The morning sun filtered gently through the floor-length curtains, casting warm amber streaks across the marbled bathroom floor. It was a quiet weekend one of the few they had to themselves and Aurora planned to make the most of it.
She stood by the tub, stirring herbs and fragrant oils into the steaming water. The scent of eucalyptus, crushed ginger root, and dried hibiscus filled the room strong and calming. She'd spent the early hours preparing it, hoping it would ease the strain in Kai's leg after the stress of yesterday's events.
She was just adjusting the towel on the side when she heard the soft sound of bare feet approaching.
"Kai?" she called without looking up.
"Mhm," came his voice, smooth and husky with sleep.
She turned and froze.
There he stood, naked as the day he was born, not the least bit shy, and walking confidently toward the tub as if he hadn't just shattered her composure with a single glance.
"Kai!" she gasped, eyes widening as she instinctively spun around to give him privacy. "You could have warned me!"
He chuckled, low and teasing. "Why? You're my wife. Haven't we already skipped the modesty stage?"
"You're insufferable," she mumbled, trying to hide the blush blooming across her cheeks.
"And yet, you're still peeking," he said with a smirk, catching her stealing a quick glance at the mirror that accidentally reflected more than she intended.
"I was just making sure you didn't slip and fall," she lied, flustered.
"Mm-hmm. Very considerate." He stepped into the bath slowly, letting the heat envelop his legs, then settled in with a satisfied sigh. "This is amazing. You're amazing."
Aurora finally turned around, arms folded and face still warm. "Just focus on healing."
"I am," he said, stretching his arms along the rim of the tub, muscles flexing effortlessly. "But your care might be... a little too effective. I feel stronger already."
"Stop," she groaned, turning away again. "I can't deal with you when you're like this."
He laughed. "I missed this. You blushing, pretending you're not looking when you clearly are."
She picked up a towel and tossed it over his head. "You're impossible."
"And yet, you choose me."
He pulled the towel down slowly, revealing that devilish grin that melted every one of her defenses.
Aurora sighed, her smile betraying her struggle. "Who said, I do?"
As she stepped away to let him enjoy the bath in peace, Kai leaned back, eyes following her every move. He knew without a doubt that beneath all her strength and mystery, she was still the one person he could be raw and unguarded with.
And despite everything... she still chose him.
The rest of the morning passed in a quiet haze of comfort. After his bath, Kai wrapped himself in a robe and joined Aurora in the sunlit lounge, where she had already brewed a pot of herbal tea and sliced some fresh fruit.
The mood was calm no boardrooms, no hostile shareholders, no threats lurking in the shadows. Just the two of them, wrapped in a warm cocoon of silence and soft smiles.
Aurora sat cross-legged on the couch, leafing through one of the books Kai's grandfather used to love, while Kai practiced stretching his legs, doing the slow and steady movements she had taught him over the last few days. The progress was undeniable.
"You're getting better," Aurora remarked as she looked up. "Your balance has improved."
Kai grunted, pausing to catch his breath. "Because my physical therapist is beautiful and terrifying. I wouldn't dare disappoint her."
She arched a brow playfully. "Terrifying?"
"Absolutely. Those pressure point massages? Brutal," he said dramatically, but his smirk softened the complaint.
Aurora shook her head with a small laugh and padded over to help him sit. "You're still a drama king."
"And you're still pretending not to enjoy being in charge."
She gave him a sideways glance as she steadied his arm. "Maybe I do. Just a little."
They spent the afternoon in their home library, surrounded by quiet jazz music and the occasional rustle of pages. Aurora worked on organizing some files from the company her sharp mind already mapping out improvements in logistics and HR structures while Kai reviewed the digital feedback from their departments on new partnerships.
"I've been thinking," she said softly, eyes still on her tablet.
Kai looked up from his notes. "That sounds dangerous."
She gave him a quick look before continuing, "We should open a discreet innovation lab under one of our subsidiaries off-the-record. Quiet R&D, new product lines, especially eco-packaging. Something that would give us leverage without tipping off Leornard or the board."
Kai's brows rose slightly. "You've really thought this through."
"I don't just soak herbs and serve tea," she said, smiling.
He leaned back, pride glowing in his gaze. "You're brilliant, Aurora."
"I just want us to be two steps ahead. Always."
Kai's expression sobered as he reached for her hand. "We will be. With you by my side, I'm not just healing I'm building something better."
Their fingers intertwined in a silent vow.
By sunset, they were curled together on the couch, watching the golden sky fade into a soft violet dusk. No words were needed. Just quiet warmth, the ticking of the clock, and the comfort of knowing for now they were safe.