The plane landed on Country C. The moment that it landed, Ru Shi had already told her mother that she would be having lunch with her husband, Chia Hao.

"There's KFC nearby. Would you like to eat there?

"

Ru Shi politely gave him a smile. With her not saying a word for a moment as her husband pulled her luggage for her while they wait for Cai Li to arrive, Chai Hao was patient enough not to pressure her.

Ru Shi thought that she would only be travelling back to Country C alone. Since Chia Hao unexpectedly had a change of meeting schedule in his work, he had to fly back to Country C so he booked a flight that is the same with his wife.

Ru Shi was surprised at first. They may be married for years already, but still, since their marriage is only for formalities sake and they're not that close, she found it awkward that they are travelling together since the longest time that they stayed together was only during their wedding.

Heck, they even had separate bedrooms to sleep in! They never slept in the same room!

"Ru Shi?

"

When Chia Hao called out to her, Ru Shi snapped out of her thoughts, turning her head to look at him.

"I'm sorry, but you're not replying. Would you like to eat somewhere else?

"

"O-oh!

"

Ru Shi blinked her eyes a few times. With her giving him another smile, she just shook her head, leaving it up to Chia Hao.

"You can decide where to eat. Anywhere is okay,

" she replied, Chia Hao, giving her a smile, too.

"Then, KFC it is.

"

"KFC?

"

Ru Shi cocked her head to the side, wondering why someone as rich as them would decide to eat at KFC. She also knew that Chia Hao would rather choose an extravagant place for them to eat—so why suddenly eat in a fast food chain?

"Yeah. You like KFC, don't you? You love their super meal—especially their mushroom soup and their mashed potatoes.

"

Ru Shi stopped in her tracks for a while. When Chia Hao noticed that his wife stopped, he stood still, arching a brow at her in wonder.

"What's wrong? Did I say it wrong? Or were you only craving them before when I saw you?

"

A soft blush came on Ru Shi's face. With her blinking her eyes a few times in amusement, she asked him a question instead, making Chia Hao let out a soft chuckle.

"We don't usually talk… but you already know my favorites?

"

"How could I not?

"

Chia Hao lovingly looked at her, making Ru Shi's heart race slightly in her chest as what he said next was sort of cheesy—something that she didn't expect.

"I pay attention to the likes of my wife. I have to take care of you, right?

"

Ru Shi didn't know how to react. Somehow she felt rather guilty because she only saw this as a forced marriage—not giving too much effort in it since she doesn't love the man.

Chia Hao knew that—on the night of their wedding, she told him how her heart is still with another person.

She thought that their wedding would go downhill from there—that she would be treated coldly by Chia Hao.

However, what she thought was wrong. Chia Hao throughout the years took care of her well. She could see how he learned to love her, but still, Ru Shi's heart is cold as ice—not knowing if someday, it will melt for someone.

"Do you want to eat someplace else? I heard there's a new Italian Restaurant in the city called Molto Affamato. You like three-cheese pizza, right? Would you like to visit? I think they also serve cannoli or panna cotta.

"

Ru Shi is obviously speechless. It's evident how Chia Hao is observant of what she likes, making her heart feel warm.

Not answering his question, she commented about it instead.

"You really… do pay attention.

"

"Of course,

" Chia Hao replied, now walking towards his wife.

"It's better than us being strangers, right? It's okay if you don't know me much… as long as I know you so I can make you happy.

"

"Chia Hao…

"

Ru Shi felt a tingling sensation in her heart. With Chia Hao treating her well and with them together which is rare, it made her feel her guilt more—making it difficult for her to even look at him in the eyes.

"Don't think too much about it—I'm alright.

"

It's as if Chia Hao read and knew what she was thinking. With Ru Shi's lips turning into a tight line, Chia Hao kept smiling at her, reassuring her not to worry about anything.

"You're forced to do this—I know. But I was not. I fell in love with you at first sight. Since you're my wife, my sole duty is to protect you and to take care of you.

"

Ru Shi still didn't know what to say. With Chia Hao now using his phone to call the manager of Molto Affamato, he already secured a place.

He decided that it would be better for them to get better and healthier food than eat in KFC and since Ru Shi is also into Italian desserts, he thought that it would be better to eat in Molto Affamato.

Ru Shi watched her husband talking on the phone. With her being treated well, she couldn't help but think if there's something—even a small gesture that would make him happy that she could do.

As Chia Hao was still busy on the phone, the small gesture that Ru Shi did slightly surprised him, making him look at her from the corner of his eye.

Ru Shi stood beside him and held his free hand with hers. She interlocked her fingers with him, making Chai Hao's heart beat in his chest.

It's the first time Ru Shi touched him—rather a cute and intimate gesture as well.

When the call ended, he kept his phone in his pocket. He then smiled at her, asking her a question.

"Yes?

"

"Th-thank you, Chia Hao,

" Ru Shi stammered, a blush coming to her face.

"If you want, we can walk until we hail for a cab.

"

Chia Hao grinned ear to ear. With his smile brighter than the smiles that Ru Shi saw, now she found him exceptionally handsome, unable to leave her eyes on him.

Chia Hao then kissed the back of Ru Shi's hand. As Ru Shi watched him, their eyes locked with each other's, both of them feeling that they are somehow getting closer after how many years had already passed.

"Let's go. I'll get you anything you want.

"