eyes fixed on the door. 6:30. Alex should be home by now. I wondered, a flicker of concern dancing in my chest. "Alex, where are you?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.
The sound of the door opening broke the silence, and I leapt to my feet, my heart skipping a beat. Alex stepped inside, his eyes locking onto mine, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.
I rushed to him, my arms wrapping around his waist, my lips brushing against his forehead. I took the briefcase from his hand, feeling the weight of his work, and set it aside.
With a gentle touch, I removed his tie, suit jacket, and shoes, revealing the man beneath the armor. "Maly, get my husband dinner ready," I called out to the maid, who appeared with a quiet efficiency.
"Okay, ma," she replied, her voice soft and respectful, before disappearing into the kitchen.
As we ascended the stairs, Alex's arms wrapped around me, his breath whispering against my ear. "Husband," he murmured, his voice low and husky.
In our room, we found a fleeting sense of normalcy, our dinner a quiet, intimate affair. Later, we descended to the dining room, Jack's presence a welcome addition to our little family. After dinner, we retired to our room, the soft click of the door a reminder of our private world.
Jerul's POV:
I paced around the dimly lit room, my anger simmering like a pot about to boil over. "Sir, I wasn't able to find him," Franklin stammered, his eyes cast downward in fear.
"Useless!" I spat, my voice echoing off the walls. "I told you to watch his every move, to anticipate his actions, and yet you consistently bring me bad news. What kind of incompetence is this?"
Franklin cowered, his face pale. "P-please, sir..."
But I cut him off, my patience worn thin. "Get out! You're of no use to me."
As Franklin slunk away, a figure emerged from the shadows. Tina, my most cunning operative, stepped forward with a confident smile. "Let me handle Alex, sir. I can use him like I did in the past."
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Use him? After you broke his heart and left him, do you think he'll fall for your tricks again?"
Tina's smile never wavered. "I'll handle that. And as for his wife...don't worry, she's no match for me. A simple cup of tea, really."
I studied her, my mind weighing the risks and benefits. "Very well, Tina. I expect good news. You have one year to deliver."
Tina's smile grew wider, her eyes glinting with determination. "I'll come back with success, sir. Mark my words."
********
Jenny POV:
Three months had passed since I'd become a permanent resident of this grand estate, and I'd grown accustomed to the idle days, waiting for Alex to return home. But I'd discovered a new side of him - a workaholic, often ensconced in his study room long after I'd drifted off to sleep. I decided to take matters into my own hands.
I slipped out of our bedroom and made my way to the study room, the soft carpet muffling my footsteps. Alex sat hunched over his laptop, oblivious to my presence. I cleared my throat, and he finally looked up, his eyes bleary from fatigue.
"Babe, it's 1:30. You need to sleep. You have work tomorrow," I said, trying to reason with him.
He dismissed me with a wave of his hand. "I need to work, Jen. I'll join you in bed soon."
I wasn't having it. I sat on his lap, blocking his view of the screen. "No, Alex. Don't 'Jen' me here. Let's go to bed. That's what I want to hear."
He sighed, his expression resigned. "Fine. I'll listen to my stubborn wifey...just for tonight."
He carried me off to bed, but I knew he'd be back at his desk, pouring over his work, as soon as I drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I'd visit him at the office, bearing lunch, since Leo had told me he often skipped meals while working. I wanted to cook something special, but Mrs. Qilin, our housekeeper, was hesitant to let me into the kitchen.
"Let me do it, ma'am," I begged, until she finally relented.
I spent the morning cooking up a storm - Pan-Seared Duck Breast with a Cherry Compote, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Steamed Asparagus, the aromas wafting through the kitchen, transporting me to a world of culinary delight.
With the food packed and ready, I set off for the office, my guards trailing behind me. As I entered the building, the staff greeted me with warm smiles and nods.
I felt a thrill of excitement, realizing this was what it meant to be a "boss lady." I made my way to the elevator, my heart pounding in anticipation.
When I reached the 32nd floor, a harried-looking woman burst out of Alex's office, her expression a mask of anger. She hissed at me before storming off.
I pushed aside the uneasy feeling and entered the office, my eyes scanning the room for Alex.