And Then It Was [ZCL] (M)
Description: After your marriage with Chenle was arranged by your parents for a company merger, things with him aren't quite like you expect. In your life full of obligations, he's determined to finally give you the ability to make your own choices.
Genre: Smut/Fluff/Angst (arranged marriage!au, rich families using their children as business mergers yk)
Content Warnings: Rich, generational family trauma, family secrets, reader in her men suck era, explicit, protected sex, mentions of pregnancy (no actual pregnancy in the fic), reader feels obligated to have children, explicit, unprotected sex, use of the pet names 'baby' and 'darling', dirty talk, oral (f receiving)
Word Count: 28.2k
Pairing: Zhong Chenle x fem!Reader (features Jeno, Jisung, Jaemin, and Mark, but mostly Jeno and Jisung! (sorry idk where Renjun and Haechan are in this fic?????))
A/N: Y'all tumblr really f'in hates me because it was so difficult to format this fic? like it did not want to let me put the whole thing on here. So if the last section is oddly formatted, that's why and I'msosorry :'( (p.s. thank you so much for 700 followers!!!)
Juliet's Masterlist | Tell me what you think? :)
Taglist: @midmourn @nominsgirl @winwinscvnt @bugcattie @sleepyvic @chenlesfeetpic @tolerable-tears @yutaswh0re @bitchzitschimi @velvtcherie @leefullsun @pnkified @valerieluvsyu @defzcl
Chenleโs hand grips yours loosely, resting between the two of you right on the crack between the couch cushions. All of this is a formality, down to the smile plastered on your face. It started out simple, like something out of a movie, honestly, but even movies have to roll the end credits at some point.
โSo, tell us the story of how you met,โ the interviewer begins, crossing her legs as she looks at you in complete interest.
โWeโve known each other for ages,โ Chenle says.
Lie. Youโve known of each other for ages. Youโre only here with an oversized ring on your finger to complete your familyโs merger with Chenleโs. What big news that was, two heirs of two of the biggest companies around the world falling in love. If only that were true in the slightest.
โWow, way to make it sound romantic.โ You laugh, reaching across to push his armโgently, of course. โHe makes it so lackluster. But to be completely transparent, it wasnโtโฆanything crazy. We did meet years ago, and weโve been friends since then. Gosh, probably since we were sixteen?โ
โFifteen,โ Chenle corrects you and sends an award winning smile your way. Youโd be inclined to believe him if everything wasnโt scripted.
โHe always has been a little more detail-oriented than me.โ
The interview drags. You and Chenle were officially married just over a month ago, and while you know itโs your owed duty to your family, you wish optics werenโt so important. After all, legally binding yourself to secure a company was one thing, but physically binding yourself to a man you barely know? You wouldnโt dream of it. Even holding his hand feels odd, not to mention his palms are sweaty.
Your honeymoon had ended shortly before the interview. Youโd been gone for four weeks, and it was the last bit of privacy youโd have when it comes to your โrelationshipโ with Chenle. You got to know him enough to where youโd be comfortable sharing an oversized house with him, but there were still a lot of mysteries between you twoโmysteries you were sure would never get solved. There are a lot of good things about Chenle. Heโs smarter than most people youโve met, he knows how to make jokes and take them, heโs nice to look at, to hold a conversation with, but you donโt love him. Youโd been of the mind that you wanted to marry for love since you were young, but some things are overshadowed by your duties. By money.
โThere arenโt many people in this world that donโt justโฆimmediately bow down to powerful men. It wasโฆinteresting to say the least, because throughout my entire life Iโd always just been given respect. From the moment I met (Y/N), I knew Iโd have to work for it. For her respect, I mean. Sheโs just as confident and much more intelligent than any other man Iโve ever worked with.โ Chenle squeezes your hand.
That wasnโt in the script. Itโs almost enough to have you break character and forget your next line. โIs that so?โ You quirk an eyebrow at him, and he chuckles.
โTried and true,โ he replies with ease. โYou really are extraordinary, you know.โ
Canโt script a blush rising to your cheeks. Itโs something about the way he makes direct eye contact with you that has your face burning.
Grinning, he turns back to the interviewer. โI have a lot of things to be grateful for in life. Truly, I do. Iโm very fortunate for all of the good my family has done for me and for having things set up for me from the start. One thing I never couldโve imagined was that it could get better. Meeting her changed my life, and if I had to, Iโd give everything else to keep her next to me.โ
That time, your smile does fall, but you quickly catch yourself. Your heart picks up its pace in your chest, but you know itโs all part of the script. It has to be. Heโd never give up his money, his family, his lifestyle for something as simple as you. You desperately want to pull your hand away, but youโll wait until the cameras stop rolling.
As soon as you and Chenle are behind the tinted windows of his car, you drop his hand and scoot all the way over to have some semblance of peace. None of this truly makes sense to you. Youโre much too young to be worried about your marriage to another person equally as young as you, yet you canโt help but mull over each word that left his mouth today.
โAre you alright?โ he asks.
โOf course.โ You pull your phone out of your purse and scroll through your social media with a sigh.
The driver pulls away from the spot, and after a few minutes, you look over to find Chenle watching you.
โWhat?โ
โIs that it?โ He clasps his hands together in his lap.
You scoff. โOh, Iโm sorry. Are we to keep acting while weโre alone, too? Itโs exhausting.โ
โYou donโt even want toโฆtry to keep getting to know each other? Youโre just done?โ He pauses, tongue wetting his lips. โWeโre here for the long haul, (Y/N). We signed a legally binding contract. Divorce isnโt an option ever. We may as well try andโโ
โAll due respect, Chenle, Iโd rather not know you. What happens if I do, and then I hate everything about you? Ignorance is bliss. Why risk hating you when I can just tolerate you instead?โ
โIs it the hate you donโt want to risk?โ His question catches you off guard, the confidence laced in his tone sending sparks of irritation through you.
โAre you insinuating that you think I could fall in love with you?โ
โThereโs no insinuation. Iโll tell you with full certainty that you would.โ Chenleโs dark eyes narrow, and he shifts in his seat. โYou fear failure. But a marriage failure would be easier if youโre not in love, right? No feelings to cloud your logical judgment.โ
โFor such a smart man, that was an incredibly stupid statement.โ You scoff, setting your phone in your lap. โThis is a job, not a marriage.โ
โNot according to our sealed certificate.โ
โBurn it for all I care. Iโm not here for you. Iโm here for my family, so I couldโve been married off to anyone. Donโt think that means Iโll allow you to control me. Whatโs mine is still mine. If I choose to see someone outside the marriage, thatโs my own choice.โ
โAh.โ He inhales slowly. โYouโre already in love.โ
โWrong again.โ
โThen why is that the first thing you say?โ
โBecause I have a duty to you. An obligation. But that does not mean youโre obligated to my heart.โ You look straight forward, refusing to acknowledge the heat of his stare boring into your side.
โAt least make sure youโre using protection.โ He clicks his tongue.
โThat was also in the contract. Didnโt you read it?โ You tap your foot. โโExtramarital relations require usage of effective birth control methods, and I may not bear another manโs child.โโ
โIโm sorry, what?โ He gapes at you. โAre you serious right now?โ
When you laugh, his eyebrows furrow deeply.
โWhatโs funny?โ
โNo, no, I just forgot. Youโre the man. Youโre expected to stray from the marriage because you obviously donโt have everything life can offer. Itโs okay for you to get someone else pregnant because you donโt have to physically have the child. Ridiculous.โ
โAnd you think thatโs my intention? Seriously?โ
โItโs an expectation in every arranged marriage, I assume.โ You cross your arms over your chest. โI donโt care what you do, Chenle. Just act like you respect me at least.โ
โOkay, now hold on.โ He scratches his forehead, his thought process basically written out across his face. โYou were the one that mentioned extramarital relationships. I was never going to suggest it because Iโd never do something like that. I donโt care what ourโฆrelationship is like, itโs still a marriage. Youโre my wife, whether we like it or not, and Iโm not going to do anything that would undermine you or the legacy youโve already created. Regardless of what you believe, I do respect you. Honestly.โ
โIโฆโ you trail off, swallowing roughly. โIโd prefer silence for the rest of the drive.โ
Chenle runs his tongue over his teeth, but he nods.
โDo we have to share a room?โ you ask as you take your earrings out. Placing them on the vanity in front of you, you stare at Chenle through the mirror, watching as he removes his suit jacket and tie.
โWe donโt have to do anything.โ Chenle shakes his head and untucks his shirt from his pants. โIf thatโs what you want, Iโll stay in another room.โ
โWhat?โ You frown. โThis is your house. You should keep the master bedroom.โ
โStop thinking like that,โ he says, working on his buttons. โItโs yours now, too.โ
He stops halfway down, grabbing his shirt and sweatpants to change into.
โIโll see you tomorrow.โ His voice seems different, almost cold. Distant.
โChenle,โ you call out, turning in your chair to face him directly.
He sighs, stops, and looks back at you. โYeah?โ
โBefore you go, can weโฆget something out of the way?โ
โMore things.โ He presses his lips together in a thin line, but eventually nods and takes a few steps closer. โBy all means.โ
This time, itโs your palms that are sweating. You grip the armrest and flounder for the words you want to say. Itโs rare for you to get flustered or shy with anyone, so acting this way in front of him has heat rising to your cheeks.
โWeโre expected to have children,โ you finally spit out. โHeirs. We carry two legacies on our backs.โ
He shifts on his feet, taking his bottom lip between his teeth as he glances away from you. โThis is what you want to get out of the way?โ
โIโฆI just think itโs a good idea for us to put ourโฆexpectations out there early.โ
โAbout sex or babies?โ
โThe only reason weโd everโฆis to have babies.โ You try to maintain your strong facade, but the conversation makes you more nervous than youโd care to admit.
โRight, because thinking that youโre sleeping with me out of obligation is incredibly sexy.โ He runs his fingers through his hair. โWe donโt even have to have sex to get you pregnant, you know. There are other options. Do you even actually want children? Or is that purely out of obligation as well?โ
โEverything I do is out of obligation.โ
โNot anymore.โ He walks closer, resting his hand on the edge of the vanity. โYouโre my wife now. You do what you want, and you do it for you. No one else. Understood?โ
You stand up, obliterating the minuscule distance between the two of you. Your chest almost brushes his, and youโre nearly distracted by his half-unbuttoned shirt. Tilting your head, you scan over his face.
โYouโre saying thereโs not anything you want from me?โ
โWanting and demanding are two very different things.โ He doesnโt back down, his impenetrable gaze locked on yours.
โAnd what is it that you want?โ
โFor someone who doesnโt care, you sure are inquisitive,โ Chenle remarks.
โDonโt let my level of interest stop you.โ
His eyes narrow. โHow long have we known each other?โ
โI can tell you our first real conversation was just over six months ago. We were informed of thisโฆsituation.โ You sigh. โWhy?โ
โI was relieved to find out it was you.โ He gulps. โTo know that you are someone Iโmโฆattracted to. That we could maybe one day have something real in the wake of thisโฆjoke of an arrangement.โ
โRelieved?โ
โYes.โ He nods without hesitation. โAnd that is what I want. A real life, real love, real family. And while everything else may not be ideal, Iโd never force you to give me any of those things. As Iโve said, youโre free to make your own choices. Whether they include me or not.โ
His voice is soft, barely carrying over to you from his spot mere inches away. Your heart pounds in your chest from his proximity, his words, him. You donโt want to risk anything, and the consequences far outweigh the rewards of a relationship like this.
โGood.โ You nod. โIโll remember that.โ
โI expect nothing less.โ He takes a step back, unintentionally shattering the tension between the two of you. โHave a good night, (Y/N).โ
But for some reason, once he closes the door behind him and leaves you alone in this giant, extravagant bedroom, you truly wonder what the hell youโve gotten yourself into.
โI mean, is that a bad thing?โ Jisungโs voice carries through the phone, shuffling around with documents in the background.
Your cousin always did have trouble seeing things from your side. You sigh. โIt is a bad thing. Why canโt he just be a normal man? Iโm not going to beg anyone to impregnate me, if thatโs what heโs waiting forโโ
โ(Y/N),โ he says, tone laced with disbelief. โAfter that whole conversation, thatโs what you got out of that? That he wants you to beg him?โ
โWhat else am I supposed to get?โ Crossing your arms over your chest, you study yourself in the mirror. Despite the stress as of late, you still seem miraculously put together.
โThat he actually cares about you. And wants something real.โ
โThen his family picked his wife incorrectly,โ you insist. โIโm here because I was told to be. And why risk a lifetime of unhappiness and hate when we could justโฆtolerate each other?โ
โNot everything has to beโโ
โYou were supposed to be on my side for this.โ Your chest deflates, and you put him on speaker to apply your lipstick and put your earrings in.
โIโm always on your side, even if you think Iโm not. Iโve met Chenle, too. You couldโve been much worse off for a company merger.โ
โRight, so I should be grateful?โ You snort. โGrateful that my husband doesnโt want to haveโโ
โInsufferable,โ your cousin cuts you off. โYouโre insufferable. The whole world is not out to get you. In the position youโre in, you need every single ally you can get. Chenle especially. Heโs one of the most powerful men in the country. Imagine what that could do for you.โ
โYes, because powerful men are so enticing for me.โ You roll your eyes.
โYou donโt have to love him. Nobody expects that of you, but you can at least be friends with him.โ Jisung clicks his tongue. โGive him a shot, okay? Heโs not an asshole, and from what youโve told me, he seems to be trying with you.โ
You tap your fingers on the vanity. โI have a business meeting with him and his board. Guess Iโll see you in a few.โ
โThat you will. Talk to you soon.โ
As the line cuts, you head out of Chenleโsโyourโroom, and head down the hall and out the door. Today is a new day, and the first way to present your dominance to your husband is to talk business. Youโve always been good at keeping your composure. While the buildings for your familyโs company and Chenleโs were on opposite sides of town, the merger gave you unlimited access to both. Chenle was his own respective CEO, while your father still held the technical title at yours.
COO had been sitting in your pocket for years, and your father told you the only way heโd relinquish his CEO title onto you is if you married. And produced an heir without any public miscommunication. Essentially, your heir would, under no uncertain circumstances, be conceived and birthed in a conventional way.
Youโre the last one to arrive in the conference room. The walls are mostly windows, overlooking the bustling city below you. You inhale deeply at the sight, and Chenle looks up at you, standing as soon as he finds you in the room. The rest of the board follows suit, and you almost scowl at the realization that the only open seat is right next to your husband. You donโt recognize any of them since this is solely for Chenle, but he insisted you were to be included on all business discussions from the moment you were married.
You stand next to Chenle, staring down at the five men around you. โSit. Standing on my behalf is a waste of time.โ
All of them listen to you, Chenle included, leaving you the lone pillar in a room full of money.
โThank you for waiting for me.โ
You donโt ever apologize for being late. Some things are out of your control. Sitting, you move your chair closer to the table. Chenle leans in, close enough for his lips to brush your ear. โI told you to just drive with me.โ
You turn to him, unintentionally scanning over his face while heโs so close, and give him a small, fake smile. โAnd I told you I travel alone.โ
Itโs the first time you see annoyance pull at his brows. The only thing it does for you is make you give yourself a mental tally mark. Winning is your strong suit.
โLate on the first day isnโt a good look,โ the man in the back on the right says. โItโs almost as if itโs not important to you.โ
โFirst day?โ You raise your eyebrows at him. โBold of you to assume I havenโt been involved from the moment I signed a wedding certificate.โ
โThatโs hardly an excuseโโ
โJaemin,โ Chenle interrupts him. โIt wonโt happen again. Leave it alone.โ
Anger bubbles in your stomach as you watch the man at the endโJaeminโimmediately back down. Your words werenโt enough, but the second Chenle opens his mouth, the argumentโs over? With the group of men, you talk financials from last quarter. You follow along easily thanks to the binder of data Chenle provided you with. Stopping on the fourth page, you frown.
Leaning over to Chenle, you nudge his shoulder. When you point at the page, his eyes follow. You turn your head to whisper in his ear, โThis charge isnโt itemized. Little amounts may be fine, but a $143,000 charge with no itemization from one of your departments canโt be normal.โ
โYouโve got sharp eyes,โ he mutters, almost appreciatively.
โObligations make you that way,โ you return, brushing your hair back as you lean against your chair. Chenleโs button-up sleeves are rolled to his elbows, the tip of his pen tapping on the table as he listens to Jisung talk.
Chenleโs smart not to bring anything up just yet, as heโs likely to do more research before asking his team what is going on with something like that. You cross your legs and listen intently, but most of it is beyond your scope in his company, anyway.
โYouโll also have to decide on new positions as well.โ Another man speaks up from beside your cousin.
โAnd what positions are those, Mark?โ Chenle asks.
โCOO and CFO nominations for the board to vote.โ
โThere isnโt any need for nominations for COO.โ Chenle frowns.
โWhyโs that?โ One of the men, Jeno, follows up.
โIsnโt it obvious? The only person qualified for such a role is my wife.โ Chenle crosses his arms over his chest, but this time, you canโt stop your outward reaction. Your jaw drops as all eyes fall on you, and you give him an incredulous look.
โAre you serious?โ
โWhy is this a surprise?โ he inquires, gaze meeting yours.
Itโs a surprise because nowhere in your signed contract did it say you were entitled to a position of power at his company.
โ(Y/N) is an excellent candidate. Sheโs done great things at my uncleโs company,โ Jisung butts in, nodding at you. โIf it were up to a vote, sheโd have mine.โ
โWeโll reconvene for the vote. I have several candidates for CFO listed in the binders you received today, so you may vote on those as well.โ Chenle pauses.ย
You donโt realize your leg bouncing up and down until his palm presses against your knee. The movement is undetectable to everyone else, but it makes every ounce of air dissipate from your lungs. You calm down in an instant, no matter how much you hate to say it, and you clench your fists together in your lap.
โFor now, my wife and I are going home,โ he continues. โHave a good and productive day today.โ
Everyone stands as he does, and you stare at him briefly when he extends his arm out to you. In that split second, you make eye contact with Jisung, who nods in encouragement. You let out a nearly invisible sigh, but you wrap your fingers around the crook of his elbow and allow him to lead you from the room. Once youโre far enough away from everyone, he still doesnโt let you go, a somewhat proud half-smile on his face. โAfter you pointed out that discrepancy, I almost switched gears and made you CFO instead.โ
โYouโll learn quite fast that numbers arenโt really my strong suit.โ You donโt even attempt to remove your grip on him. โMy attention to detail makes up for theโฆlack of numerical intelligence.โ
โI hope I didnโt take you too off-guard.โ He opens the door to the building, disconnecting your arms to place his hand on the small of your back to guide you.
โPlease.โ You chuckle and shake your head. โYou? Take me off-guard?โ
โCompetitive, too, huh?โ He raises an eyebrow at you as he glances around at the different people with cameras surrounding you. Whether to keep you away from them or to keep up appearances, his hand slides from your back to your hip, gently pulling you closer to his side.
โLetโs just say I stopped being invited to family game night,โ you admit.
Once the two of you make it to the car, you barely realize youโre disobeying your own rule of traveling alone. He grasps your hand to help you into the backseat, ignoring the flashing lights behind him as he watches you slide over.
He gets in after you, closing the door with a huff. โThatโll be a headline tomorrow.โ
โYou helping me into the car?โ
โYou smiled at me.โ
โWeโre married.โ
โNobody believes it.โ He sighs and runs his fingers through his hair.
After a moment of your silence, he reaches over to grab your hand. You surprise even yourself when you allow him.
โIโm sorry. Itโs not your problem. And it doesnโt matter what everyone else thinks.โ
โDonโt apologize.โ You shake your head. โIt doesnโt matter, Chenle. Weโll get ourโฆobligations out of the way, and then you can find the love you claim you want.โ
His jaw tightens as he looks forward, his grip on you loosening. โRight.โ
โWhy?โ you ask. โWhy is that what you want? With me, or with anyone.โ
โLove is good for you.โ He shrugs. โTo have someone who actually cares for you more than themselves just because they want to. Ever since I was young, I wanted to marry for love, but Iโd always understood it wasnโt in the cards for me. But I figured Iโd at least be able to try. With whoever it was, at least Iโd be able to try to be a proper husband.โ
Thereโs much more complexity behind Chenle than what you initially gave him credit for. You figured heโd be the typical CEO, a man high on power who will do everything and anything to not only keep it, but to grow his influence. The version of him you see now doesnโt support that original thought, but you have a hard time believing it.
โLife is already dull and loveless as it is. Rich families donโt exactly enjoy time with their relatives. I figured you, of all people, would understand where Iโm coming from in that aspect.โ He fidgets with his wedding band. โI donโt want to bring children into a world where they wonโt be loved.โ
โYou think I wouldnโt love my own children?โ you ask.
โThatโs not what I said.โ He glances at you. โChildren deserve a complete family. One with parents who not only love them, but each other. I didnโt have that growing up, and I refuse to put anyone else through it.โ
โI see.โ You understand his point all too well, but you donโt see the big deal. Even if you two were in love and had children, wouldnโt you still have nannies and cooks and all of the things that you had as a child?
โAgain, Iโm not forcing you into anything. So, you donโt have to try with me if you donโt want to. But Iโm not searching for it somewhere else. Since weโฆare obligated to have children, I wouldnโt put them through a situation where they view their father as a cheater. When I signed that contract and the marriage certificate, I signed my life away to you. Sure, it wasnโt in a traditional way or necessarilyโฆby choice, but weโre here.โ
โWow, you sure know how to woo a woman.โ
โYouโve made your stance clear. All I ask is that whoever youโฆโ he trails off and scoffs. โWhoever you decide to be with, you keep them away from any future children. And weโll never force them into a marriage like this.โ
โYou want our children to marry for love?โ
โOf course, I do.โ He nods.
โChenle, Iโฆโ
This time, you reach over to him to stop his excessive movement. The second your fingers wrap around his wrist, he stops.
โI think the same way you do. Hopefully, we respect each other enough not to be caught. Publicly or by children.โ
โSo, you reallyโฆThereโs no chance? Of anything real between us?โ
Your heart comes to a dead-stop in your chest, and the word โnoโ hangs on the tip of your tongue, but for some reason, you canโt bring yourself to actually say it. Itโs one simple syllable, but itโs so heavy in your mouth, you fear opening it will wreak havoc.
โIโฆI donโt know,โ you reply, gulping.
He turns his hand so your palms are touching, and then he squeezes you gently. โAll I ask is that you keep an open mind. Itโs okay to let yourself have things you want, too. Not everything has to be an obligation.โ
Before you can speak, the driver is opening the door for you and Chenle to get out. The two of you make your way into the house, but youโre honestly not sure where to go from here. You head upstairs toward the master bedroom to take off your dress.
โ(Y/N),โ Chenle calls, stopping you in your tracks. He continues, โI have to get clothes to change into. Theyโre still all in the master, but Iโll have the staff move them by the end of the week.โ
You wet your lips. Standing on the third stair makes you taller than him, and he looks up at you with only kindness behind his brown eyes. You want to hate him. Or to only tolerate him. But through the moments of kindness, you know heโs the type of man you could be friends with. You couldโ
You stop that thought before it completes. โItโs your house. Do whatever you need to.โ
He joins you on the third step and leans closer to you. โWrong.โ
โWrong?โ You tilt your head.
โRemember that everything I have is yours, too. This house belongs to you just as much as it belongs to me. As much as you hate to think so, I know you, (Y/N). The ball is in your court. You make the decisions around here, whether itโs what color the walls are or twenty kids running around the hallways. Whatever you want, Iโll make it happen.โ
You gape at him, face red as he leans away from you and continues up the stairs without looking back at you. Once heโs far enough away, you clear your throat and pat your cheeks. Regaining your composure, you follow him up and find him working on the buttons of his shirt, his tie discarded on the bed.
โDoes this bother you?โ he asks. โI can go.โ
โWhat makes you think it bothers me?โ
โYouโre staring.โ
You head over to the closet instead of responding to him, more than ready to put pants on instead of the dress thatโs much too tight for comfort. Once youโve picked out your new clothes, you stay where youโre at and reach behind you for the zipper. After a few moments of struggling with it, you finally give up and decide to use your resources.
โChenle?โ you call out.
When he appears in the doorway, his shirt is absent, and you were pretty sure heโd been wearing a belt before. His arms are crossed over his chest as he leans against the frame, awaiting you to tell him what you need. You donโt have to actually speak. Instead, you turn your back to him and pull your hair over your shoulder. He hums behind you, keeping a respectable amount of distance before he grips the zipper.
โWhat did you do before me?โ he asks, hesitant to pull it down.
โStaff.โ You shrug. โBut I mostly wore things I knew Iโd be able toโโ
The familiar sound and the rush of cool air against your heated skin as he reveals more of you has your breath catching in your throat. You cut yourself off, immediately reaching up to hold the dress to your chest.
โIโm a very accommodating man, (Y/N).โ His voice sinks into every inch of you. โIf you need something, tell me. Iโm your husband. Itโs quite literally my job to ensure youโre happy, darling.โ
The heat radiating from his bare skin so close to yours has every thought in your brain flying away. Logically, thereโd be nothing wrong with giving in to your temptation. Itโd been a long time since anyone had touched you, and the man behind you is your husband. Physical attraction had nothing to do with emotions or feelings, so it was okay. One thing youโd never be able to deny is how heโs one of the most beautiful men youโd ever met. Your parents couldโve chosen much, much worse for you.
His voice centimeters from your ear startles you out of your trance. He says, โI wonder what youโre thinking about. You seem a bit distracted.โ
โWouldnโt you love to know.โ
โTruly.โ
โI need to change.โ
โDo you?โ He trails a finger up your spine. โYouโre so soft. What an odd comparison to that steel wall youโre forcing yourself to keep up.โ
โI think youโre forgetting your own boundaries.โ You clench your fist into the fabric of your dress. โThis wouldnโt be real.โ
โWhat even is this?โ His breath fans across your neck, and youโre sure you feel the sublest brush of his lips on your skin. โTell me where you think this is going. After all, Iโm helping you with your dress like a good husband.โ
โMy dress was dealt with minutes ago.โ
โDarling.โ He tsks. โIf your dress was dealt with already, it would be long, long gone.โ
Even like this, you refuse to let him win. If this were to be the extent of your relationship with Chenle, youโd be fine with that. You crave satisfaction, and you also know this is a means to an end. This may be the key to giving your family those fucking heirs they want so badly. In a bold move, you release your grip on the fabric and allow it to crumple at your feet.
โWhat?โ You tilt your head, grinning when his breathing halts. โAre you the only one who can deliver?โ
He places his hand on your hip. โCan I touch you here?โ
โMhm,โ you inhale sharply when he squeezes, trying your best not to roll back against him.
โHere?โ he whispers, splaying his fingers out along your stomach.
โWhatโs your goal?โ you ask, looking back at him over your shoulder. โYou seem like you want something from me.โ
His face is much too close to yours, but for some reason, it does little to bother you. When his lips part, you donโt mean to squirm in his touch. His eyes sweep over your expression, his touch edging just a little further downward until he can play with the lace hem of your panties.
โIโve told you what I want already.โ His gaze locks on your mouth. โEverything. I want it all.โ
You gulp, unable to speak for fear of making a fool of yourself.
โWhat about me makes this hard for you?โ he asks.
Despite the softness of his voice, your proximity to him means you see the hint of hurt swimming around in his dark irises. The heat of his bare skin on yours has everything inside you awakening, but you canโt give him what he wants.
โThe choice is yours.โ He takes a deep breath. โGoing forward, the choice is always yours to make. Iโm yours in any way you want me.โ
The atmosphere around you is so warm, charged, you canโt help the way you struggle to breathe. You lean closer to him, and when your lips brush his, his grip around you tightens. Before heโs able to initiate a real kiss, a knock sounds on the bedroom door.
โMr. Zhong, you have a visitor.โ
โGod damn it,โ he curses under his breath, annoyance replacing whatever vulnerability youโd just seen. Stepping away from you, he grabs a shirt for you and hands it to you.
You accept it quickly, embarrassment flooding through your system as reality sets in and you realize what youโd done. He stops in the doorway, stealing one more glance at you before he runs his fingers through his hair and walks out.
โWhat the fuck?โ you mutter to yourself, patting your cheeks.
Your skin where he touched you suddenly feels much too cold, and you give yourself a few moments to calm down as you search for a pair of pants to put on. You pick your dress up off the floor and put it with your dirty laundry. You tie your hair up to get yourself to cool down, and then you follow Chenle out to see who saved you from making a decision you wouldnโt be able to come back from.
โYou came all the way here to deliver a report?โ Chenleโs voice cuts through the air before youโre able to see him, and you hear the agitation flooding through it.
You round the corner and stop at the top of the stairs, finding Chenle in the foyer with one of the men from the meeting earlier standing right inside the doorway with a binder. Heโd slipped his shirt back on, retucked it, and even rolled his sleeves up. His hands are deep in his pockets.
โIt couldnโt wait,โ the man says.
โThere are plenty of things that canโt wait in this world, and they wait anyway, Jeno.โ Chenle shifts on his feet. โBut youโre here, so give it to me.โ
Jeno hands Chenle the binder, and he opens it. At the realization of what it is, the latterโs eyes close.
โYouโre telling me that this has been going on for years?โ
โBefore you were even CEO, yes.โ Jeno nods.
โMy father knows about this?โ
โIโm not sure.โ
โWhat is your father supposed to know about?โ you ask, finally making your presence known as you make your way down the stairs.
Chenle turns to you, his jaw clenching as his gaze travels on its own accord. โThe amount you pointed out earlier. Itโs not just one payment. Thereโsโฆan entire binder full of payments to someone that arenโt accounted for. Thatโs $143,000 a quarter, for longer than Iโve even been able toโโ
โShould she really be involved in this?โ Jeno grabs Chenleโs arm.
โSheโs the COO of the company.โ Chenle frowns at the other man. โAnd sheโs my wife. If this is going on, it affects her, too.โ
The other man releases him, and you join Chenle at his side. At this point, even pressing your arm against his is far too much contact for you, yet you crave it all the same.
โItโs new for them,โ you remind your husband. โTheyโre not used to me yet. Theyโll learn in due time.โ
โRight.โ
You hold your hand out for the reports, and he gives it to you. You flip through, noting the dates corresponding with the payments.
โI wouldnโt bring it up to your father,โ you mention.
โWhat?โ Chenle recoils. โWhy not?โ
โThese charges have been happening for years,โ you point out. โThereโs a chance he might know about them. That he could be the oneโโ
โThatโs impossible,โ Chenle interrupts you, his posture immediately straightening out as he stands rigid.
โItโs not.โ You keep your voice soft in an attempt to neutralize the situation, and you reach for his wrist. โAll Iโm saying is that you shouldnโt rule anyone out. We need to keep this within a circle while we do research. No one else can know that this has even been caught.โ
As soon as your fingers wrap around him, the tension in his body melts away. He lets out a sigh, wets his lips, and nods. โYouโre right. Weโll look into it.โ He turns to Jeno. โNo one can know about this. This stays between the three of us.โ
โOf course,โ Jeno confirms. โIโll leave you with that information now. Have a good night, you two.โ
โThanks,โ Chenle says.
Jeno leaves, the echo of the door closing behind him leaving you and Chenle draped in an awkward silence. You place the binder on the table on the glass table, turning to face your husband.
โAre you alright?โ Chenle asks.
โMe?โ You raise your eyebrows. โWhy wouldnโt I be?โ
He gives you a pointed look, one that tells you heโs in no way wanting to beat around the bush. โDonโt do that.โ
โIโmโฆokay, yes. Maybe a little flustered, but I didnโtโฆhate what happened, if thatโs what youโre asking.โ You avoid his gaze, rolling your eyes as you stare off past him to the ornate details of the front door.
โWeโre married,โ he points out.
โYes, Iโm acutely aware of that fact, thank you.โ Your fingers find the band of your wedding ring.
He pauses, but his gaze leaves goosebumps all over your body as he trails over you. โItโs clear weโreโฆattracted to each other. And youโre still sure youโd rather not attempt a real relationship.โ
โWeโve talked about this.โ You glance around, like the staff overhearing is the most embarrassing thing youโll deal with.
โNot enough.โ
โWhat else could we possibly add to that?โ
โI donโt want us to tolerate each other, (Y/N). At the very least, we should try to be friends.โ He takes a step closer to you.
Youโve been confronted by a lot of men in your life. There have been even more men who doubted your abilities, but none of them had ever intimidated you. Chenle, standing in front of you with a determined look on his face, intimidates you. A part of youโno matter how small it may beโknows heโs everything he says he is and more. He could give you the life youโve always wanted, but youโre sure you donโt deserve it. Not until youโve fulfilled your portion of the contract and take your place as CEO. Only then can you allow yourself to let go.
โDo you want me?โ he asks. โIn any way?โ
โI donโt want to,โ you tell him honestly. โBut I do.โ
โWhen we were on our honeymoon, or the semblance of whatever that was, I couldnโt stop thinking about you. About how we were forced into this arrangement, yet none of itโฆNone of it feels wrong. You may not have paid me much attention beforehand, but for years before we were ever to be married, Iโve admired you. Your willpower and the way you hold your own. The independence you have. Your autonomy. I envy you.โ
โWhy? Why envy me?โ
โLook at yourself.โ Chenle puts his hands on your shoulders and turns you to look into the floor-length mirrors against the wall. โIโm not talking about how beautiful you are, even though thatโs definitely an added bonus. I mean the utter tenacity you have flowing through your veins. The way you can command attention the second you walk into a room. How youโre unafraid to put men with decades of more experience in their places. You areโฆunapologetically yourself. This life, one of business, is significantly easier for me as a man, yet youโve absolutely bulldozed everyone in your way.โ
โChenleโโ
โIโm not done.โ He taps his fingers against you.
Seeing him standing behind you in these mirrors is making your heart race, your brain jolting with electricity, and inexplicable thoughts running around your mind. He looks good like this. He watches you fondly, the admiration in his gaze evident.
โBut youโre honest, too. With your intentions and with the way you want to live your life. I wish youโd give me the chance to prove how things could be, but like I said before, these choices are yours alone. Donโt get that confused with me not wanting to try. Because Iโll keep trying as long as you want me inโฆwhatever way.โ
You turn to him, craning your neck to look at him with your hands flat on his chest. โIโm beginning to think youโre crazy.โ
โIf trying to give my wife the life she deserves is crazy, then Iโll gladly claim that title.โ A smile tugs at the corner of his lips. โSomething tells me you might come around someday.โ
โI wish you saw things the way I do,โ you mutter.
โI think the same way. But as much as I understand your fears, they shouldnโt hinder you in your life. Youโre allowed to explore all aspects. Business. Joy. Intimacy. Love.โ
โAnd youโre an expert on intimacy?โ You raise your eyebrows.
โExpert might be a strong word, but I wonโt ever lie to you. Iโve been in love in the past and gotten hurt because of it. But every heartbreak is worth it if it leads you to the person you were made for.โ His hands slide to your hips, fingertips barely applying any pressure. โIf we find weโre not good for each other, Iโd let you go. Youโre bound to me in a legal sense only. Paper. It means nothing unless we make it mean something.โ
โYouโฆscare me,โ you breathe out. โThis scares me.โ
โWeโre doing something right, then.โ He lets out a short chuckle. โBut I like this. Being close to you. Knowing that weโd be so much better as a team than as roommates.โ
โIโve always worked alone.โ
โDoes that mean youโve never been in love?โ
You shake your head. โNever. I donโt give myself the time to feel things like that.โ
โSo, feel.โ His finger brushes below your chin, angling you so your eyes meet his. โTell me what youโre feeling right now.โ
โIโโ
โDonโt think. Feel.โ
โIโฆIโm nervous. You canโt be real. Iโve only been burned in the past, but it feels like youโdโฆjust keep me warm. I donโt know if I want that.โ You gulp past the unexplainable lump in your throat. โItโsโฆoverwhelming.โ
โWhat can I do to help you?โ Chenle asks. โWhatever you need. Tell me, and Iโll make it happen.โ
โYou.โ Your voice almost refuses to work. โI want you, but IโฆI need time to see if thatโs really it or if Iโm tricking myself in order to fulfill these stupid obligations set for me.โ
โWhich obligations?โ
โHeirs.โ You avert your gaze, but he gently pulls you right back.
โTake whatever time you need. I mean it. Iโm not going anywhere, and Iโm not going to push you into any situations like that.โ He reaches up and plays with a strand of your hair. โBut there areโฆplenty of ways to explore that side of our relationship without pregnancy being a risk. Or a reward, if thatโs what you view it as.โ
Your face burns. Never before has a man made you blush.
โWith that in the open, does removing the pregnancy factor make you want me any less?โ
You contemplate. While youโd love to say that portion of your contract was the last thing on your mind, you thought of it frequently. But thoughts of what heโs mentioning has your insides twisting and turning in every way, with or without heirs being involved. When he touched you earlier, his hands on your bare skin, that genuinely wasnโt a thought. You want him for personal gain, but not in the way you originally assumed.
โNever less,โ you murmur. The warmth around you becomes unbearable, yet you still find yourself shivering. โI think we need to come back to this at a different time.โ
โOf course.โ He takes a step back, allowing cool air to rush over you. Grabbing the binder from the table, he gestures for you to follow him into his office. โShall we move on to some numbers, then?โ
Finally, you laugh shortly. โYeah. Yes, that sounds good.โ
After two hours of studying the documents, spreadsheets, and all the other information Jeno brought for Chenle, the two of you have gotten as far as discovering the payments were sent to the same bank account. Stress is written across his face, and eventually, you slide the binder away from him.
โYouโre going to run yourself into the ground,โ you scold him. โItโs time for a break.โ
โWhat time is it?โ he asks, massaging his forehead.
โAlmost 8pm.โ You lean back in your chair and cross your legs.
His lips part in shock, and he checks his watch. โFuck. Iโm sorry, I didnโt evenโฆyou havenโt eaten yet.โ
โNeither have you,โ you point out.
โWeโve already established that youโre more important.โ He lets out a sigh, partially filled with frustration. โYou know what? Why donโt you get changed and weโll go out?โ
โTogether?โ Your eyes widen.
โWeโre married. Itโd be weird if we went by ourselves.โ
โRight, of course. Um, anything in particular I should wear?โ
โThe choice is yours.โ He grins, and like itโs the easiest thing in the world, robs all of the oxygen from your lungs. You realize then that you donโt see him smile much, but the pang in your heart can only mean you want to see it over and over again.
โOkay.โ You nod and stand. โGive me ten minutes.โ
โTake your time. Iโll be waiting for you.โ
โYou sure you donโt want to pick?โ you offer one last time.
โWhile that would honestly be an honor, darling, Iโm trying to prove a point here.โ He lifts himself to his feet and reaches across the desk to close the binder. โI could use a drink.โ
You give him a small smile before you exit his office. Once heโs out of sight, you practically bound up the stairs. Youโd been on dates before, sure, but this feels different. You know better than to let yourself look too far ahead, so once youโre in your closet, you want to make sure you wear something nice. You pick a dress youโre sure you can get yourself out of. Unlike your outfit from earlier, this one isnโt as tight to your figure, and the soft color matches you well. For business meetings, you only wear black. Wearing bright colors hasnโt ever brought you success, but you figure you can wear the purple for a date with your husband.
A date. Is it a date?
That part of it doesnโt matter. This dress makes you feel good about yourself, truly. Disgust immediately sends a shiver down your spine when you realize youโre beginning to ponder how Chenle will perceive you. Heโs a man. You could wear a trash bag and heโd think you did something revolutionary. Brushing the skirt of your dress off, you grab a pair of heels, slide them on, and head back down the stairs. He waits by the door, his suit jacket back on and buttoned in the middle. He turns at the sound of your shoes on the floor, and he freezes in his spot.
โWhat?โ you inquire.
โI justโฆIโve never seen you in that color before.โ He clears his throat, but his cheeks tinge with a light, barely noticeable pink. โYouโฆit suits you well.โ
โThank you.โ Before you attempt to leave the door, he grabs your jacket from the rack and drapes it over your shoulders.
โItโs cold, darling,โ he mutters, making sure the fabric is secure on your shoulders.
โYou donโt think it ruins the outfit?โ
โNot a chance. Jacket or not, itโs my favorite of yours.โ
๏ฟฝ๏ฟฝRelax with the compliments. Youโre making me blush.โ You brush your fingertips against his shoulder and exit the house.
โMy hard work is paying off. Good to know.โ He closes the door behind him and guides you to the car with his hand on the small of your back. โIโll stop with the compliments if you ever stop deserving them. Which I doubt will happen, by the way.โ
The drive is thirty minutes, and the city is still bustling by the time Chenle is helping you out of the car. His palm against yours makes your stomach flip, and youโre beginning to hate this effect he has on you. It seems like it hit you out of nowhere, and youโd prefer if it were to sink back into the depths of hell where it came from in the first place. But before you know it, youโre a glass and a half deep of wine, youโve eaten enough pasta to get you through the night, and Chenleโs in the exact same boat youโre in. Between the two of you, youโve finished a bottle, and it seems as if your husband is debating ordering another one.
You hide a laugh with another sip from your glass and shake your head. โI cannot believe weโre this out of order.โ
โThe order doesnโt matter as long as the end result is desirable. Isnโt that true?โ He quirks an eyebrow at you.
โMm, Iโve always been an order of operations girl. Everything has to happen in the exact right way.โ You set your drink down and rest your head on your palm.
โI just realized I knowโฆnothing about your past. Please, tell me what the younger version of you was like. What kind of trouble did you get into?โ
โWow, what makes you assume I got into trouble?โ you tease him, unable to fight your smile.
He sucks in a deep breath and pats his legs. โGod, Iโm not sure. It couldnโt be the way you never take no for an answer or how you absolutely run over everyone in your way.โ
โIโll have you know that I am a very composed human.โ You run your tongue over your teeth.
โIโd expect nothing less, to be honest.โ He gives you a soft smile. โAnd for the record, I enjoy those qualities. There arenโt many people in this world that would be unafraid of calling me out if Iโm doing something wrong.โ
โYou mean earlier.โ
โI mean in general, but that does apply, yes.โ
โI only want to be a balance for you.โ You look down at the red liquid in your cup. โWeโre meant to complement each other now, yeah?โ
โI think we were the most strategic pairโฆever.โ Chenle nods.
โCan I be honest with you?โ You take another sip.
โAbsolutely.โ
โYou asked me earlier what about you makes this situation hard. Or what about you makes it hard for me toโฆlet go of certain views.โ You clear your throat, dreading the conversation more than youโd care to admit. โI feel like itโsโฆbecause a part of me knows the greatness weโd be capable of together. But Iโve worked hard to build my own greatness, and I can almost guarantee the second this becomes real, my greatness becomes ours.โ
โAh.โ He purses his lips. โI wonโt lie to you. There will be people that see it that way. But by being married to me, those people already exist.โ
โIโm not talking about other people. I donโt care about them or their opinions.โ You finish off your glass.
โYouโฆyou mean me?โ His eyes widen in shock.
โThat is a fear I have.โ
He flounders for a second, and he scrambles for words for the first time all day. โIโm sorry, I justโฆIโm not sure if thereโs anything I can say to make this better. Iโฆ(Y/N), I know my promises probably donโt mean much to you at this point, but Iโd never discount you like that. Or take credit for anything youโve done. How can I make that clearer?โ
โItโs not your issue to correct.โ You chew the inside of your cheek. โItโs mine. And I donโt say it to make you feel responsible, but as a forewarning, I guess. Being a woman and working my way to the top just to haveโฆthis thrust upon me is a little redundant.โ
โYou never wanted to marry in the first place.โ Itโs not a question.
โThatโs correct.โ
He blows out a long breath and looks down at his hands, twisting the wedding band on his finger. โYou never saw this in the cards for you.โ
โI knew Iโd eventually have to marry for company purposes. My father would never let himself die before he knows Iโve carried on his line.โ You snort and shake your head. โBut I figured all of these types of marriages were the same. People signed their paperwork and barely acknowledged each other unless it was to reproduce.โ
Chenle lets out a laugh. โYour word choice is interesting.โ
โShut up, you know what I mean.โ You cover your mouth as you join him in laughter. โI just never thought youโd beโฆyou.โ
โI live to prove to you that you can have everything. We can be happy, have a real family, and still be at the top of our field. Both independently and together.โ
Fortunately for the both of you, Chenle doesnโt order the second bottle of wine. Instead, he pays the bill and leads you from the restaurant with his arm wrapped around your waist. He opens the car door for you, and as you place your hand in his to enter, he squeezes your hand gently. Once you get home, the two of you separate at the top of the stairs, him heading off to a spare room down the hall while you step into the room that technically belongs to him. You change without interrupt, your silk nightgown soft on your skin as you climb into bed.
You stare up at the ceiling, tracing along it with your eyes as if you were drawing a map. Where the destinations were you had yet to figure out, but you imagined a whole new world up there, one where you didnโt have to have this wall up. One where you didnโt have to fight tooth and nail for a shred of respect you more than deserve. One where you didnโt have to be scared of what Chenle was trying to offer you.
You sigh, clutching the blanket to your chest. The wine has since settled in your system, yet your blood still runs warm. The map on the ceiling becomes mountains, oceans, continents. It forms real shapes, real geography in your mind, but you find the destination right in the middle is where you truly want to be. When you look at your phone, the time is already past 2 a.m., and youโre not anywhere near tired. Youโre startled by the knock. You shuffle out of bed, crossing your arms over your chest as you crack the door open slightly.
Chenle stands there, hands buried deep in his sweatpants. His eyes sweep over you as you open the door wider.
โYouโre up,โ he comments.
โI couldnโt sleep.โ You shrug. โYouโre up. And here.โ
โI was hoping I could talk to you.โ He pauses. โI canโt stop thinking, and I just really donโt want to be alone right now.โ
Your heart skips a beat. As much as you hate it, warmth spreads through your entire being at the thought of his first idea being you.
โThis is your room, Chenle. Iโm not going to tell you you canโt come in your own bedroom.โ You step back to give him space to walk in, but he stays put outside, staring at you as if heโs seeing straight into your soul. You give him a pointed look, but give in. โYes, itโs okay for you to come in here. Iโd prefer company as well.โ
He shuffles past you, tiredness clearly weighing down as the bottoms of his feet slide across the hardwood floor. You watch him closely, admiring him. Quickly, you realize that he fits into any room he walks in. He belongs anywhere and everywhere, and within moments, he makes you feel something youโve only ever been able to provide for yourself until this momentโsafe.
โSorry,โ he whispers with a sigh. โI need to stop thinking.โ
โTrust me, I get it. Me too.โ You stand with your arms still crossed over your chest and you rock back and forth on the balls of your feet. โDo you want to tell me whatโs bothering you?โ
โI shouldnโt bore you.โ He waves you off and sits on the edge of his bed. โHow are you adjusting?โ
โIโm okay. Iโm not complaining about my accommodations.โ You move and sit next to him, putting your hand on his knee. โYou wonโt bore me. If somethingโs bothering you, I want to try and help.โ
His eyes sparkle even in the dark. The landscapes of the map you drew reflect in his gaze, and you swear you see every mountain, every body of water, entire worlds forming in his irises. How have you never seen this before? Why are you seeing it now?
โThe payments,โ he murmurs. โThe idea that my father might know about them. Might be facilitating them. Itโs driving me up a fucking wall.โ
โWhen I said that, I didnโt mean to upset you.โ You reach over and grab his hand. โWe just need to take precaution when it comes to situations like this. If it is him and he knows weโre onto him, it might beโฆa bigger issue than it needs to be.โ
โI know that. I guess itโs the idea that heโd be capable of something like that.โ Chenle stares down at the way your thumb traces against his skin.
โYou look up to him.โ
โI did. I do. A lot, actually, so this seems soโฆbackwards. Thatโs a lot of money per quarter, you know? I could only imagine what itโs going towards.โ He turns his hand around so your palms are touching, and he gently intertwines your fingers. โSorry, I shouldโve asked if this was okay.โ
โItโs more than okay. Donโt worry about me. Keep talking.โ
โMy parents never really loved each other. They grew to love their life together, but not each other. And despite that, I had a decent time growing up. They were good parents to me, and thatโs what truly matters at the end of the day, but it makes me wonder if theyโreโฆnot these great people Iโve made them out to be in my head.โ He lets out a short chuckle. โThis sounds pathetic.โ
โHey.โ Before you realize what youโre doing, you reach up to cup his cheek and bring his gaze back to yours. โDonโt talk like that. Youโre not pathetic. These are valid concerns, and if youโve been lied to for this long, you have every right to be upset.โ
Youโre so distracted by him, you barely even recognize the softness of his face. Your thumb runs gently along his cheekbone, and you watch as the frown fades from his features. Something you canโt recognize forms behind his irises, yet it still feels familiar. How do you explain how the normal beat of your heart hurts? How do you tell him that seeing him upset like this feels like needles running along your skin?
โMy father would tell me I was foolish for hoping for love,โ Chenle whispers. โHe said it was a waste of time, since any man as busy as we are just isn't suited for it. For families.โ
โIf youโd asked me a few weeks ago, I wouldโve agreed with him.โ You squeeze his hand and give him a small smile.
โSomething changed?โ he asked.
โI donโt think that way anymore,โ you admit. โNow, Iโve realized itโs about the amount of effort someone is willing to put in. It has nothing to do with time. We make time for those we care about.โ
He leans into your touch as his eyes flutter shut. You admire the angelic glow the stars leave on his skin, and despite how tired he is, heโs still so fucking beautiful. Your throat dries at the sight, and you hate how it feels like your insides are at war.
โI like this,โ he tells you. โBeing with you like this.โ
โMe, too.โ You smile, even though he canโt see you. โYou should try and sleep though. Youโll be exhausted tomorrow.โ
His chest visibly deflates, and he places his hand on top of yours to pull it away from his face. โOf course. IโฆIโll get going.โ
You recoil, but you donโt let go of his other hand. โOh. Is that what you want?โ Nerves crawl around in your stomach. You figured heโd stay with you tonight, in his own bed. That maybe the two of you would learn to be better comforted by each otherโs presence.
โYouโre tired, and Iโm keeping you up. I was inconsiderate.โ He clears his throat.
โNo, no,โ you quickly interject. โThatโs not what I meant at all. Iโm only worried about you, so I was hoping youโd stay with me.โ
โIn here?โ he asks.
You nod. โYes. If it were my choice, youโd stay.โ
โDamn, you got me there.โ He delivers a tired grin and ultimately agrees. โIโd love that, (Y/N). Truly.โ
You let him settle in beneath the comforter first, and he lifts it to allow you room to slide in next to him. Neither of you say anything else, but things seem to fall together naturally. He opens his arms, you push yourself against his chest, and then he wraps you up tightly in his warm embrace. He smells faintly of cologne, a soft, woody scent that engulfs you pleasantly. Despite the way you failed to fall asleep earlier, you struggle to remember a time youโd ever fallen into your dream world faster.
When you wake without Chenle in the morning, youโre sure you dreamed the last portion of the night. That is, until you see that itโs almost 10 am. You gasp and launch yourself out of bed. You never sleep in this late, so you quickly dress yourself and get ready for the day. Chenleโs side of the bed is mussed, so you determine it was, indeed, not a dream, and you make sure you look as presentable as your normal standard before you go downstairs to find where your husband disappeared to. The smell of breakfast emanates from the kitchen, so you naturally gravitate that way. When you step into the room, youโre taken aback by the company present. Not just your own parents, but Chenleโs as well. Your husband stands at the end of the table, clearly stressed with all of the people in your kitchen. He notices you first and breathes a sigh of relief at the sight of you.
โWow,โ you say as you approach Chenle and stand next to him. โWere we expecting everyone today?โ
โNope.โ He chuckles and, much to apparently both of your surprises, he leans down and presses a kiss to your cheek. โEveryone showed up an hour or so ago.โ
Through the burning of your cheeks, your gaze shoots up to his and you lower your voice. โWhy didnโt you wake me up?โ
โYou looked really comfortable.โ He shrugs.
โ(Y/N), Chenle was just telling us that youโre accepting the COO position at his company,โ your mother butts in. Of course, business talk immediately.
โYes, weโโ
โIsnโt that a little early? And donโt you have enough responsibilities as COO of my company?โ your father grumbles, and you already start to shrink into yourself in his presence.
โSheโs more than capable,โ Chenle defends you. โIf I didnโt think she could handle it, I wouldnโt have done it.โ
โDonโt interrupt their family discussions, Chenle, thatโs rude,โ his mother scolds him.
โThis marriage was a merger, was it not?โ Chenle raises an eyebrow. โDoesnโt that technically make our families interconnected now?โ
โWeโll consider them officially connected when sheโs had her first child.โ Your father points his finger at you. โSpeaking of which, whatโs taking so long?โ
Your jaw drops, and you shift uncomfortably. Itโs one thing to talk about your husband getting you pregnant with your own father, but him being so comfortable spitting things out like that in front of Chenleโs parents as well has you feeling queasy.
โWeโve been married for two months.โ
โYour mother was pregnant after three weeks.โ
โI donโt really want to hear about you impregnating my motherโโ
โYouโre making excuses, (Y/N), you know whatโs on the line here.โ Your father tsks at you, sipping from his water glass.
โSir, all due respect, but itโs not like we knew each other very well. Weโre both still getting comfortable with each other. And weโre young. We have plenty of time to have children.โ As soon as the words leave Chenleโs mouth, you reach over and grasp his hand. Itโs not visible below the table, but he squeezes you in reassurance.
โAnd what happens if she were to die tomorrow? My bloodline dies with her?โ Your father narrows his eyes at Chenle. Your heart sinks in your chest, and you scratch your forehead.
โEven if she were to be pregnant, if she died tomorrow there wouldnโt be an heir either way,โ your husband replies.
โIs there a reason weโre having such a lovely family reunion?โ you butt in, hoping to curve their conversation.
โDo we need a reason to visit our daughter?โ your mother asks.
โTypically, yes.โ You shrug. โYou never show up unannounced.โ
โOh, I take it they havenโt seen the tabloids,โ Chenleโs father mentions.
You stand from your spot and pull your phone out of your pocket to check. You hear Chenle whisper something to the group before he pushes his chair back to join you. Despite the anxiety crawling up your spine, the warmth of him right behind you calms you.
โThey came here because thereโs a couple articles of people being shocked that we like each other?โ you hiss, tossing your phone on the counter.
โBreathe,โ Chenle tells you, putting his hands on your shoulders. โTheyโll eventually leave us alone, but weโve got to placate them for now.โ
โPlacate them?โ You turn to him and raise your eyebrow. โYou exchanged words with my father.โ
โHe said stupid things.โ Chenle shrugs.
You chuckle. โYouโre ridiculous.โ
โAh, but you said the people are surprised we like each other, so Iโm assuming you enjoy how ridiculous I am.โ He bites back a grin when he sees you blush.
โGod, youโve got to stop doing that.โ You push gently at his chest and walk back to your parents and your in-laws.
โIโm not sure this is really something that should have blame assigned,โ Chenleโs mother says. โIโve seen married couples go years without children.โ
You curse under your breath. Of course, this is still the topic of conversation.
โThatโs not how it works in this family. Heirs come first immediately after marriage.โ Your mother sips from a champagne flute.
โWell, thatโs hardly Chenleโs faultโโ
โHeโs a man. How hard is it to impregnate a woman?โ Your mother scoffs. โPlease, sheโs not ugly by any means.โ
โMother, dear God,โ you snap. โWhy in the world are we still talking about this?โ
โIโm sorry, are you questioning my sonโsโฆviability?โ Chenleโs father narrows his eyes.
You want to combust into flames right then and there. The immediate assumption that the reason behind you not being with child yet is that Chenle simply canโt get it up. How fucking great.
โIโm just saying, there were other men contending for a contract that were more than willingโโ
โThatโs enough,โ you shout.
You have four shocked faces staring at you, and you feel Chenle go rigid behind you.
โI am beyond tired of this conversation already. Weโve only been married for two months, and thatโs just not enough time. I barely even knew him when I married him, and weโre trying to do this the normal way. As normally as we can.โ You pause. โIโm the one that wants to wait. And it is a want, not a necessity, so neither of us areโฆsexually dysfunctional.โ
Chenle holds back a laugh behind you, but four sets of eyes are still on you. And while itโs technically not the truthโas youโve stated multiple times youโd be okay with having an heir quicklyโyouโd rather this portion of it fall on you than on him. Your parents would lose their minds.
โAnd letโs not forget that (Y/N) is a human with a career thatโs just as important as mine,โ your husband adds. โHaving a child at this time could put her back immensely after all the hard work sheโs put in. If she wants to wait, nobody should have a say in that other than her.โ
With every word coming out of Chenleโs mouth, he gets more and more attractive to you. You wish today had been a simple morning, truly. One where youโd wake up with him next to you and heโd hold you for however long the two of you could stand to stay still for.
โYou should be happy weโre trying to do this properly.โ You cross your arms over your chest.
โLove is a waste of time in a business arrangement.โ Your father sets his empty water glass on the table.
โI agree. Itโs better to get the obligations out of the way first, and then worry about trying to create something real,โ Chenleโs father agrees.
โRight, because that worked out so well for you,โ Chenle says.
Today was going to be a long, long day.
Your parents and in-laws stayed for another hour, and then they (thankfully) willingly left on their own accord. As soon as Chenle closes the door behind his parents, you sigh in relief and slump your back against the counter. He approaches you without a word, and almost like itโs instinct, you wrap your arms around him. Running his fingers through your hair, he holds you as close as he can.
โIโm sorry my parents implied youโre impotent,โ you mutter, and you and Chenle burst into laughter at the same time.
โWow. Clearly the only two options for an explanation as to why youโre not pregnant within two months are impotency or your husband not finding you attractive. Which, for the record, neither of those are an issue.โ
โGross. But thanks, I think?โ You lean back slightly to look at him and find him smiling at you.
โJust being honest. If I was impotent, I wouldโve told you before we married for business purposes. And if you donโt know how attractive you are at this point, that would be one of the worldโs biggest mysteries.โ He pulls you to him until your chest presses against his. โBut, since I was so rudely torn away from my beautiful wife this morning by our nosy, no fucking good parents dropping in like weโre fifteen years old, I wanted to thank you for last night. Since I couldnโt earlier.โ
โThank me?โ You frown and tilt your head.
โI needed that. I didnโt even know it, but I needed it,โ Chenle tells you.
โOf course,โ you murmur. โYou never have to be alone for those moments.โ
โJust for those moments?โ He fakes a pout. โDoes that mean I have to go back to my own room?โ
You give him a pointed look, and then pretend to be lost in thought momentarily. โPretty sure thatโs only when you make me mad. I guess married couples argue and then the wives send the husbands to the couch. But in this case, thereโs an extra bedroom. Or twenty.โ
โCan Iโฆcan I try something?โ he asks, the tips of his ears turning red.
โYeah.โ You nod.
โClose your eyes,โ he mutters.
If he was anyone else, youโd be asking a million questions. But this is Chenle, and youโve grown to realize heโs exactly who he said he is. You trust him inexplicably.
โWow,โ he says. โNot even a sarcastic comment. I think Iโm winning you over.โ
You open one eye, push at his shoulder, and then close it again. Youโre more than tempted to open them again when his hands cup your cheeks. His thumbs caress your skin, and your breath gets caught in your throat. Your heart races in anticipation as you await his next move, craving whatever it is he wants to give you. You gasp quietly when you feel his lips brush yours, and your body tenses.
โRelax,โ he whispers. โItโs me.โ
You donโt give him the opportunity to finish closing the distance between you two. You do it for him. Pushing yourself forward, you seal the kiss with him quickly, wrapping your arms around his shoulders to keep him close to you. He curses against you, and you follow suit when he wraps his arm around your waist and lifts you onto the counter. For a brief moment, he pulls away from you, chest heaving as he pants.
โChenle.โ You hate that it comes out as a whimper, but you love the way he reacts to it.
He kisses you again, harder this time while one of his hands tangles in your hair and the other sits on your thigh where the hem of your dress is. Instinctively, to make your dress ride up your legs more, you lift one and hike it up around his waist. The fabric slips past his fingertips, now resting much higher than it was before. You pull him closer until heโs right up against the lace of your panties.
โFuck,โ he curses lowly, digging his nails into your skin. โYouโd better think this through, darling.โ
A shiver runs down your spine, but heat floods your core. You need him.
โPlease,โ you whisper to him, watching as his eyes darken right in front of you. When you let your hand travel down his body, you smirk at how his length hardens further beneath your touch.
โShit.โ His hips unintentionally thrust into your hand. โFuck, we should stop.โ
You drop your head against his shoulder, retracting your hand away from him. โWell, impotency definitely wonโt be a problem.โ
He kisses up your neck. โSorry. I donโt want to get carried away. Or even more carried away, I guess.โ
โLook at me.โ You wait for him to listen to you. โYou donโt have to hold back if you donโt want to. Your desires are just as important as mine.โ
โBefore weโฆdo anything, I need to make sure I have condoms.โ He clears his throat and removes your leg from around his waist.
โWait, what?โ You frown and lean away from him. โWhat do we need those for?โ
โAre you serious?โ He takes a step back.
โWell, yeah. Weโre married. We need to have children, why would we use condoms?โ You run your fingers through your hair.
He sighs and runs his hands down his face. โWe talked about this. I was under the impression that we were figuring this out first and then worrying about how and when weโd have children.โ
โWe canโt do both at the same time?โ
โDid you ever think that maybe I donโt want kids yet?โ He tilts his head at you and narrows his eyes. โYes, I understand thatโs part of the deal and why weโre even married in the first place, but I donโt want to even risk having kids if I donโt know itโs really me you want.โ
Embarrassment floods through you, and you slide off the counter and send him back a few more paces. You pull your dress down and grimace at the thought of being in a position like that.
โAfter everything weโve talked about and the time weโve spent together, you really think thatโs not true? You think I donโt want you?โ
โHonestly? I donโt know. All of this is confusing. And then our parents are here pressuring you into having a kid, and youโreโโ
โOh, my God.โ Your jaw drops, and you brush off your skirt. โYouโre literally the one who kissed me. And then you put me onโGod forbid I ask a simple question, right? That must mean Iโm trying to jump your bones to get my way.โ
โ(Y/N), thatโs not what I saidโโ
โMaybe not, but thatโs sure as hell what you meant. And here I am, like a fucking idiot, letting you touch me when you think that fucking low of me.โ You clench your fists at your side, and youโre unaccustomed to the way your heart twists so hard in your chest. โGod, fuck you.โ
You turn away from him and stomp off, painfully aware of your over-exaggeration. The logical side of you begs you to calm down, since both of your concerns are valid, but the side of you youโre experiencing for the first time is stronger than what youโre accustomed to. When you make it upstairs and to your room, you sit on the edge of the bed and force yourself to breathe. Chenleโs assumption hurt you. Itโs as simple as that. Youโve let yourself like him, and now he has this power over you. With a simple miscommunication, it feels like everything is falling apart before it even begins.
You blink rapidly to stop the tears from welling in your eyes, and eventually, youโre more annoyed by your reaction than by the actual situation. The door creaks open, and Chenle walking in makes relief flood through your veins. He moves over to you and sits down next to you, reaching over to grab your hand.
โAre you okay?โ he asks.
You nod and lean into his chest, craving his comfort. He sighs, wraps his arms around you tightly, and strokes your hair. With your ear pressed against him, you hear how his heart beats just as hard as yours.
โI think we both got a little carried away there,โ he murmurs.
โYeah,โ you agree. โIโm sorry. I donโt even know why I got so upset.โ
โIโm sorry, too.โ He kisses the top of your head. โItโs never my intention to hurt you. Or to make you regret anything we do.โ
You sit there in silence, appreciating the comfort he gives you simply by being next to you.
โI wasโฆI donโt know. Embarrassed, I think.โ You chuckle at yourself, but you donโt find it funny at all. โThat you would think Iโd justโฆdo that without being truthful to you. Iโve had a lot of men assume things about me throughout my entire life. Because of my success, itโs either from my father handing it to me or because I slept my way to the top. So, Iโm sure you can see why I had trouble comprehending that as anything else.โ
โAnd I hope you know thatโs not what I was thinking at all. I know how much of an influence your parents have had on you. All I ever want to do is make sure youโre making your choices for you. I never communicated that I would want to use condoms if we started sleeping together because I didnโt really assume weโd get there.โ He squeezes you closer to him and takes a deep breath.
โIโm also sorry for yelling at you.โ You scrunch your nose up and look at him. โThat wasโฆreally weird.โ
โWeird?โ A small smile pulls at his lips.
โIโve never felt anything like that before. And itโs scary that you have that kind of power over me, even if I know you wouldnโt use it against me intentionally.โ
โLearning how to manage those feelings will come with the territory. Have some faith in me, alright? Iโm not saying things just to bring you down.โ He tilts your head up, his gaze scanning over your face. โI want you to be happy. Obviously, bonus points if Iโm a part of that happiness.โ
โYou are.โ
โGood. You deserve only good things in life, and I need to make sure you get them.โ
He leans down and presses his lips to yours, gently working your mouths together. You sigh into him and tangle your fingers in his hair. Everything about this feels good. It has warmth spreading in your chest from knowing someone in this world cares for you beyond what you can give them. You know he wants you, but you also know heโs going to have your best interest in mind.
He breaks the kiss and rests his forehead against yours. โWeโll learn each other, darling. Everything will work out the way itโs meant to.โ
Whether intentionally or not, you and Chenle keep your distance from each other for a couple days. Today, however, youโve no choice but to be around each other later for the board meeting, where theyโll vote on the CFO position. And your COO position, but Chenle made it very clear that the vote was simply a formality. You choose a black dress, zip it up, put your earrings in, and head downstairs, where your husband waits for you by the door. He looks at you as you stop on the bottom step, a loud clack coming from your heel.
โYes?โ You tilt your head at him.
โAre those earrings new?โ He buttons his suit jacket.
โNot new.โ You shake your head. โI just havenโt worn them since we married.โ
โRight.โ He walks over to you and offers you his arm. โDo you like receiving new things?โ
You loop yours through his and allow him to guide you toward the door. โI guess that would depend on the context of receiving.โ
โIf I buy things for you, will they be well received?โ he asks.
โYou think you know me well enough to buy me things Iโd enjoy?โ You bite back a smile as he leads you outside and to the car.
With his hand on the small of your back, he helps you into the backseat before following. โI think Iโd figure it out fairly quickly. Iโm a smart man.โ
โTheyโฆwould be received. Maybe not well, but received nonetheless.โ
He chuckles and shakes his head, relaxing against the seat. โYouโre something else, you know that?โ
โI canโt make it too easy for you.โ You purse your lips, and without much thought, you scoot closer to him and place your hand on his.
โI donโt think easy is the right word for most things when it comes to you.โ He laughs, turning his smile toward you.
โMost things?โ
โBeing with you is easy. Or around you, I should say. Youโre pleasant company. Easy to have an intellectual conversation with, easy to relax around. Those are the easy things.โ
โWow.โ You bite back your grin. โYou sure know how to woo a woman.โ
โNot just any woman,โ he interjects. โMy wife.โ
โYour wife.โ Itโs the first time youโve called yourself that out loud, and it has a weird, unrecognizable feeling sprouting in your stomach.
โI donโt want to get ahead of myself, but it seems like youโre coming around a little bit.โ He nudges you gently. โIโm not sure how itโs possible, but Iโve missed you the past few days. After the other day, I wanted to give you space in case you didnโt want to see me, but I shouldโve thought to ask you.โ
He stares down at where your hands are connected, his thumb rubbing against your skin.
You fight the urge to touch his face again. โIโฆIโve missed you, too, I think.โ
โYou think?โ Humor laces in his tone.
โI donโt know. Iโve never wanted to be around someone like this before.โ You shrug, heat gathering in your cheeks. โForgive me while I navigate whateverโs going on inside my brain.โ
โI want to know everything youโre thinking,โ he murmurs, brushing your hair behind your ear. โEvery joke, unimportant sentence, emotion, process. I want to know you.โ
You lean forward and press your lips to his without a single thought in your head, but he reciprocates with ease. Almost as if heโs not taken off-guard in the slightest.
โI could get used to that,โ he says against your lips. โNo more silence, okay? I donโt want to be away from you.โ
โNo more silence,โ you agree.
When the two of you pull away from each other, your eyes widen at the sight of your lipstick on his lips. You grab his arm to stop him from getting out of the car and use your thumb to wipe the excess away.
โMade a mess, did you?โ He grabs your wrist to stop you. โYou donโt want anyone to see that you like me that much?โ
A grin follows his words, and he grabs his handkerchief out of his pocket.
โNo one can know I actually have a heart,โ you interject, watching as he wipes his mouth.
โAlright.โ He puts his hand on your knee and squeezes. โAre you ready?โ
If thereโs one thing you know for sure, itโs the overwhelming attraction you have for Chenle. You take him in for a moment, the dark sweep of his hair parted to reveal his forehead, the way he grips you, the way he watches you as if youโre the only person in the world to exist.
โBefore we go,โ you start, chuckling quietly at yourself for the question youโre about to ask him. โDidโฆdid you ever get condoms?โ
His lips part in shock, and he blinks and flounders for words for a solid few seconds before he clears his throat. โIโฆI mean, I did, but not because I thought we wouldโit was just a precaution, you know?โ
โDo I make you, Zhong Chenle, so nervous that youโre stuttering right now?โ
โIsnโt it obvious?โ He pats your thigh. โAbsolutely, you do.โ
You silently thank whoever made this car for the partition between the driver and you and Chenle. โI could do so many other things to you that are so much better.โ You gently touch his tie, wrapping your fingers around the fabric and pulling on it to bring him closer to you.
โI truly have no doubt thatโs true.โ He wets his lips. โIf we donโt get out of this car in the next ten seconds, Iโm having the driver fucking turn us around. We canโt miss the vote.โ
โI guess receiving the title of COO is a little more important than banging my husband.โ
โFuck, I need to get out right now.โ He glances up at the ceiling and throws the door open without any more hesitation. Like usual, he turns and offers you his hand.
You take it gratefully, and you loop your arm through his once your feet are safely on the ground. While you follow his lead, you realize something that has the gears in your brain turning. Chenle is the only man youโve ever accepted guidance from. As miniscule as it seems to allow him to walk you inside, you canโt deny how youโd willingly follow him wherever he may go.
The vote does go off without a hitch, and not even half an hour after you receive your title, youโre in an office plugging away at whatever work needs to be done. Unfortunately, youโre awfully distracted by the thought of Chenle by himself down the hall. A knock on the glass door jolts you out of your thoughts. You see Jeno standing there with a file in his hands. You beckon for him to come in, and he gestures at the seat as if to ask you if he can sit.
โPlease.โ You nod, folding your hands together. โDid you need something?โ
The man hands you the file. โWe were able to trace the owner of the bank account, and an address associated with it. IโฆI figured itโd be best to leave this information with you, given that this could be sensitive information.โ
You open it, glancing through the charges. โIt started with a different bank account and name.โ
โIt did. Payments were originally made to a Liu Shuye, and just over two years ago, the bank account switched to a Liu Sujia.โ Jeno pauses and takes a deep breath. โI think itโd be better for you to do this portion of it on your own.โ
โThey have different surnames.โ You tap your pen on your desk. โAnd youโve never heard of this person before today?โ
โNot once.โ
โVery well.โ You sigh and close the folder, gaze meeting Jenoโs. โThank you. Iโll look into this further and determine at what point Chenle needs to be involved. For now, Jeno, keep this between us.โ
โOf course.โ Jeno nods and stands. With a quick bow of his head, he moves to the door. โHeโs a good man, (Y/N). Chenle, I mean. But he feels too easily, so tread carefully with whatever you find.โ
โI will.โ
Once Jeno departs, you cross your arms over your chest and stare down at the information delivered. These payments were made for years, so youโre unsure of how this could relate to Chenle in specific, but you feel an overwhelming resolve to make sure whatever this is doesnโt hurt him.
Chenle came to get you from your office at almost 7pm. He refused to let you work any longer and insisted he had to take you home. Your mind has been turning since Jeno brought you the documents, but you leave them buried in your desk and lay your head on Chenleโs shoulder for the duration of the car ride home. Once you're inside the house, Chenle takes your jacket off your shoulders and hangs it. You turn to him and grab his hand.
โCome to bed with me?โ you ask.
โOf course.โ He gives you the softest smile, and as you walk up the stairs, he follows closely behind you.
The two of you step inside his room. Chenle closes the door and then wraps his arms around your waist and tugs your back to his chest. He buries his head in your neck, a hum escaping past his lips.
โAre you tired?โ you ask him, reaching up to play with his hair.
โNo,โ he mumbles. โI just want to be close to you. Itโs been a long day, and you make me feel better.โ
โIs that so?โ You face him and tilt your head.
โI was scared to fall for you, too,โ he whispers. โFor anyone, but especially you. I know the reasons weโre here are vastly different from a conventional marriage, but I already wanted you before all of this.โ
Your heart thuds in your chest as you realize his use of past tense. He was scared. Does that mean he already has fallen for you?
โCโmere,โ you mutter. โWe can be closer.โ
โAre you sure?โ He cups your cheeks, thumbing your skin. โI know weโve gone back and forth a couple times, but I need you to know you donโt have to do anything for me. Ever.โ
โKiss me, Chenle.โ
All events of the day are forgotten as soon as his lips are on yours. His hands explore along your back, fingers clenching onto the fabric of your dress as he inhales shakily. When he pulls away, itโs only for a second, as if he canโt stop himself from going back for more.
โPlease tell me this means something to you.โ He gulps, his words punctuated by kisses as he turns you around and walks you backward. โThat Iโm not crazy for wanting you the way I do.โ
As the back of your knees make contact with the bed, you grip onto his shoulders, breathless from the passion behind his kiss. โYouโre not crazy. Itโs terrifying how fast youโve become all I think about. Your smile and your laugh and the passion you carry. This means everything to me.โ
His eyes sparkle in the lamp-lit room, a warmth dancing around in them youโve never seen from anyone before. He finds the zipper of your dress, slowly pulling it down.
โI hope you truly know how fucking exquisite you are,โ Chenle murmurs, removing the fabric from your body and returning his touch to your back to explore your bare skin. โI donโt want to fight these feelings anymore.โ
โDo something about it, then.โ
The heat radiating from him keeps the chill of the air in the room off of your skin, and after he guides your back down on the mattress, he haphazardly tosses his suit jacket away. You scoot back to give him more space, and he climbs on top of you. You part your legs further, nearly gasping when he takes his spot between them, pressing against you as if he were made to fill that space. As he takes your lips with his own, you work on the buttons of his shirt. Your hands shake, making it difficult, but he doesnโt mention it. He keeps kissing you like heโll die of thirst the second he pulls away.
You finally get the last one, and he sits up briefly to rid himself of the extra material. Before itโs even completely removed, you reach down for his belt. He stares at your hands as you unbuckle it, but you donโt have time to slide it off him. When his mouth crashes into yours again, you lift your hips up.
A quiet, needy sigh passes through his lips. โGod, I fucking need you so bad.โ
โIโm yours,โ you tell him. โShow me how much you need me.โ
He grinds down against you, and his hard length slides against the wet spot in your lace panties. That time, you do gasp. Itโs been much too long since you allowed yourself pleasure by anotherโs hand, and you crave that closeness with Chenle.
โCan I touch you?โ he asks, voice rough.
โPlease.โ You nod. โTouch me wherever you want.โ
He curses under his breath, but he presses his lips to yours once more, then along your jawline, down your neck, and paying attention to the valley between your breasts. He squeezes the right one, rubbing his thumb against your nipple through the somewhat thick material.
โYouโre so fucking pretty.โ He nips at your skin, and you already know heโll leave marks on you. Pausing, he takes a deep breath. โYouโyouโve done this before, right?โ
โDone what?โ
โSex.โ
โI have. Why?โ
โNo, I justโฆyou said youโd never been in love before and I didnโt want to just assume that youโโ
โJust keep going.โ You blush, but he listens to your command without hesitation.
When his mouth continues downward, leaving a trail of his saliva on your stomach until he reaches the hem of your panties. He tongues along the band, his eyes flicking up to yours.
โGood God,โ you whisper, the urge between your legs becoming far too much for comfort. โWhat are you doing?โ
โGetting my fill.โ He leaves open-mouthed kisses along your inner thighs.
When his thumb brushes your clit through your panties, your hips jolt. You curse, grasping onto the sheets as you prepare yourself for whatever he has planned. He smirks at your reaction, and as he pulls at your underwear, you lift up to urge him to move faster. He wraps his arms around your legs, his hands pressing your hips down into the mattress. Even though he opens his mouth to speak to you, his eyes donโt leave your glistening core.
โYou can stop me if you change your mind. Just tell me.โ He gulps, wetting his lips like heโs struggling to hold back.
โI wonโt change my mind,โ you reassure him.
โBut you need to know itโs always an option.โ He squeezes you gently, and without awaiting your response, he slides his tongue from your entrance to your clit.
No matter how embarrassing it is, you canโt stop the whimper escaping you. His tongue flicks your clit one, two, three times as he digs his nails into your skin. Pleasure isnโt entirely foreign to you, but youโre sure itโs the way your soul has begun craving Chenleโs that makes this so much better than anything else youโve experienced. His grip on you keeps you from squirming too much, but you try regardless. As he steadily moves over your clit, your back arches off the mattress. Whines leave your mouth as you run your fingers through Chenleโs hair in encouragement.
He takes your sensitive bud into his mouth, sucking to add pressure, only to release it and start all over again. You lift yourself on your elbows to watch him, all while practically pushing his head further between your legs. His eyes are closed, and seeing his lips work on your core has to be one of the most erotic things youโve ever witnessed.
โYou taste so fucking good,โ he groans, the vibrations against your entrance sending shivers up and down your spine.
You feel yourself approaching the edge. Your body tenses, but your high wonโt take you. Cursing quietly, you lift your hips in an attempt to figure out why the hell you canโt get out of your head. Chenle pulls away from your core, pressing kisses to your inner thigh. โRelax, darling. It doesnโt matter how long it takes.โ
โPlease justโฆโ You drop your head back on the mattress and let out a defeated breath. โI want all of you.โ
He leans over to the bedside table and grabs a condom, trailing his lips up your body once more until he reaches your neck. His teeth graze your skin. โYou can trust me, (Y/N). Iโll take care of you.โ
โI do,โ you mutter, running your fingers through his hair. โI swear I do.โ
โItโs not me you have to convince.โ He nips your collarbone. โWe donโt have to keep going if youโre not ready.โ
You shake your head. โIโm ready. I want you.โ
โOkay.โ He nods, pulling back to meet your gaze. His features are soft, nothing short of adoration in his eyes. โTry not to think about it too much. Just feel.โ
โIโve never been good at that.โ You chuckle and grin at him.
โIโll show you how, baby. Iโve got you.โ
You crane upwards to kiss him, and he meets you in the middle. Tasting yourself on his tongue has you sighing into him, and you push at his pants in hopes that heโll take the hint. He pauses to rid himself of the rest of his clothing, and then slides his hands beneath you to unclasp your bra. You arch your back to give him more space, and soon enough, nothing separates you from your husband anymore.
โYouโre sure?โ he asks you again, grabbing the wrapper once more.
โI want you,โ you confirm.
Despite the confidence you usually feel, something here feels moreโฆvulnerable than youโve ever been. Your heart flutters in your chest as he opens the condom and slides it on, and you spread your legs further as he climbs over you again. No man has ever made you nervous before, even in similar situations, but something with him is different. You care about him. You want him to feel good, too, and you crave his promises of taking care of you.
โNeed you to relax,โ he whispers, peppering kisses on your jawline as he lines himself up with your soaked entrance. โClose your eyes, darling, just let yourself feel.โ
You tilt your head back to give him better access to your neck, and you listen to him. Through the darkness, you see the world you drew on his ceiling, the one with beautiful landscapes, overarching mountains, fresh, clean streams, and you sigh in content. The middle of the map, the location you craved to be in, is right here. With him. His breath catches in his throat as he slides inside you, his length stretching you. He gulps and rests his head on your shoulder as he attempts to steady himself. You tangle your fingers in his hair, combing through the midnight strands. After both of you calm down from the initial overwhelming movement, you wrap your legs around his waist and lock your ankles together, tugging him up to kiss you. His lips work softly on yours, and he slowly grinds against you. He pulls out until only the tip is inside, and as he pushes back in, he moans into your mouth. Your body shudders at the sound.
โTell me how it feels,โ he says, chest pressed to yours. โHow do I make you feel?โ
โChenle, Iโโ You blush despite the situation.
โYou donโt have to be shy with me, baby. Let me help you.โ He repeats his previous movement, and you watch as his eyes flutter from the pleasure. โI can tell you how it feels for me.โ
You nod. โPlease.โ
The pace he sets is slow but has electricity coursing through your veins anyway. He continues to pull out almost all the way, just to allow you to experience the entirety of his length rubbing against your inner walls.
He gulps, pressing his lips to your ear. โYouโre divine, darling. Youโre squeezing me so tight, I could stay here forever. Itโs like you were fucking made for me, soaked and so fucking warm, baby, you take me so well.โ
Everything he does is like a lightning strike, every fiber in your muscles breaking down as you yearn for this completion. You know youโll never be able to stay away from him. Even if you donโt finish, this journey is just as good as the destination.
โFeels like Iโm on fire,โ you whisper. Thankfully, your eyes are closed, or heโd see them roll back. โYouโre everywhere and itโs still not enough.โ
He picks up his pace a bit, and a moan tumbles from your lips. He holds himself up on one of his elbows, his other hand gripping your thigh.
โThatโs it.โ He kisses you, gently biting at your bottom lip as he pulls away. โI could never have enough of you. Need you always. Forever.โ
Your heart thuds against your ribcage, and despite the pleasure clouding your brain, you allow those words to sink in through your skin and bones, deeper still until they reach your soul. There, they repeat over and over again until theyโre permanently tattooed upon every recognizable piece of yourself. The hand on your thigh skirts downwards, his palm pressing on your abdomen as his thumb brushes your clit. You jolt and whine, digging your nails into his shoulders. He curses, but doesnโt let up. As the knot forms in your stomach, you open your eyes to watch Chenle, his face scrunched in pleasure as your walls flutter around him as your high approaches. He doesnโt look away from you, and as you lift your hips to match his thrusts, his fist clenches the sheets next to your head.
โSo fucking wet,โ he groans, his thumb never faltering in pace as he rocks his hips against yours. โYouโre so perfect, darling. Gonna let me feel you cum?โ
Between the slide of his length inside you and the pressure on your sensitive bud, youโre dazed at best. You nod, gripping onto him.
โIโm so close,โ you whimper. โGod, I want it so bad.โ
Chenle adjusts his hips, and the next time he thrusts in, he hits a spot that has you seeing stars. Youโve never unraveled like this before, but your body shakes as overwhelming pleasure takes over, your vision spotting as you cry out and grip onto your husband. Your toes curl as he quickens his pace, and it doesnโt take much longer for him to press himself as deep as he can to finish in the condom. His body slumps on top of yours, his chest heaving as he presses his lips across your hot skin.
โ(Y/N)...โ he says between pants. โOh, my God.โ
You let out a breathless giggle. โI didnโt do any of the work.โ
โPromise you, just you being here is more than enough for me.โ He kisses your cheek and gently removes your legs from his waist. โIโll be right back.โ
You stop yourself from whining at the loss of him inside you, but as he goes to dispose of the condom, you get yourself clothes to put on. You slide a new pair of panties on before setting your silk pajama set on the bed.
Chenleโs arm wraps around your waist, and he presses his back to your chest. โWhat are you doing?โ
โGetting dressed.โ You chuckle. โWhat should I be doing?โ
โAbsolutely nothing.โ He presses a kiss to the base of your neck. โSupposed to be naked in bed and waiting for me.โ
โAh, is that so?โ You pretend to be in thought, tapping your fingers on his wrist.
โMhm. Donโt you know bare skin-to-skin contact promotes good bonding?โ He pulls you away from the foot of the bed and guides you back to where he left you. โBet youโll sleep better, too.โ
The two of you climb into bed together, and despite the way your internal temperature is much too high, you still thrive in the extra warmth of his embrace. You rest your head on his chest, his nails gently scratching up and down your back. He falls asleep first, his steady breathing nearly lulling you as well. You adjust your head on the pillow so you can see the softness of his features, and you allow yourself to reach up and trace along his cheekbone. If anyone had asked you at the beginning if youโd ever thought a moment as intimate as this were possible, youโd quickly tell them no. There was no way youโd ever let yourself be so vulnerable with anyone. Especially not someone who has no obligations to you other than legally marrying you.
But this is more. Itโs so much more than a business arrangement, and maybe a part of you has always known that. It wasnโt hating him you were scared of, but loving him.
But here you are. And youโre long past falling.
Your morning is unfortunately hectic in the wake of the events of last night. Of course, you shouldโve expected moments of relaxation in your marriage to be nearly non-existent, but neither you nor Chenle wanted to get out of bed. Despite that, today you planned on going to the address listed on the bank account. You roped Jisung in, even though he didnโt know all the details. Heโs your cousin, after all, and he wasnโt going to let you do anything potentially dangerous on your own. Although, youโre not sure he could do anything in a โdangerousโ situation anyway. He may be physically giant, but he truly acted like a teddy bear.
You and Jisung sit in the backseat while the driver takes you to the house, and youโre flipping through a binder of papers while Jisung is on his phone.
โYou know.โ He pauses, waiting for your attention. โI stopped by your house last night.โ
You turn to him and frown. โYou did? How come I didnโt see you?โ
โWhen I arrived, the staff said it would be best not to interrupt you at the time. They didnโt really say why, but I can only imagine. Either you and Chenle were in the process of murdering each other, or you guys are really going all in on the heir making.โ
Your face heats up and you scratch your head. โIโI took your advice, is all. Weโre kind of trying to figure things out, I think.โ
โUh huh. So the turtleneck isnโt a strategic move?โ
โPark Jisung!โ You push his shoulder. โYou canโt just say stuff like that.โ
โNo, of course not.โ He bites back his teasing grin. โIโm just saying, itโs good that youโre opening up to him. You guys are pretty much stuck together, so you should at least try to make the best of things.โ
โBut yes, we are certainlyโฆmaking the best of things.โ You grin to yourself and focus back on your binder.
โSo, I can stop hearing your dad complain about no heir news soon?โ He rolls his eyes. โThat man is truly insufferable.โ
You shake your head. โCanโt say the possibility is zero, but we used protection, so probably not. And yes, my father is insufferable. When he came over last time, he implied Chenle was impotent in front of both of his parents.โ
โIโm shocked by bothโwhy not try for pregnancy if youโre already sleeping together? And why would you not being pregnant after two months mean Chenleโs impotent?โ
โYou just live for drama, donโt you?โ You quirk an eyebrow at him. โMy husband would prefer to only have a family if itโs a real one. Meaning we would love each other. And I donโt question my fatherโs logic. Iโm not sure how he got as far as he has in business when he lacks so much common sense. Like Iโm a breeding mule or something.โ
โHuh.โ Jisung pauses and slumps back against his seat. โArenโt you lucky?โ
โLuck has nothing to do with it, Andy. None of this is short of hard work.โ
Your driver opens the door, and before Jisung can respond, youโre stepping onto the sidewalk. The house in front of you is in a suburb, an exact replica of everything else around it. Itโs not remarkable by any means. For someone making over half a million dollars every year, they sure do still live modestly.
โDonโt say a word,โ you warn Jisung. โIโll handle this.โ
โConsidering I have no idea whatโs going on, I will happily let that happen.โ
You stop at the front door, knocking three times. Standing completely rigid, you wait for anyone to answer. Once it opens, youโre confronted by a surprised woman. Her hair is long and black, reaching the center of her back. Brown eyes widen in shock.
โYou canโt be here.โ She moves to shut the door, but Jisung stops it over your shoulder.
โIโmโโ
โYouโre Chenleโs wife. I know who you are.โ Her jaw tightens. โYou need to go.โ
โUnfortunately, thatโs not an option. Iโm here on company business, because apparently someone decided sending $143,000 a quarter to your bank account was acceptable. You can let me in, or we can make a spectacle out here. Itโs your choice.โ
The woman, who canโt be too far from your age, blinks through her frustration and opens the door wider for you to step inside. You do, and she gestures to the couch.
โHave a seat. Iโll grab us all some water.โ She exits the room, and you and Jisung sit down on the couch.
Despite you being resilient in hiding your nerves from people, Jisung is able to read you like a book. โDonโt jump to conclusions,โ Jisung warns you quietly. โYou have no idea whatโs going on.โ
โRight. Only her being familiar enough with my husband to only use his first name. Not a big deal at all.โ You clench your fists together.
โYou said he had no idea about the payments.โ
โDoesnโt mean he doesnโt know her.โ You shake your head. โHe has no idea Iโm here.โ
Movement catches your attention, and you see eyes peeking around the corner. Your jaw drops before you can stop yourself, and then the small child steps into the open. You grasp onto Jisungโs sleeve, and those conclusions he told you not to jump to? Yeah, you dive into them.
โWho are you?โ he asks. He canโt be more than four, and he looks achingly familiar.
โJisung,โ you whisper.
Jisung leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. โIโm Jisung. Who are you?โ
โMy name is Yichen.โ He walks over and sits on the coffee table in front of you and your cousin. โIโm almost five.โ
โWow,โ Jisung feigns surprise. โYouโre getting so old.โ
โThatโs what my mommy says, too.โ He scrunches up his face.
Youโre struggling to breathe at this point, and thatโs when Sujia decides to come back. She curses under her breath the second she recognizes her child in the room, and she quickly sets the glasses of water down before shooing him back up the stairs. Youโre suddenly, painfully aware of Chenle telling you heโs been in love before. Of knowing there are women out there heโs wanted in the same way heโs sure he wants you.
โI think Iโm going to puke,โ you whisper to Jisung, careful not to let Sujia hear. โYou donโt thinkโฆ?โ
Before Jisung can confirm or deny whether your suspicions are valid, Sujia sits across from you on the couch. The first thing you do is look for a ring on her finger, and when you donโt find one, you feel an unmistakable lump form in your throat.
โWhy are you here?โ she asks. โIโve done everything I was supposed to. I havenโt told anyone anything, and my son and I are peacefully living far away from everything.โ
โThatโs the issue. I havenโt the faintest clue who you struck some sort of deal with for this money, nor do I know why. And if you want the payments to continue, youโll tell me everything.โ
โIs there something in specific youโd like to ask?โ She frowns.
โWhat makes you say that?โ
โYou suddenly look like youโre ready to rip my throat out,โ Sujia retorts.
โThe child. Is he Chenleโs?โ you blurt out before you can stop yourself.
Sujia visibly recoils, eyes widening as she glances between you and Jisung. โYouโฆAre you joking? Of course not. Chenleโdear God, Chenleโs my brother.โ
You swear your life flashed before your eyes, and as you drop your head into your hands, you let out a shaky sigh of relief. Your heart still races, but it starts to slow at the news that your husband doesnโt have a secret child.
โIโm sorry, your brother?โ Jisung asks. โI wasnโt aware Chenle had any siblings.โ
โNo one is. Thatโs why weโre receiving the payments.โ She pauses, wetting her lips. โChenleโs fatherโour fatherโmet my mother many years ago. I see him quite often, and heโs aware he has a grandchild. I figured he never told Chenle, and this confirms my suspicions. Considering his parents never divorced, I can only assume itโs because she is also unaware.โ
โHe recently became aware of the payments.โ Because of you. โAnd quite honestly, I donโt think this news will sit well with him.โ
โDonโt.โ Sujia shakes her head frantically. โDonโt tell him. WeโฆWe need that money, okay? And he has full power to take it away from us.โ
โDo you know anything about him?โ you ask her.
โJust what our father told me.โ
โChenle is exponentially kind. Heโd never simply cut ties and leave you to struggle. Itโs not like you lied to him by choice.โ You take a deep breath and brush your skirt off. โHeโs the best man I know. And for that reason, I could never intentionally keep this from him. Iโm sorry.โ
โI understand.โ Sujia runs her tongue along her teeth.
โAnd on the off chance he doesnโt continue payments, I will personally make sure youโre okay.โ
โYou actually care about him.โ She tilts her head at you.
โItโs hard not to care for someone like him.โ You stand up. โIโm sorry for taking up so much of your time. And for thinking your child was my husbandโs. Thank you for talking to me. Can we exchange numbers? I can keep you updated on how things go.โ
You make haste of retrieving her number, and then you and Jisung leave the house. Once you're back in the car, you let out a long, pent up breath. You tug your fingers through your hair and curse quietly.
โAre you okay?โ Jisung asks.
โHonestly? Iโm okay now that I know this isnโt Chenleโs fuck up.โ You nod. โI think I need to pay his father a visit.โ
โYouโre going to confrontโฆhis father?โ
โIโm going to confirm the story, obviously. And if itโs true, Iโm going to tell him what an incredible fuck up he is.โ You turn off the emotions switch, your face going stone cold. โChenle looks up to that prick.โ
When you arrive at his parentsโ house, youโre greeted by staff and Chenleโs mother. Jisung opts to stay in the car, and his mother rushes to bring you further into the house.
โAh, (Y/N), what a pleasant surprise.โ
Not if she doesnโt know about the secret child.
โWhat brings you here?โ she asks.
โChenle requested I bring these files for his father. Is he here?โ You smile at her.
โOf course. Heโs in his office. Itโs down the hall, all the way to the back on the right.โ She pats your shoulder.
You bow your head to her in thanks, and then you make your way down the hall. Knocking once, you await his confirmation to walk in. He sits behind the giant desk, glasses hanging on the edge of his nose. You note a lot of Chenleโs features come from him, but you canโt believe how vastly different they truly are.
โ(Y/N).โ He leans back on his chair. โWas I expecting you?โ
โNo.โ You approach him and drop the paper with her bank account information on it. โLiu Sujia.โ
His eyes widen, barely noticeably, and he looks at you. โWhere did you hear that name?โ
โDid you think no one would notice payments that high to a random bank account? From the company?โ
โYou have no idea what youโre talking about. A bank account means nothing. You canโt even be sure I was the one facilitating such payments. Chenle has been CEO for years now, so itโs been under his nose, tooโโ
โI donโt need your excuses. Or your explanations. Youโre not my father, and quite frankly, I donโt care about the state of your family.โ You glare at the man in front of you. โBut I also spoke with Ms. Liu. She has a child. Your grandson, and Chenleโs nephew. You think he doesnโt deserve to know?โ
โIf you donโt care about the state of my family, why are you doing this now?โ
โBecause I care about my family. And the second Chenle married me, he became part of it. And while you may not love your son, I do. I wonโt let you lie to him.โ The words fall right out without a second thought, and you fight the embarrassment of admitting your feelings to his father before Chenle.
โSo, why come here? Why not go right to Chenle?โ
โIโm sure he will have his own things to say to you later. I wanted the chance to let you know, objectively, what a selfish asshole you are. Your son idolizes you for the life you built for him. For showing him that a man can be loyal to a wife he may not love, if not for his childโs sake. But you werenโt. Everything he respects you for is a lie, and youโre despicable for being okay with that.โ
โHow dare you come into my home and talk to me this way?โ His eyebrows furrow in anger, and he leans forward, but you donโt even flinch.
โI donโt fear you,โ you hiss at him. โYou are human, just like everyone else. If you deserve to be scolded like a child, I have no problem being the only one with enough balls to do it. If you lose Chenle because of this, I hope you lie in your fucking grave. Iโll pay people to dance on it.โ
You turn your back on him, throwing the door open and stomping down the hallway before you give him the opportunity to say anything else. Sending a smile towards Chenleโs mother, you nod once at her before walking back outside to your car.
Gaining the courage to tell Chenle takes much longer than youโd like. You get back to your office, finding Chenle waiting for you. He smiles at you, one of his genuine, happy ones, and presses a quick kiss to your lips as you approach him.
โI never thought Iโd find a time where the CEOโs not busy,โ you tease him. โWhat are you doing here?โ
โI figured we could take a break and go get some lunch.โ He tugs you closer. โItโs been a long day, and all I want is to be with my wife. Is that so wrong?โ
You purse your lips and tilt your head. โWrong? No. Crazy? Maybe a smidge.โ
โWow, you just called me crazy. That hurt.โ He chuckles.
โHow about we just order something and eat it here?โ you ask. โI have a bunch of stuff to do, but I would love for you to be with me.โ
โOf course. What did you want to eat? Iโll tell the secretary to order it.โ
โWhatever youโre thinking is good,โ you tell him, leaning back on your desk. โIโm not too picky.โ
โIโll be right back.โ He kisses your cheek, and when he closes the door behind him, you let out a sigh. It feels like youโre lying to him now, but you couldnโt drop something huge like that on him now.
Not when he was looking at you with such affection. What if you telling him this makes him hate you, too?
When he comes back, he sits across from you and rests his head on his palm. โAre you okay?โ
โHuh?โ You frown at him. โWhat do you mean?โ
โYouโre just actingโฆdifferent, I donโt know. Is this about last night? Did I do something wrong?โ His forehead creases with worry, and your heart sinks in your chest.
โNo, no, last night was good. I really liked last night.โ You try to fight off the embarrassment at your words, but it doesnโt work very well. The tips of your ears burn.
โOkay.โ He reaches across the desk and grabs your hand. โYou donโt have to tell me whatโs going on. As long as Iโm not the one making you feel that way, I can wait until you want to talk about it.โ
โChenle,โ you whisper, squeezing him. โThank you.โ
โFor what?โ
โFor being you.โ You glance down. โFor not being what I expected.โ
โI want to take care of you. Not because I think you canโt, but because I want to. I can be a safe space for you, and Iโd never do anything to harm that image.โ
You stand up and walk over to him, grabbing both of his hands. โI think I might be able to let you do that.โ
โI donโt know if Iโve ever told you this.โ He pulls you closer until youโre straddling his lap. โYou amaze me every day.โ
โWeโre at work,โ you scold him.
โI donโt see you trying to move,โ he teases, palms exploring your back. โI was kinda sad we had to rush this morning. I wouldโve loved to just lay there with you for as long as possible.โ
You relax on top of him, fighting a smile as you study him closely. โI need to stop wearing lipstick.โ
โWhy?โ he asks. โDo you wanna kiss me again?โ
โI want to kiss you a lot.โ You nod.
โI can wipe lipstick off.โ
โWhat if mine gets smudged?โ
โTell people to mind their business. Weโre newlyweds.โ He watches your expression as his hands dip down to grip your ass through your dress. โI think the newlywed era started yesterday. Because all I want to do is be with you. All over you. Inside you.โ
โJesus Christ, Chenle.โ You smack his chest. โComposure.โ
He grins. โCโmon. You were thinking it, too.โ
โWe certainly canโt do it here,โ you tell him.
โItโs my building.โ
You give him a pointed look. โIโm trying to get your employees to respect me. They wonโt if they think Iโm here simply because I let you screw me on the desk.โ
โI gave you the position before I ever even slept with you.โ
โThey donโt know that.โ You roll your eyes and clamber off his lap. โThere actually is something I wanted to talk to you about later at home. Are you leaving at a decent time?โ
โI figured weโd leave together whenever you were done. If thatโs okay.โ Chenle clasps his hands together in his lap.
โPerfect.โ
Before you do anything else with him, you need to tell him about his father. You just hope you donโt lose your husband in the process.
You bring the binder home with you. On the car ride home, you loop your arm through Chenleโs and rest your head on his shoulder. He can sense your nervous energy and tries to soothe you with a kiss to your head. You and Chenle go upstairs, and you sit on the edge of the bed. He follows suit despite your nerves transferring into him the longer you stay silent.
โI wanted to talk to you about that charge we found.โ You put your hand on his knee. โAnd itโs a lot, okay? So I just want you to listen to me.โ
He frowns but nods in response.
โJeno and Jisung helped me with it. Jeno found out the account belonged to a woman, and there was an address associated with it. Jisung went with me to the house, and when we got there, I met with the woman.โ You pause and scratch the top of your head. โShe has a little boy. Heโs almost five. And to be honest, it was a possibility in my head that you mightโveโฆI donโt know, accidentally fathered a child, but thankfully, it wasnโt that.โ
โ(Y/N), who is she?โ
โSheโs your sister. Your half-sister, I guess.โ You gulp, refusing to make eye contact with him. โAnd the little boy is your nephew.โ
โOh.โ His voice shakes uncharacteristically, and he inhales.
โYour dad has been paying her and her mother off for years so you and your mother didnโt find out.โ You close your eyes. โAnd she begged me not to tell you because sheโs scared sheโll stop receiving her money. Which I get, honestly, but I couldnโt keep this from you. Not when I know howโโ
โ(Y/N), please. I need a second.โ He drops his head in his palms. His jaw tightens, and he angles his gaze to the ceiling.
โCome here,โ you murmur, opening your arms for him. Immediately, he melts into your grasp, resting on your chest as you stroke the top of his head. โIโm so sorry.โ
He grasps the fabric of your dress in his fist as he uses you to ground himself. โThe whole time I admired him for being better, he just fucking sucked?โ
You canโt tell if itโs anger or sadness that makes his voice shake.
โYouโre sure?โ
You nod. โIโm sorry.โ
โStop saying that,โ he tells you. โYou didnโt do this.โ
โNo, I didnโt, but I love you, Chenle. I hate seeing you like this.โ You and Chenle both tense up. He lifts his head to look at you, and your heart nearly shatters at the welled up tears in his eyes. You keep looking at him, more than nervous for his response.
โWhat?โ His voice is hoarse, almost like itโs caught in his throat. โWhat did you say?โ
โItโs not important right now, okay? I wasnโt thinking.โ Your own tears form, and you try your best to blink them away. โNo thinking, just feeling didnโt really work in this situation, huh?โ
โYou love me?โ He cups your cheek and turns you to him. โDo you mean that?โ
โAre you kidding me?โ You scoff. โOf course, I do.โ
You shouldnโt have done that now, given how overwhelmed he is, but it truly slipped out. He stares at you in shock, and when he parts his lips, a tear slips down his cheek. You shake your head, reaching forward and wiping it away with your thumb.
โDonโt cry,โ you say. โThis is all so much, I shouldnโt have dropped that on you like this, Iโm so sorryโโ
โStop apologizing. Please.โ
โI donโt ever want to hurt you.โ
โDarling, at this point, youโre the only one who hasnโt.โ He rests his forehead on yours. โAnd youโฆyou loving me makes all of this worth it. Nobody has that power over me when I have you by my side.โ
โI do. I love you.โ You sniffle and hold him tighter.
โIโve loved you since the first time I saw you walk into the room. I love you when youโre a thousand steps ahead of me, and I love you when youโre walking my pace. All the time, without fail and without reprieve.โ
Every bit of oxygen is stolen right from your lungs, and all you want to do is scream and cry and punch his father in the face. Such a pathetic man doesnโt deserve a son like Chenle.
โZhong Chenle, youโve broken me in all the best ways. That terrible wall, the shell around my heartโฆI donโt want to face the world alone anymore. I need you with me.โ You rub your thumbs along his cheeks, swiping up the next couple tears that fall.
โI will be better than my father. Than yours. Weโll do this the right way, okay?โ He inhales sharply.
โI donโt doubt that one bit.โ You lean forward and kiss his forehead. โWhat are you thinking? What do you want to do about all of this?โ
โIโd like to meet her. My sister. And my nephew.โ He chews the inside of his cheek. โShe wonโt have to worry about money. Weโll have to stop paying her through the company, but itโll come out of our personal account. If thatโs alright with you.โ
โSomehow, I had a feeling youโd say that. Of course, thatโs okay with me.โ
โCan you set that up please?โ he asks softly. โI honestly donโt know how, and she already knows you soโฆโ
โYou donโt have to explain. Iโll do it.โ You run your fingers through his hair. โYouโre the bravest person I know. Not everyone would handle it the way you are.โ
โWeโll figure this out, yeah?โ
โBetween the two of us, thereโs not a problem in this world we couldnโt solve.โ You kiss the tip of his nose and stand from the bed, holding your hand out to him.
โWhat?โ
โI was thinking we could take a bath. Help each other relax.โ
He gives you a tired smile and nods. โThat sounds amazing.โ
You start the water and put a more-than-appropriate amount of the bubble bath liquid in it. Tying your hair up to prevent it from getting wet, you smile to yourself when you feel Chenleโs hands on your waist.
โNeed some help getting this off?โ He tugs on your dress.
โI might need help with everything,โ you hum, letting your eyes flutter shut as he unzips your dress.
Once it's thrown across the room, you unbutton Chenleโs shirt, pushing it from his shoulders. Soon enough, both of you are beneath water and bubbles, and his arms are locked firmly around your waist. You rest against his chest, allowing the lavender scent to soothe your stress.
โYโknow what weโre missing?โ you mumble. โChampagne.โ
โI can have someone bring it to us. Just say the word.โ He kisses your temple.
You shake your head. โWeโre naked.โ
โTheyโre professionals.โ He laughs and squeezes you. โAnd I can have them leave it in the bedroom.โ
โRight, and make sure thereโs a heart made out of flower petals on the bed.โ You roll your eyes.
โYou can have anything you desire, (Y/N). Youโre my wife. The skyโs truly the limit.โ He explores your skin out of curiosity, mapping his way around your body.
You sit up and look over your shoulder at him. โYou know what I want?โ
He raises his eyebrows in response.
โI want it all.โ You grab his hand. โI want you. The good days and the bad ones. Whatever trial comes our way, I want us to figure it out together.โ
โDo youโฆDo you actually want children? Or is that something you feel like you have to do?โ he asks.
โHonestly, I donโt know. There was a brief moment when I met Sujia and Yichen that I thoughtโฆI thought that he couldโve been yours. I mean, he looks like you a little bit, but heโs your nephew so thatโs not weird. When that became a possibility in my head, it hurt. Stung, is more like it. I guess I figured that any children youโd have would be mine as well, and to think there were others you might haveโโ
โDarling,โ he coos, tightening his grip on you. โI promise you, I do not have any secret children. Nor will I ever. You will be very, very aware of any child I have. I donโt want them if itโs not with you.โ He presses a kiss to your shoulder.
โThatโs good.โ You nod and lean back against him once more. โWe have time to think about it, right?โ
โTake as much time as you need.โ He takes a deep breath. โIโm not going anywhere.โ
You hesitated to have Chenle meet Sujia so quickly. A week passes before you consider reaching out to her, and you know Chenle is waiting for it. She has to be too, at this point, probably worried about whether or not her money supply was going to be cut off. He has yet to confront his father, but you assume that will come with time. For now, youโre curled up next to him in bed, his heartbeat steady beneath your ear. Finally, itโs a rest day for you both, and you get to spend the whole day with him uninterrupted.
His fingers run through your hair, a deep breath passing by his lips. โDarling.โ
โHm?โ You move closer to him, burying your head in his neck.
โKiss me?โ
You donโt hesitate to do as he asks, humming against his lips as the two of you connect. He shifts to his side to get closer to you, his hand trailing from your hip, down your leg, until he finds the back of your knee. Pulling your leg over his waist, he shuffles closer to you, pressing his body to yours.
โWhat are you doing?โ you ask him, smiling.
โLoving you,โ he replies easily, sliding his hand back up to your ass. The thin fabric of your shorts does little to hide the sensation of him squeezing you. You donโt mean to gasp, but you attempt to distract him by tangling your fingers in his hair.
โTell me what you want.โ You pull back to get a good look at him.
โI havenโt stopped thinking about you,โ he admits. โHow fucking good you made me feel.โ
โMore.โ
โYouโve been telling me you love me for a week now and I havenโt been able to hear it when Iโm inside you. God, I never thought Iโd be like this. Itโs only been a week.โ He squeezes you harder, pushing his hard length against you.
As he grinds himself slowly into your core, you curse and wrap your arms around him. โWhy did you wait this long?โ you ask him breathlessly.
โDidnโt wanna push you.โ He kisses along your neck, nipping wherever he can reach. โDonโt want you to think this is all I want. Fucking been hard all day, darling. Every time you walked into the fucking room all week, instantly ready to bend you over.โ
Your body shudders as you process his words. โWhy donโt you lay back? Let me take care of you.โ
โI need you so bad,โ he groans. โI could cum just hearing you talk like that.โ
You push him onto his back and quickly straddle him. Rolling your hips, you curse under your breath as you feel his hard length against your clit.
โChenle,โ you mutter, trailing your hands beneath his shirt. โDo you prefer ass or tits?โ
โThatโs an odd question.โ
โYou wonโt regret answering.โ
โAss.โ
โPerfect. Do you have a condom?โ You raise your eyebrows at him.
โTheyโre in the bedside tableโdarling, I didnโt prep you yetโโ
โYouโre not the only one whoโs needy,โ you interrupt him, quickly moving to grab one of the wrappers. Before you climb on top of him again, you kiss his cheek. โYouโre allowed to do whatever you want, my love. You donโt have to ask.โ
You shove your shorts and panties down, and as you pull at his sweats and boxers, his fists clench at his sides. His length smacks against his stomach, and he wraps his fingers around himself to relieve some of the ache. You didnโt get to see it much the first time, but you take a second to appreciate just how fucking pretty he is. Heโs so hard, itโs probably starting to hurt.
He runs his thumb over the tip and gasps. โBaby, please.โ
You waste no more time in getting the condom on him, and then you straddle his lap again, but backwards this time. As you quickly sink down on his length, taking him all the way inside, he moans loudly.
โGod, youโre so fucking hot.โ He drags his nails down your back until he reaches your ass, and then he grips you tightly with both hands. โYou needed me, too, huh? Dripping all over me when I havenโt even touched you yet.โ
You brace yourself on the mattress between his legs, and set a fast, steady pace. He moans every time you sink all the way down, and your fingers curl into the sheets. You easily ignore the ache beginning in your thighs when you listen to him and how good youโre making him feel. He spurs you on, his moans slowly turning to higher pitched whines.
โCan weโfuck, can we try something?โ Chenle asks, gripping your hips to hold you still.
โWhatever you need.โ You shakily lift yourself off of him, and he quickly moves from below you. He removes his shirt before aiding you in doing the same.
He guides you to arch your back, your face pressed into the mattress as your walls clench around nothing. His tip catches on your clit, and your body jolts, but you grip onto the sheets instead.
โGonna fuck you good, darling. Wanna hear you the whole time, got it?โ His voice sends needles of pleasure pricking into your spine, and you know you can ignore everything else once heโs buried inside you.
โYes.โ You nod. Your fingers curl into the sheets as he slides in. The angle has you seeing stars, and your mouth falls open at the sensation.
His hands squeeze your ass as he starts slowly, the rub of him against your walls making your legs tremble already. You worry briefly about being too distracted, but as reaches around you to put his hand between your legs, all thoughts besides the way he feels completely obliterate. He rubs your clit in pace with his thrusts, his breathing uneven as he works your body as if heโs touched you for years. You barely recognize yourself when your moans slip past your lips. Youโve never let go like this before, and through your daze, you push yourself back against him. He tentatively smacks your ass, light enough to make you crave the contact. You canโt breathe as you curse.
โAgain,โ you whine, your entire being on the brink of collapse. โMore.โ
โEarn it, baby,โ he commands. โYou know what I want to hear.โ
You let out a shuddering breath as his tip nudges that spot inside you. โFuck, I love you. I need more.โ
He smacks you harder this time, and the loud, needy moan that pours from your lips gets distorted by the way he starts to slam his hips against you. His fingers speed up on your clit, and youโre already teetering on the edge. Sounds of your arousal emanate around the room, mixing with both of your moans. His skin clapping against yours has every muscle in your body craving the release you know is so, so close.
As your high smashes into you like a tidal wave, the pleasure is so overwhelming, you cry out and clench onto the sheets. Chenle curses as his thrusts begin to falter, but you barely hear him. Youโre much too sensitive, and you whimper as his fingers still work your bud. Without warning, he pulls out of you. You whine at the loss, attempting to push back, but he grips your hips and flips you onto your back. Gasping at the sudden movement, you grab for him as he climbs over you.
โWhat are you doing?โ you ask breathlessly.
โI need to see you, darling.โ He inhales sharply as he pushes back inside you. โAnd kiss you.โ
His lips connect with yours as he keeps his steady pace. His chest rubs yours, the heat almost unbearable as your tongues fight for dominance. A groan slipping out of his mouth interrupts your kiss, and next thing you know, heโs as deep as he can get, panting against your collarbone.
โFuck,โ he whispers. โI love you.โ
โMe too,โ you reply, breathless as you run your fingers through his hair. โI love you, too.โ
โThat wasnโt too much, was it?โ He peppers kisses anywhere he can reachโyour neck, your chest, your shoulders.
You shake your head. โNo, Iโm just a little surprised. You can tell me when you want me, you know. You donโt have to wait for me to initiate.โ
โItโs beenโฆan interesting week, you know?โ He pulls out of you, kissing you softly one last time before he goes into the bathroom to get rid of the condom. When he comes back, he lays down on top of you again. โI came twice.โ
You recoil, angling your head to look at him. โJust now?โ
โYep. Came when you were on top of me, too,โ he hums in content. โAnd Iโll have you know thatโs never happened to me before.โ
โHad someone on top of you or finished twice?โ
โThe second one.โ He pauses. โBut Iโโ
โYou donโt have to explain.โ You snort. โI have a past, too.โ
โThatโs good. Donโt wanna move,โ he mumbles, pushing his head further into your neck.
You laugh. โDonโt, then.โ
Chenle falls asleep fairly quickly, and you kiss his forehead before wiggling out from under him. You grab a new pair of panties and slide them on before grabbing one of his button-downs. Itโs much too late for any of the staff to be out and about, so you grab your phone and head to the kitchen. When you look at the screen, the worry settles back in the pit of your stomach. Sujia had texted you forty-five minutes ago, asking you for an update on the situation. After a week, you think Chenle has probably had at least a little bit of time to come to terms with everything. You text her back to let her know Chenle wants to meet her, and then you get your water. You donโt want Chenle to ever feel hurt like that again, but itโs not going to just disappear. You know better than that. But it doesnโt change how seeing him so upset broke you to pieces, too. If you could, youโd ruin anything that even tried.
He was right all along.
Being in love doesnโt have to be a bad thing. It makes you stronger. Gives you a purpose other than what is required of you when youโre from certain bloodlines. From the beginning, you were sure Chenle would neverโcould neverโmean anything to you, and even though he told you otherwise, you had to find out for yourself. Youโd start wars for him. Youโd do anything to make sure he was okay, because at the end of the day, he truly is the only person to love you without conditions involved. He cares for you not because he has to, not because heโs forced to, but because he wants to. Because he chooses to. You refill the glass for Chenle and head back upstairs. When you open the door, he stirs, blinking the sleep out of his eyes as he turns and sits up.
โWhereโd you go?โ he asks, running his fingers through his hair.
โWater.โ You hold the glass up and set it next to him on the bedside table. Standing at the edge of the bed, you look at him, unable to fight the small smile forming.
โWhat?โ He raises an eyebrow at you.
โYouโre justโฆโ You chuckle and shake your head. โShut up. Youโre just really cute like this.โ
He holds his arm out to you. โPinch me. Iโm pretty sure Iโm still dreaming.โ
โOh, youโre hilarious.โ You smack at his wrist.
He tugs gently on the bottom hem of the shirt youโre wearing. โI like this on you.โ
โIt was the first thing I found.โ Embarrassment climbs through you. โSorry, I shouldโve asked.โ
โWhat part of that sounded like I wanted you to ask?โ He snorts. โYouโre always welcome to anything here. You should know that by now. But youโve been away from me for way too long. Cโmere.โ
He opens his arms for you, and you chuckle and climb into bed next to him. When he lays on his side, he tugs you to follow suit. You listen to him, staring into his eyes while his thumb rubs on your hip through the white fabric.
โThank you,โ he whispers.
โFor what?โ
โFor trying with me. Not running away. Letting me love you. The list is honestly endless.โ He kisses your forehead. โNot to mention I really wouldโve fucking lost my mind with all of that stuff last week if you hadnโt been there.โ
โSpeaking of.โ You shuffle closer to him. โShe wants to meet you. And I really think you should do it, because at the end of the day, sheโs your sister, you know?โ
Chenle hesitates, thousands of emotions crossing through his gaze like a storm. โYouโre right. You can set it up for whenever, and Iโll be there.โ
โIโm sorry this happened, Chenle.โ You intertwine your fingers with his. โAnd I want you to know that, no matter how youโre feeling, you can tell me. I want to help you process.โ
โIโll be okay, darling. Truly. Itโll just take some time getting used to it. I do think itโll be nice to have a sibling, although sheโll probably hate me forโฆI donโt know. Being legitimate?โ
You laugh, burying your head in his neck. โYouโre not taking her money away, so I doubt sheโll hate you.โ
He hums quietly, sleep still heavy in his voice as he pulls you flush against him. โI shouldnโt be able to love you this much yet. Slow down, would you?โ
โYou, of all people, should know that those words do not exist in my vocabulary.โ You close your eyes and breathe him in. โI love you, too.โ
Sujia sets the day for the upcoming Saturday, and so while the days pass, you witness Chenle slowly lose his mind. Heโs not upset at Sujia at all, but he obviously is with his father. Itโs an incredibly large secret to keep from your family, so he has every right to those feelings. The entire car ride to her house, heโs squeezing your hand so hard, you fear heโll cut the circulation off. His leg bounces restlessly, and the frown hasnโt left his face once today. The driver opens the door, and you get out first to at least attempt to lessen your husbandโs nerves. Youโre unfortunately aware of the straggle of photographers waiting for the two of you. While youโre not sure how they found out about this, youโre not worried about them in the slightest.
Once Chenleโs on his feet, you loop your arm in his. โBe calm. There are cameras, so at least wait until we get inside to freak out.โ
โYes, maโam.โ He sends you a sly grin.
The two of you approach the door, and you knock. Sujia opens the door quickly, ushering the two of you inside to prevent herself from being seen. Chenle removes his sunglasses, and you take them from him to put in your purse.
โ(Y/N), itโs nice to see you again,โ Sujia greets you.
You nod at her. โLikewise.โ
โChenle, youโre a little more intimidating in person.โ She clasps her hands together. โAre you guys thirsty? Iโll get some water.โ
โActually,โ you say, patting Chenleโs arm. โWhy donโt you two get your sibling introductions out of the way, and Iโll just play with Yichen. Heโs my nephew, too, after all. And Iโm pretty sure I scared him last time.โ
The two of them both flounder for words, neither of them wanting to be without you in a moment like this.
โItโll be okay. Seriously. Neither of you bite, and Sujia, heโs actually really sweet. He just looks like he hates everything.โ
โAs you can see, my wife is my biggest fan.โ He presses his lips into a thin line as he fakes a glare.
โAnyway.โ You smile at Sujia. โI assume the child is upstairs?โ
โYes, but if you want him to not be scared of you, you may want to refer to him by his name or something other than โthe child.โโ She scratches the top of her head.
โGod, there is so much I could learn from you.โ You separate from Chenleโs side and head for the stairs. Much to your pleasant surprise, your nephewโฆin-law? is already stomping down the stairs.
โOh.โ The kid purses his lips. โYouโre back.โ
โI am.โ You nod and scrunch your nose up. โI figured while your mommy talks to my husband, we couldโฆI donโt know. Play a game or something? Do kids do that?โ
โYouโre weird.โ Yichen grimaces. โBut youโre nicer this time than you were last time. So yeah, we can play with the Switch.โ
You donโt end up actually playing, but you do watch Yichenโs game with interest. Leaning forward with your elbows on your knees, you analyze the process he uses when he plays every round.
โYouโre smart,โ you comment.
โMy mommy tells me that, too.โ He nods, seemingly unaffected by your compliment.
You pause for a moment. โDoes your momโฆcompliment you a lot?โ
โUh, I donโt know.โ Yichen doesnโt start the next round, but turns to look at you. โDoes your mommy compliment you a lot?โ
You laugh. โYeah, no. Definitely not."
โAre youโโ
โYichen,โ Sujia calls out. โCan you turn the game off please? Thereโs someone I want you to meet.โ
Without a second thought, he turns the Switch off and yells to his mom to tell her heโs ready. He sits next to you on the couch, folding his hands together in his lap. Youโve met a lot of children in your day, but you never imagined one could be so well-behaved. You see the panicked look on Chenleโs face as he walks in. A laugh almost erupts from you, but you hold it back. The man is meeting his nephew for the first time and canโt seem to shake the nerves away. You can only imagine what itโll be like when he meets his own child. You tense the second that thought crosses your mind.
When?
A legitimate chill runs down your spine, and then you realize how close Chenle has gotten. He squats down in front of Yichen, and Sujia leans against the archway into the kitchen.
โHey,โ Chenle starts. โIโm your uncle. And youโre my nephew.โ
โOh, wow.โ You really didnโt think it could get any worse than you.
โDo you know her?โ Yichen nods his head towards you.
Chenle smiles. โYeah. Thatโs my wife. So that makes her your aunt.โ
โShe said her mommy doesnโt compliment her.โ His eyes widen. โIs she a bad person?โ
Your husband lets out an exaggerated gasp. โNo way. Sheโs the best person I know.โ
โHow?โ
โWell, she told me about you and your mommy when nobody else did. Sheโs really, really smart and, cโmon, sheโs gorgeous. What else could I want in a wife?โ Chenle grins, sending a quick glance your way.
โI guess youโre right.โ Yichen shrugs. โDo you wanna play a game with me?โ
โAbsolutely.โ He nods in response.
You stand to give Chenle room, touching his shoulder lightly as you go to stand by Sujia. Leaning on the wall next to her, you quickly realize attempting to take your eyes off of your husband is futile.
โHe likes kids, huh?โ Sujia asks.
โHe really likes family,โ you reply.
โDo you want children?โ
โOh.โ You chuckle to yourself and fold your arms over your chest. โIโm not sure. But weโฆdonโt really have a choice. We signed a contract and heirs are part of the deal.โ
โIโm sorry, but I really donโt envy you,โ she tells you.
โAt the end of the day, itโs not that bad, though.โ
โSo, you and Chenle actually love each other.โ She hums, tapping her foot. โI feel like thatโs rare for people in your positions.โ
โIt is,โ you agree. โAnd honestly, had it been up to me at the beginning, we wouldnโt even beโฆfriendly. Weโd be tolerating each other.โ
"Wow, he fought for you.โ Humor laces in Sujiaโs voice.
โWell, I told him that Iโd rather tolerate him than learn one day that I might hate him instead. He was entirely right when he said it wasnโt the hate I was scared of. It was love. Of relying on someone else.โ
โAt least you can rest assured that he would be a good father.โ
You donโt respond for a moment, watching Chenle interact with his nephew. They must win something in the game, because they dramatically high five each other. The smile on Chenleโs face is wide, and your heart flutters as a result.
โYeah.โ You fight your own grin. โYeah, he really will.โ
You and Chenle are at Sujiaโs for hours. Itโs clear the two of them are similar, and thankfully, your husband seems to enjoy having a family member other than the ones who have disappointed him. Yichen warms up to you both, and by the time youโre leaving, heโs hugging you both goodbye and asking when youโll be back. Chenle is still smiling as he leads you back to the car.
โThat went a lot better than you thought, huh?โ You ask as he helps you into the backseat.
โI donโt know what I thought.โ He shakes his head. โBut itโs cool not to be an only child. Even if itโs unconventional, you know? And that little kid is freakinโ cool.โ
You lean on his shoulder. โIโm glad youโre making the best out of this situation.โ
โActually, do you mind if we make one more stop?โ
โOf course not. Where to?โ
โI think itโs time I had a conversation with my father.โ He pats your leg. โAnd I could really use your support.โ
โChenle.โ You tilt your head at him. โIf you donโt know by now that I would follow you anywhere, youโre not as smart as I originally thought. We may have to reconsider this whole thing.โ
He sucks in a deep breath through his teeth, holding back his laugh. โI hate to be the bearer of bad news, but that contract is pretty air tight.โ
โDamn.โ You roll your eyes and kiss his cheek. โYouโre so lucky I love you.โ
โThe luckiest.โ He lifts your hand up to his lips and kisses your knuckles. โCanโt even joke about that one.โ
Chenle isnโt even nervous as the two of you approach his fatherโs office. He grips your hand tightly, but his resolve has never been stronger. Despite him doing this on his own, you feel an odd swell of pride deep in your chest. Youโre so proud of the man heโs always been, and how he only ever wants to be better. His father already knows whatโs going on the second he sees you both. At that point, Chenle releases your hand and drops his folder on the desk.
โWhatโs this?โ his father inquires.
โA lawsuit,โ Chenle replies nonchalantly.
You almost gasp in shock. And while you shouldnโt be enjoying the awkward tinge in the atmosphere, you feel like you need a bag of popcorn right now.
โIโm sorry?โ He recoils in shock.
โYou seem to forget that when I became CEO, you no longer had any claim to the companyโs profits. And if I did my math correctly, which I did, $143,000 a quarter is roughly $572,000 a year, which is a grand total of $2,288,000 from the four years Iโve been seated in the CEO position.โ
โChenle, you have no rightโโ
โYou donโt tell me what I have the right to do, actually.โ Chenle buttons up his suit jacket. โSo, youโll be paying me back the money you owe me. That you stole from me to protect your little secret from getting out. But that must really suck, because you actually delivered a handwritten apology letter to Sujia and to your wife and your mistress and me and the employees at the company thatโll be announced in about ten minutes. To the whole world.โ
โYour mother cannot know about this. Whatever youโve done, you reverse it immediately.โ The angry expression on his face does nothing but make Chenle grin.
โYour secretโs out, Dad. Crazy how you had two children and never learned how to be an actual father.โ Chenle brushes himself out and points at the folder on the desk. โIโd read that. You might wanna think twice before fighting it.โ
โYouโll understand one day,โ his father replies. โThereโs more to life than marriage, and itโs only a matter of time before youโโ
โI will never be like you.โ The smile immediately falls from his face. โI love my wife, and Iโm not a fucking coward. I donโt need a second family because the first one wasnโt good enough for me. This is the last time youโll hear from me. And you wonโt be receiving any money from my company again. I hope youโre happy with yourself.โย
Your heart pounds in your chest, your lips parted in shock as you realize whatโs happening. Your husband turns his back on his father, gently holds out his hand to you, and shoots one last ice cold glare over his shoulder as he leads you out of the room.
As soon as the door shuts behind you, you laugh in disbelief. โChenle, holy shit.โ
โDude, my adrenaline is fucking crazy right now.โ He chuckles and blows out a deep breath. โThat was one of the scariest things Iโve ever done in my life.โ
โThis might be terrible to say, but I amโฆso attracted to you right now.โ You blush as you squeeze his arm.
โSo, nothing but good things today.โ He helps you into the car.
Once he shuts the door behind him, you climb onto his lap and kiss him. He groans in surprise, his hands immediately finding their place on your ass.
โWhat? You like when I put people in their places?โ he teases you, leaning forward to barely brush his lips on yours.
โThere were a lot of things I liked from today.โ You unbutton the first button on his shirt. โIt wasโฆvery hot of you to absolutely destroy a man like that. You held your ground andโฆI donโt know. The tone of your voice was sexy.โ
โMy God, am I learning things about you today.โ
โIf it helps you, Iโm also learning things about myself, so.โ
โMm, please tell me what else youโve got hidden up your sleeve.โ He squeezes your ass gently, pushing you closer so you feel him hardening in his pants.
โI thinkโฆwe should throw every single condom away. Permanently. Weโll have an endless amount of babies for you to play games with. Of course, youโll also have to tell them Iโm gorgeous, butโโ
โYouโre serious.โ His jaw drops, hope sparking behind his eyes. โDarling, you better not be joking about something like that.โ
You shake your head. โIโm not joking. You were on to something when you said you wanted everything. A real life, a real love, a real family. Why donโt we have it all?โ
โRight now? You want kids now?โ
โIf weโre gonna have twenty, we really have to start now, otherwise Iโm gonna be too oldโโ
He cuts you off with an earth-shattering kiss as he pulls you flush against him. His fingers tangle in your hair, and you giggle into his mouth. The only thing that separates the two of you is the door opening.You gasp and climb off his lap, clearing your throat and fanning your cheeks from the embarrassment of getting caught. Your husband grips your hand and pulls you towards the house, and you canโt stop the profuse laughter escaping you as he apparently decides youโre walking too slowly and hoists you over his shoulder.
โOh my God, Chenle, put me down.โ You can barely speak through your laughs.
He only listens to you once the two of you are inside and heโs able to set you on the kitchen island.
โIf youโre doubting it even a little bit, darling, youโd better tell me now.โ He kisses down your neck. โBecause I donโt care how fucking long it takes, weโre not stopping tonight until I get you pregnant.โ
โYouโre crazy.โ You push his shoulder. โYou have no way of knowing if youโllโโ
โBaby, donโt ruin my fun. Tell me if you really want this.โ
โI do, Chenle.โ You cup his cheeks, smiling at him. โI want it with you. They all need to look like you. I want at least one boy and one girl, and theyโll be best friends becauseโโ
He kisses you again, groaning as he slides his hand beneath the skirt of your dress. โKeep talking.โ
โUm, I just really think youโd be a good dad,โ you say, lifting your hips so he can pull your panties down. โAnd, uh, youโve proven how much family means to you, so it makes me feel safe. Iโshit.โ
He presses two fingers to your clit, and your body jolts. Chuckling, he traces along your pulse with his lips. โHow are you so wet already?โ
โWell.โ You let out another breathless laugh as you grind your hips to match his pace. โIt so helps that my husband is the hottest fucking man in this universe.โ
โYou think so highly of me,โ he hums, teeth grazing your ear lobe.
โYouโre cruel for this, you know.โ You rock upward, and your head lolls forward. โTeasing after you clearly feel how badly I want you is justโฆso rude.โ
โIโm sorry, baby. Please forgive me.โ He moves down to your entrance and thrusts two of his fingers inside you.
You cry out, holding onto his shoulders. With a frustrated groan, you push his jacket off of him. He curls his fingers and pumps faster, thumb returning to your clit.
โFuck, Chenle, wait.โ You smack at his wrist. Even though you donโt want him to stop, you want more. He stops immediately, pulling back to look at you.
โWhat? Are you okay?โ
โNo, Iโm not okay.โ You kiss him hard. โI need you inside me right fucking now.โ
โFirst of all, you just scared me.โ He tsks as he unbuttons his pants. โYou need my cock so bad you canโt fucking take what I give you?โ
Oh, he knows exactly what heโs doing. You shudder at his tone, shuffling closer to the edge of the counter. He pushes his pants and boxers down to the middle of his thighs, and your mouth waters at the sight of him. Heโs hard, tip leaking precum as he spreads your legs further. The fabric of your skirt prevents him from having enough room, and the dark look in his eyes sends another burst of wetness to your core.
โLove how these skirts look on you but fucking hate how I canโt fuck you in it.โ He taps your hip, and you lift yourself up so he can unzip it and tug it down quickly.
You barely even pay attention to what his doing when he pulls your ankles up to the edge of the counter and spreads your thighs apart until they begin to ache.
โNow, isnโt that a fucking view.โ He wets his lips as he wraps his fingers around his cock. Thrusting into his fist a couple times, he uses his other hand to tease your clit.
โChenle, please.โ You gasp, tugging him closer.
โYouโre so fucking wet, baby, I can see it.โ He drags his tip along your entrance, pushing in just enough to watch the head of his cock stretch you open. Heโs entranced by the way you take him so easily, his eyes focused on where the two of you connect.
Your pleasure intensifies simply by watching him so drunk on you, just appreciating the way you take him. You feel every vein in your body buzzing, and you canโt help it but to push your hand between your legs and rub your throbbing bud while heโs entranced.
โYou have no fucking patience,โ he hisses, grabbing your wrist and pushing it away. You whine at the loss, but his glare stops you. โIโm trying to enjoy my wifeโs pussy, but sheโs just so fucking needy, isnโt she?โ
โOh, God.โ You grip onto the edge of the counter.
โWatch how easily you take me.โ He flicks your clit. โLook.โ
You let your gaze travel downward until you see his cock positioned outside your hole. Instantly, the room gets much hotter. You struggle to breathe, anticipating the stretch he gives you. His tip is covered in your arousal, but the rest of his cock has yet to feel you.
โFuck me, Chenle,โ you mutter almost incoherently. โI wanna watch.โ
He finally obliges, nudging the tip between your folds again before sinking inside. He moves so slowly, you want to cry. You need more, and the stretch wreaks havoc on you when youโre watching. Every time heโd fill you up another inch, heโd pull out until his tip is barely caught inside you, and then sink in just one more inch. Youโre losing your fucking mind, but you canโt take your eyes away from where he pleasures you. Finally, he bottoms out, the position of your thighs allowing him to press all the way against you, his pelvis hitting your overly sensitive clit.
โAre you ready?โ he asks. โI need to fuck you.โ
โYou know Iโm ready,โ you reply, dazed from the pleasure of him seated so deeply in you.
He starts a steady pace, both of you still staring at the way you stretch to accommodate him.
โYou feel so fucking good like this, darling.โ He thrusts harder. โNothing between us this time.โ
You cry out when his tip hits your cervix. Your legs start to shake from how far theyโre spread, but all youโre focusing on is the way your arousal shines on his cock when heโs pulling out of you. You feel every inch of him, and the way he rubs against your walls is so different without the condom. Youโre fucking delirious, and every time he presses all the way inside you, the pressure on your clit has you getting closer and closer.
โYouโre squeezing me so tight, baby,โ he groans, moving his hand down between the two of you quickly. His thumb glides over your most sensitive area, and you can no longer hold back your sounds.
โFuck,โ you cry out, legs shaking as your orgasm lingers so, so close.
โCum for me.โ He slams into you. โNot gonna fill you up โtil you cum, darling.โ
You tip and tilt over the edge, convulsing as your high hits you hard. Chenle keeps rubbing you, thrusts picking up speed as he fucks you through your euphoria. He crashes his lips to yours as he spurts inside you, covering your inner walls with white as he pants. Your whole body shakes as you hold onto him tightly. Both of you are covered in sweat, but it does little to bother either of you.
โHow does it keep getting better?โ you ask.
โYou have that effect on me.โ He shrugs, chuckling as he guides your legs around his waist. โAnd I wasnโt kidding. Weโre not done yet.โ
โMy insides are gonna be mush.โ
โWhat if Iโm gentle next time?โ He kisses along your neck. โIf I fuck you with your legs up, apparently itโs more likely to happen that way.โ
โInsatiable.โ You pull back to kiss his lips. โYouโre lucky I am, too. Take me upstairs.โ
You donโt make it all the way upstairs. Not at first. He decides he has to take you on the couch, up against the wall next to the staircase, the desk in his office, and then your bed. By the end of the night, youโre absolutely exhausted, but youโve never felt so fucking good in your life. And for someone who thought you could never have it all, you realize just how damn close you are to having a perfect life when you have Chenle by your side.
696 notes
ยท
View notes