“So did you like what you’ve seen so far?” Lu Xinyi slid him a guarded look. She was curious what his opinion about her was.

Shen Yi smirked before he stared at her with half-lidded eyes. “Very much so. Especially what I’ve seen beneath this flimsy nightdress.” His fingers now toyed with the thin strap of her dress.

“Pervert.” Lu Xinyi slapped his shoulder, but her flushed cheeks made her look more adorable in Shen Yi’s eyes. She looked so cute when she’s flustered.

“Why, my wife? You wound me. I didn’t hear you complaining last night.” He chuckled, which earned him a pout from his little wife. She looked away. Why was he enjoying teasing her?

“I don’t know what you’re talking about!” she huffed and pushed her hands on his chest to make him release her, but she failed.

“Oh? Then let me remind you what we did last night.” He stepped forward, slapping the wall behind her and trapping her successfully with his arm blocking her chance to escape. Lu Xinyi found herself trapped in a kabedon. “Pardon me, wife. It seems I’m out of practice that you’re left restless and not tired. Allow me to rectify it.”-.

“Shen Yi!” She covered her blushing face with both of her hands.

“What? Am I not allowed to make love with my wife?” he teased her further. He leaned forward, his warm breath tickling the side of her face. “Xinxin, would you oppose an early morning workout?”

‘Ahhhhhhhhhhh!’ Lu Xinyi screamed internally. Her husband was on it again. Why was he taking satisfaction and pleasure by teasing her to no end?

Falling in love with him was the easiest part; it’s admitting to herself that it happened that’s hard. For the longest time, she has had these very efficient defenses; and Shen Yi didn’t even notice them. Maybe they were meant for each other that he had his own door to her heart.

There were so many questions in her head, but what’s the point? He was here not only to love her but to also protect her. Shen Yi might not actively voice out his feelings for her, but she felt it. Every action he makes made her fall for him, and she was so glad that he found her.

“What? You aren’t still satisfied?” She puffed her cheeks in irritation. She only got a few hours of nap time before she felt his hands caressing the smoothness of her abdomen.

Shen Yi slightly tilted his head on one side, his grin getting bigger.

“Never,” he deadpanned.

Lately, his libido was getting out of control. He wasn’t sure what the reason was, but he guessed it had something to do with their imminent separation soon. Even by just looking at her could drive him to desire her. So far, she tolerated his demands without complaint, but he wondered how long her fragile and smaller body could withstand it. He didn’t want to hurt her, but it was so damn hard to control himself when it came to her.

“I knew it,” Lu Xinyi muttered to herself, “Anyway, didn’t you say you have something to give me as my reward?” she asked, trying to divert his perverted thoughts of her. His eyebrows shot up, remembering his promise yesterday.

“Nice try, Lu Xinyi, but you’re still not off the hook.” Shen Yi whispered into her ear before stepping back and striding towards his desk.

Lu Xinyi leaned her back at the wall behind her. Was Shen Yi aware of his effect on her? Did he even know that he’d always stolen all of her senses and breath whenever he’s near? She swallowed the lump in her throat. Her eyes followed his every move and saw him open the top drawer on his desk and produce three familiar books that she hadn’t seen for ages.

She wasn’t aware that her tears were starting to trickle down her cheeks. Her hands covered her mouth as she waited for Shen Yi to present them to her.

How?

How did he found out about these books? How did he manage to retrieve it from her ex-boyfriend?

Shen Yi went back to her and cracked another smirk, presenting her father’s recipe books to her.

“Here’s your much-awaited reward, wife.”

He was expecting her to jump for joy, but her tears didn’t bother him… for he knew they were tears of joy this time.

Lu Xinyi didn’t grab the books from his hands but grabbed him instead, giving him a full-body hug. She wrapped her arms around him as much as she could. She couldn’t help but cry as she felt his hand cradle her head and stroke her hair.

She wished she was taller so she could reach to kiss him—to show him how grateful she was for this reward he bestowed upon her. Alas, he was over six feet tall; and she was but a woman short for her age. The best she could manage to kiss would be his chin if she dared to tiptoe and reach him.

“I thought you will be happy with your reward.” Shen Yi murmured against her crown.

“I am. This is the best gift you’ve given to me. Thank you, Shen Yi,” she half-whispered.

Shen Yi couldn’t recall the last time he felt proud of himself. Business deals aside, he didn’t find them challenging and fulfilling enough.

His wife was happy, and that was all that mattered. He squeezed her back, glad that he was able to pull out a thorn away from her heart.