The storm outside raged for hours, rain slashing against the glass walls of the mansion like a thousand tiny knives. Li Na sat curled in the corner of the sofa, hugging a blanket to her chest. She told herself she wasn't waiting for him, but every sound of tires outside made her pulse quicken.
When the door finally opened, Yen Rui stepped in, his suit damp from the weather, his hair plastered slightly against his forehead. He removed his jacket, handed it to the housekeeper, and glanced at her.
"You're still awake." His voice was calm, as though her presence was no surprise.
"I couldn't sleep," she replied, softer than intended.
He crossed the room, his footsteps steady, and set a folder down on the coffee table. "The board tried to corner me again. Han Rui Sheng pushed harder this time."
Li Na frowned. "Because of me?"
He looked at her then, sharp and steady. "Because of themselves. You are just the excuse."
Her lips parted, but before she could respond, his hand moved, reaching past her to adjust the blanket that had slipped from her shoulder. The touch was brief, almost absent-minded, yet the warmth of it lingered, spreading through her chest like fire.
Li Na froze, her heartbeat thundering. She had told herself again and again that this marriage was only paper, a shield against humiliation. Yet here he was, this man she barely understood, brushing against her defenses with the smallest of gestures.
"You'll catch cold," he said simply, as if unaware of the turmoil he'd sparked. Then he moved toward the stairs.
She swallowed, her throat dry. "Director Yen."
He paused, turning slightly. "Yes?"
Her words caught in her mouth. She wanted to demand why he kept interfering in ways that left her unsteady, why his coldness was always interrupted by these small, disarming sparks of care. Instead, she managed only: "Nothing. Good night."
He gave a faint nod and ascended the stairs, his figure vanishing into the shadows above.
Li Na sank back against the sofa, clutching the blanket tightly. She had wanted distance. She had wanted rules. But now, every rule felt fragile, every boundary trembling.
And the most terrifying truth was this: she didn't hate it.