The workday had finally come to an end. Most of the staff had packed up and left, their laughter and footsteps echoing faintly down the hallway as they exited the building. But Roy stayed behind.
He had a few more things to review—a couple of documents, some lingering emails, and a scheduled follow-up on the MNT Capital proposal.
He ended up staying an extra hour and a half.
When he finally stepped out of his office, the sky outside was already shifting into twilight. The soft orange hues had deepened into purple, and the city lights were beginning to flicker on.
As he made his way through the office lobby, he noticed Celia still there, packing her things.
Her bag was slung over one shoulder, and she was zipping up her purse when their eyes met.
"You're still here?" Roy asked, genuinely surprised.
Celia smiled, brushing a loose strand of silver hair behind her ear. "Was just finishing up. Thought I'd head out now."
There was a brief pause, then she added, "Boss, would you mind giving me a ride? I'm headed in your direction. If it's not too much trouble."
Roy checked his watch. He had planned with his wife they'd go to their friend's house for dinner tonight.There was still time so.
"No trouble at all," he said. "Let's go."
They walked together to the parking garage. Roy's car—a sleek, blue SUV—was parked near the exit. He opened the passenger door for her, and Celia stepped in gracefully. Roy got in on the driver's side, inserted the key, and the engine purred to life.
As he adjusted the steering wheel and pulled out of the garage, he asked, "So, where exactly are you headed?"
Celia glanced at him, then out the window. "I'm actually going on a blind date," she said, her tone casual, though something in her voice felt forced.
"My mom set it up."
Roy raised an eyebrow, mildly surprised. "A blind date, huh? Congratulations… I guess?"
She let out a small laugh.
"It's not like I'm excited. I'm mostly going because the guy's been waiting a while, and I didn't want to cancel last minute. Figured I'd at least show up and be polite before declining."
Roy smirked, eyes still on the road. "He's in for a tough night, then."
Celia tilted her head. "Why's that?"
"Because," Roy said, "a guy would have to be insanely lucky to get a woman like you. If he doesn't realize that in the first five minutes, he's a fool."
She blinked, caught off guard. Then a soft smile spread across her face.
"Boss, don't flatter me like that. You'll make me blush."
"Just speaking the truth," he said, keeping his tone light.
But in her chest, Celia felt a strange ache. She wanted to tell him—if it were you, I wouldn't have hesitated. But of course, she didn't. Not when he had someone waiting for him at home.
As they drove, they passed a small building—Moonpool Restaurant, a cozy spot tucked between large buildings. Celia pointed at it.
"That's the place. You can drop me off here."
Roy gently pulled the SUV to a stop and parked at the curb.
She turned to him. "Thanks for the ride, Roy."
He looked at her, smile calm and easy. "Good luck tonight. Don't go too hard on the guy."
She laughed, opening the door. "No promises."
As she stepped out, the cool night air greeted her. Just before shutting the door, she leaned slightly, her voice soft.
"Good night, boss."
"Good night, Celia," Roy replied, his gaze lingering for a second.
She closed the door, adjusted her skirt, and walked toward the restaurant's softly lit entrance.
Roy watched her for a moment before driving off into the night.
Roy turned the car toward his house. The streets were quiet, and the city lights cast a soft glow on the road. When he finally reached home, he parked the car, stepped out, and walked to the front door.
As he opened the door and stepped inside, he saw his wife standing in the living room.
She was wearing a red top and a short matching skirt. The outfit fit her perfectly, showing off her elegant figure. Her waist was slim, her chest was well-shaped, and her skin had a soft, creamy glow under the warm lights. Her hazel eyes looked over at Roy, and her dark hair flowed down her back like silk.
Roy smiled as he saw her. "You look beautiful in that dress," he said sincerely.
She smiled back, a little shy but happy to hear his compliment. "Thank you," she replied.
It felt nice to be noticed. For a moment, there was a warm silence between them.
Then Roy asked gently, "Are you okay? You seem a little quiet."
She nodded, then walked closer. There was something unspoken between them—something from the past they had decided not to talk about again. Something complicated.
It was about the last night they had spent with another person… a night with Samantha.
But tonight, they didn't speak of it.
They just stood together, quietly understanding each other, choosing to move forward without reopening old thoughts—at least, not for now.
Roy looked at her and smiled.
"You know… you look beautiful in this dress—really beautiful tonight. But honestly, you're even more beautiful overall. Then again, you've always been beautiful… maybe that's why you look especially stunning tonight."
Sofia laughed softly, her eyes glowing with warmth. "You're getting poetic on me now."
He stepped closer, mischief dancing in his voice. "You know, I feel like kissing you."
Sofia chuckled. "And who's stopping you?"
Without waiting, Roy leaned in and gently kissed her forehead… then her cheek… then the tip of her nose. He lips finally brushed against her, soft and slow.
Roy smiled into the kiss. "Sofia…"
She whispered, "Let me grab my bag."
She turned and picked up her purse—and a smaller plastic bag. Inside it was a bottle of red wine and a box of cheese.
When Roy noticed, he grinned. "That's for them?"
"Of course," she replied. "A little gift."
The two of them stepped out together, walked to their car, and soon they were on the road.
They reached their friend's house not long after. The front door opened before they even knocked.
A man stood there—tall, lean, and sharp in a black shirt. Around five-foot-eight or nine, with an Asian look. It was Sudou Hanato, Roy's old friend.
"Welcome," Sudou Hanato said warmly as he hugged Roy and smiled at Sofia.
They stepped inside.
Sofia handed him the wine and cheese. "Congratulations—on your second anniversary."
"Thank you," Hanato smiled. "It means a lot."
Sudou Hanato's wife came out to greet them next. The dress hugged her curves, showing off her full chest and slim waist before flaring into a short, playful skirt. The off-shoulder sleeves rested below her shoulders, revealing her smooth, fair skin and elegant collarbone.
Her figure was striking with long leggs. Her big, round brown eyes held a soft, innocent look, and her long hair flowed down her back like silk. She looked both adorable and beautiful, with creamy white skin that seemed to glow under the room's golden light and natural charm that was hard to ignore .
Park Jieun walked over with a friendly smile. "Roy, it's been too long. And Sofia—look at you. Gorgeous as ever."
Sofia laughed, a bit shy. "Sorry for taking so long to visit. But I'm glad we finally made it."
"I'm even happier you did," the hostess said with a wink, guiding them inside.
And just like that, the night began—with smiles, soft music in the background, and a quiet sense of something more lingering in the air.