The city lights shimmered through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Lin Guo's villa. Chen Yuxi sat on the sofa, swirling a glass of wine, still buzzing from the luxury shopping earlier.
Lin Guo leaned against the balcony railing, dark eyes glinting. "You handled the office perfectly today," he murmured, stepping closer. His hand brushed hers—possessive, deliberate, impossible to ignore.
Yuxi laughed nervously. "I just… didn't want to make a scene."
He smirked, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You didn't. But seeing you stand your ground… irresistible."
The air between them crackled. Flustered, tipsy, and aware of his proximity, Yuxi tried to take a step back—but Lin Guo mirrored her movement, closing the distance effortlessly.
"You know," he murmured, leaning closer, "my family will be here soon. I expect you to behave."
Yuxi froze slightly. "Behave?" she asked, teasingly masking her nervousness.
"Don't play coy," he said, thumb brushing lightly over hers. "They'll tease you about the contract marriage—you know, that night at the Gu residence. Don't let it embarrass me… or yourself."
Her cheeks warmed, heart pounding. "That… was a long time ago," she whispered, slightly flustered.
"Long ago or not," he said, lips curving into a smirk, "it's still my favorite story. And everyone in my family might ask questions. You'll answer honestly, right?"
Yuxi laughed nervously, realizing how subtly possessive he was—even with the family looming. "I… I can handle it."
"Good," he said, leaning close enough that his breath brushed her ear. "Because I don't share. Not with my family, not with anyone. You're mine, Chen Yuxi."
A shiver ran through her. Tipsy and flustered, she realized she didn't want to resist him. His obsession, his teasing, and the possessive glint in his eyes left no space for doubt.
Just then, the doorbell rang. Lin Guo straightened, smoothing his suit. "Family's here," he said, eyes dark and unreadable. "Time to meet them properly… and let them see exactly who you are."
Yuxi took a deep breath, swirling her wine, heart racing. She knew Lin Guo was protective, obsessive, and completely consumed by her—but now, she was about to face his family. And somehow, the tension, the challenge, and the thrill all felt… exhilarating.