ASTHERIEN'S POV
Ireached home in the afternoon, only to attend another event in the evening.
Ugh. Too much work.
At this event, I was one of the VIP guests.
He wasn't home. I barely got to see him.
It had been over seven long hours, and all we did was talk on the phone.
He didn't even come home.
And of course, he wouldn't tell me where he was.
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At the event
I wore a long red bodycon dress with a white fur coat draped over my shoulders.
As soon as I stepped out of the car, blinding camera flashes filled the place.
After smiling for the cameras, I slowly walked down the red carpet.
The event was elegant.
Soft lighting, calm décor.
Exactly what I expected- it was the anniversary party of a production house.
One of the directors I had worked with many times was hosting it.
As soon as I entered, I could feel eyes on me.
Ignoring them, I went straight to greet Mrs. Karnova.
One of the sweetest directors I had ever met.
After all the greetings and formal conversations, I found myself alone again.
A wine glass rested in my hand as I slowly spun it between my fingers.
The party was full of well-known people.
Everyone had someone to talk to.
And me?
No one.
Because I never really tried to get close to people.
I never did.
Or maybe...
it was simply better this way.
Calmer.
More peaceful.
Just then, my phone buzzed.
[From: Love ❤️]
Love- Party over?
Me- No, not yet. But I can leave if you want.
Honestly, I wanted to leave anyway.
Love- I'll be waiting at home. And be back before 12 a.m.!
Me- Okay.
Twelve?
It was already eleven.
I knew he wouldn't get truly angry, but still...
I was bored.
Even in a room full of famous faces.
I'd rather go home than stay somewhere people admired me from afar but never dared to approach.
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By the time I got home, I was half-asleep.
The moment I stepped inside, I saw him standing by the door.
Arms crossed.
One shoulder resting against the frame.
"How was the event?" he asked.
"It was good," I replied casually.
I slipped off my heels and headed upstairs to shower and change.
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The warm water washed away the exhaustion clinging to my body.
For the first time all day, I felt relaxed.
Refreshed.
When I came out, I was wrapped in a bathrobe, my damp hair still dripping onto my shoulders.
I assumed he was already asleep, so I didn't bother looking for him.
Feeling thirsty, I headed to the kitchen.
As I poured water into a glass, I suddenly felt a warm presence behind me.
Before I could turn around, familiar arms wrapped around my waist.
"You weren't asleep?" I asked softly.
He didn't answer.
I turned to face him.
His arms tightened around me, as if he never wanted to let go.
KAIZA'S POV
"Happy anniversary..." I whispered before pausing.
"Darling."
I knew exactly what that word did to her.
She lowered her gaze.
Gently, I pulled her closer.
"Eyes here," I said.
She looked up.
For a moment, neither of us spoke.
The world felt strangely quiet.
Only us.
She smiled.
A small smile.
But enough to make my heart stumble.
I leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to her.
She kissed back,
And it slowly turned into something deeper.
Suddenly, after weeks of endless work, late nights, and missed moments...
everything felt right again.
I pulled back slowly.
"Thank you for staying," I murmured.
She looked up at me and smiled.
And somehow, that smile said everything words couldn't.
For the rest of the night, neither of us cared about the world outside.
Just the comfort of being together again.
And maybe...
that was enough.