EPISODE 15
2124 Words
CEO Han called Adrian, asking him to come to his office.
Adrian didn’t hesitate. He straightened his tie, knocked once, and stepped inside. CEO Han gestured for him to sit.
Clearing his throat, the older man leaned back in his chair and said with a small smile, “Noah Reid is something else. I can’t believe he fought for you against the world.”
Adrian’s lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. “That’s Noah for you,” he replied softly.
CEO Han chuckled and nodded. “Anyway, I’ve thought about what we discussed the other day, and I’ve come to a decision. There’s no need for you to resign, Adrian. The company can’t afford to lose you.”
Relief washed through Adrian as he smiled gratefully. “Thank you, CEO Han. And please, don’t worry. My personal life won’t affect my work in any way possible—I promise.”
“I know it won’t,” CEO Han replied firmly, adjusting his glasses. “Alright, that’s all I called you for. You can go.”
“Thank you, CEO Han. Have a wonderful evening,” Adrian said, standing and giving a polite bow before leaving for his own office.
---
After work, Adrian was the first to pack up. He could barely contain the anticipation bubbling inside him — he just wanted to see Noah. As he made his way through the design department, a wave of cheers and applause broke out.
“Director Lee, you’re the luckiest man alive!” one of his subordinates called out.
“Tell Noah we’re rooting for you both!” another added, laughter and excitement filling the air.
Adrian couldn’t help but smile — that soft, genuine smile that reached his eyes. He wasn’t used to this kind of attention, but today, it didn’t feel overwhelming. It felt… right.
Even as he walked into the main hall, employees from other departments joined in with warm applause, teasing whistles, and congratulatory shouts. Everyone had seen the press conference; everyone knew.
Adrian bowed slightly in gratitude, chuckling shyly. “Alright, alright, that’s enough,” he said, his tone light, but his heart full.
By the time he reached the elevator, his cheeks ached from smiling — but he didn’t mind. For the first time, he wasn’t just the quiet, composed Director Lee. He was the man Noah Reid had chosen to stand by, against the world.
---
When he finally stepped into the house, he went upstairs intending to freshen up—but froze the moment he opened the bedroom door.
There, waiting by the window, was Noah.
“Noah…” Adrian breathed, his voice cracking slightly as emotion filled his chest.
The moment Noah turned, Adrian rushed forward, wrapping him tightly in his arms. They held each other for a long moment, neither willing to let go.
When they finally pulled back, Adrian’s eyes glistened. “Thank you, Noah. You have no idea how happy you’ve made me.”
Noah smiled softly, brushing his fingers against Adrian’s cheek. “I should be the one thanking you—for making me understand what love truly feels like. So… thank you, Adrian, for loving me and giving me a second chance.”
“Oh, Noah…” Adrian whispered, pulling him into another hug.
After a quiet moment, Noah murmured against his shoulder, “Did you watch it?”
Adrian chuckled. “Yes, all of it. You were amazing out there. You had the whole world watching—and you still spoke from your heart. You were… incredibly cool.”
Noah grinned, his gaze softening. “You know, all I was thinking about up there was you. I just wanted to finish everything quickly… so I could come home to you.”
Before Adrian could respond, Noah leaned in and pressed his lips to his—hungry, desperate, and full of love.
Their kiss deepened, melting away all the tension of the past few days. In that moment, the world outside didn’t exist—only the warmth of their embrace and the sound of their hearts beating as one.
Noah’s lips moved against Adrian’s with a hunger that spoke of everything he’d held back for days — the worry, the fear, the longing. Adrian responded just as eagerly, his hands sliding up to Noah’s neck, drawing him even closer until there was no space left between them.
The world outside ceased to exist — no cameras, no questions, no judgment — just the two of them breathing in the same air, their hearts beating in sync.
“Noah…” Adrian whispered against his lips, his voice trembling with emotion.
“I missed you,” Noah breathed, his forehead resting on Adrian’s. “More than I thought possible.”
Adrian smiled softly, eyes glistening. “Then don’t let go.”
“I won’t. Not ever.”
Their lips met again, slower this time, deeper — a silent promise sealed in warmth and tenderness. Noah lifted Adrian gently, and without a word, they made their way toward the bed. The night unfolded in quiet whispers, laughter between kisses, and the soft rhythm of two hearts finding home in each other.
By the time the city lights dimmed and the moonlight filled the room, Noah and Adrian lay tangled together beneath the sheets — no words needed, just the comfort of knowing that love had won.
For once, there were no masks, no fears, no hiding. Just them — raw, real, and utterly in love.
---
Chen wasn’t left behind in the wave of excitement. He had watched the press conference and felt genuinely happy for his cousin, Adrian — finally, he had found the one meant for him.
But beneath that happiness lay a deep ache. His own heart was hurting.
For days, Chen had tried to reach Liang, but every attempt failed. No messages, no calls — nothing. So today, he made up his mind: he was going to find Liang, no matter what.
And just when he was about to give up, fate seemed to answer.
Liang stepped out of the CEO’s office, his usual composed expression in place.
“Liang!” Chen called, rushing forward. His chest heaved as he finally caught up.
“Please… can we talk for a while?” he asked between breaths.
Liang hesitated. His instinct told him to refuse, but Noah’s recent words echoed in his mind. After a long pause, he gave a reluctant nod.
Chen led him to his office and quietly locked the door to avoid disturbances. He gestured toward the couch. “Please, sit.”
Liang obeyed, stiffly lowering himself onto the seat. Chen sat beside him, his hands clenched in his lap.
“Just go straight to the point, Chen,” Liang said, his tone steady but his eyes uncertain.
“I still love you, Liang.”
The words slipped out like a confession long buried. Liang’s eyes flickered — surprise, disbelief, and something else he couldn’t name.
“I never stopped loving you,” Chen continued, his voice breaking. “I had my reasons for ending things the way I did.”
Liang’s jaw tightened. “Then tell me your reasons, Chen. And I hope they’re valid enough.”
Chen swallowed hard, looking straight at him.. “We were being photographed by someone. I don’t know who, but he took pictures of us — in places I thought only we knew about. You had just become the face of the company back then, your big break. I was terrified I’d ruin it for you.
He rubbed his palms together nervously. “I tried tracing the person, but he was too careful — he hid his tracks perfectly. So I did the only thing I thought would protect you… I ended it. But I swear, it broke me too. After you, there hasn’t been anyone else. I never stopped loving you.”
Silence filled the office.
Liang looked away, his throat tightening. His heart wavered, but his voice came out sharp.
“So what now, Chen? Why are you telling me all this? Do you think it changes anything?”
Chen took a shaky breath, his voice trembling as he met Liang’s sharp gaze.
“It changes everything, Liang,” he said quietly but firmly. “Because I can’t keep pretending that I’ve moved on when I haven’t. I still love you. I never stopped. I thought time would make it easier, but every time I see you… it hurts even more.”
Liang leaned back slightly, his expression unreadable though his heart pounded in his chest. “You think saying all this now will fix what you broke, Chen?” he asked, his tone laced with both pain and restraint.
Chen’s shoulders slumped, guilt flooding his features. “No. I don’t expect you to forgive me overnight. I just need you to know the truth. Back then, I thought I was doing the right thing—protecting you, protecting your career. But all I did was destroy us both.”
Liang let out a bitter chuckle, shaking his head. “You think hiding things from me was protection? You didn’t even give me the chance to fight beside you, Chen. You just… walked away.”
“I know,” Chen said softly, his voice cracking. “And it’s the one thing I regret every single day.”
Silence stretched between them, heavy and raw. The faint hum of the air conditioner was the only sound in the room.
Chen continued, almost in a whisper, “I’ve watched you from afar, Liang. Every time you walked into a meeting, every time you smiled at someone, I kept wondering if you were finally over me. But I wasn’t over you. Not even close.”
Liang’s jaw tightened, but the pain in his eyes betrayed the turmoil within. “You hurt me, Chen. Do you have any idea how that felt?”
“I do,” Chen murmured, his voice trembling. “Because I felt it too. Every single day I had to pretend I didn’t care, it tore me apart.”
Liang’s lips parted as if to say something, but the words caught in his throat.
Chen took a step closer, desperate. “Please, Liang. I’m not asking you to forget what happened. I’m just asking for a chance to make it right. I want to fight for us this time. No hiding, no running.”
Liang looked up at him, torn between anger and the old, familiar warmth that still lingered. “And what if the same thing happens again?
What if we get exposed?”
Chen met his gaze, unwavering now. “Then we’ll face it—together. I’m done hiding. “As long as you don’t care, I won’t care either. So tell me, Liang… if one day our relationship makes its way to the public, will you stand by me through it all?”
Liang sighed, shaking his head with a small smile tugging at his lips. “Of course, dummy. I would have fought for us back then — if only you had opened up to me.”
“You really are a fool, Chen,” he whispered. “But maybe… I’m a bigger one for still wanting you.”
Chen’s heart stuttered. “Does that mean—”
Liang exhaled deeply. “It means… maybe I’m willing to try again.”
Before Chen could say anything else, Liang added, “But this time, we do it differently. No secrets. No running. You tell me everything.”
“I promise,” Chen said without hesitation.
Before either of them could think twice, Chen closed the gap between them and captured Liang’s lips in a slow, lingering kiss — the kind that spoke of years of longing and regret. When they finally pulled away, they didn’t let go completely. Instead, they fell into each other’s arms, holding tight as if afraid the other would disappear.
“I’ve missed you, Liang,” Chen whispered against his shoulder. “You have no idea how I was slowly dying inside each day. It got worse every time I saw you but couldn’t reach you.”
Liang’s voice came out low and shaky. “You have no idea, Chen. I felt worse — I thought you’d found someone else, that you’d moved on. That’s why you ended it. I missed you too… like crazy. And I never stopped loving you either.”
Chen pulled back slightly, just enough to look into his eyes. “This time, no matter what happens, I’m not leaving you again. We’ll fight whatever comes our way — together.”
Liang nodded, his lips curving into a soft smile as he whispered, “Together, forever.”
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- Writer
