Zain said confidently, "That was in the past. But now, I actually like cooking. Can I help you?"
Anya paused mid-cut. The knife stopped just above the half-sliced vegetable. She glanced at him, her mind quietly debating, He never liked cooking before… and now suddenly wants to help? Should I accept his help or not?
She looked down at herself, then at the pile of uncut vegetables in front of her. "Well, I still have to chop all these vegetables," she murmured softly.
A faint smile curved on her lips — one that hid her earlier irritation. Zain looked slightly puzzled, trying to read what was going on in her head.
Anya smiled and said, "Alright then. If you really want to help, you can chop the vegetables. But remember — they have to be cut perfectly!"
"Deal!" Zain's eyes gleamed with a spark of challenge. Rolling up his sleeves, he picked up the knife and started cutting like a professional. His movements were precise and quick — too precise.
Anya found herself sneaking glances at him. He's actually good… almost like a pro.
Within minutes, Zain had finished chopping everything.
Anya's eyes widened. "So fast! You finished all of it already? Let me see how you did."
She leaned over, inspected the cuts, and said in surprise, "Wow! They're actually perfect." She tossed the vegetables into the pot and began stirring them gently.
Just then, her phone started ringing.
Zain asked, "Need any more help?"
Without looking up, Anya said, "Yes — my phone's on the table. Could you please pass it to me?"
"Sure." Zain quickly walked over, picked up the phone — and noticed the caller ID: a single letter, 'D'.
D? Who's that? Some girl? Or maybe… another guy?
He handed her the phone silently.
Anya answered, "Hello?" — but accidentally pressed the speaker button.
A cheerful male voice came through, "Aani! I passed my interview today!"
Anya froze — realizing it was on speaker — and reached to turn it off.
Zain's expression hardened. His brows furrowed, and a mix of shock and jealousy flickered in his eyes. "Who's that guy calling you Aani? Even I don't call you that! How dare he?" His tone carried both authority and possessiveness.
Anya quickly ended the call. Zain folded his arms, staring at her — silently demanding an answer.
Trying to stay calm, she said, "He's my friend, Daichen. The same one who gave an interview today… which you approved."
Zain thought bitterly, So, that's the guy… the one who likes my wife. Maybe I should remind him that the CEO of Zain Empire's wife is none other than Mrs. Anya Zain Yan.
Anya smirked playfully, "What's wrong? Are you jealous?"
"I'm not! I don't get jealous, got it?" Zain snapped, clearly flustered but trying to hide it.
"Alright, alright. Dinner's ready," she said, changing the topic.
"Yeah," Zain replied, "Let me help you serve."
They had dinner together. Afterward, Zain went to his room, while Anya sat in the living room watching TV.
A romantic drama was playing — a kiss scene.
Anya froze. The moment on screen brought back memories of last night.
The way she had kissed Zain… and the way he had pulled her closer, deepening the kiss. Her heart fluttered.
She touched her lips. What did I do? Is this what he was trying to remind me of?
Her phone rang again. The name "Little Bunny" flashed on the screen.
"Oh, perfect timing," she said and answered.
"Did Huan Jing really break up with Qiyam?" Kaia's voice whispered dramatically from the other end.
Anya sighed. "Yes. Qiyam went back to his first girlfriend."
Kaia exploded, "That jerk! How dare he betray our Huan Jing for that witch?"
Anya chuckled softly, "Huan Jing will find someone way better."
"True," Kaia agreed, then mischievously added, "Anyway… what's going on between you and Mr. Yan? Did something happen?"
Anya hesitated — then told her everything that happened last night.
Kaia squealed with excitement. "Oh my god! You kissed! That's huge!"
Anya tried to downplay it. "It's not a big deal."
Kaia gasped dramatically, "Not a big deal? You've watched enough dramas to know what that means! He's starting to fall for you!"
Anya frowned slightly. "I don't think so."
Kaia fired her next question, "Then what about you? Do you like him?"
Anya fell silent. Memories of their time together played in her mind — his touch, his teasing, his quiet care. Her heart felt warm.
"I… don't know," she whispered.
Kaia grinned through the phone, "Then it's confirmed! You do like him. The mighty Miss Cat is falling for Mr. Wolf!"
"Stop it!" Anya snapped and hung up the call, her face burning.
She went to her room, but noticed Zain's door was slightly open.
He was asleep — without a blanket.
Anya hesitated, then quietly walked in and leaned over to cover him.
But just as she did, Zain suddenly grabbed her hand and pulled her down.
She fell right onto him, the blanket tumbling over both of them. Her heart raced wildly.
"What are you doing here?" Zain's deep voice echoed in the quiet room.
Startled, she stammered, "I-I just came to cover you with the blanket…"
He pulled her a little closer and murmured, "Don't you know, Mrs. Yan… girls shouldn't walk into a man's room at night. Anything could happen."
Anya's face turned crimson. "S-sorry!" she blurted and ran out of the room, shutting the door behind her.
Back in her room, she tossed and turned, mumbling to herself, "I shouldn't have gone there! Ugh, he's impossible!"
Meanwhile, in his room, Zain smirked in the dark. Mrs. Yan… you really are something else.
---
Elsewhere, Tian lay awake, staring at the ceiling.
Did I do the right thing by saying yes? Maybe… but she still only sees me as a friend. And I see her as so much more. I need to control my feelings.
He turned on his side, exhaling deeply, knowing the days ahead wouldn't be easy.