The morning sun filtered through cream-colored curtains, casting golden threads across the wide silk sheets of the Xu residence's new master bedroom. Naya stirred beneath the covers, the weight of comfort and love still heavy in her bones. Her long dreadlocks spilled like ink across the pillowcase, the strands catching slivers of light like a constellation across soft cotton.
Beside her, Nian's arm was slung lazily across her waist. His breath was calm, chest rising and falling in a cadence she had come to memorize. Even in sleep, he felt like home.
This was it.
Home. Marriage. China.
No longer an intern bouncing between wards. No longer a woman torn between continents and unspoken fears. She was now Mrs. Xu — a title she still wasn't used to hearing but found herself secretly enjoying.
A faint knock came at the bedroom door.
"Mama?" Jace's soft voice trickled in.
Naya smiled.
"Come in, sweetheart."
The door creaked open, revealing a pajama-clad Jace, hair rumpled, cheeks puffed in sleepy confusion. He padded in on socked feet, carrying his plush panda in one hand and rubbing his eye with the other.
"I'm hungry," he mumbled.
Nian stirred. "Then come feed your old man first," he said groggily, cracking one eye open to see his mini lookalike grinning at him.
Jace giggled, launching himself onto the bed and tumbling between them. Naya laughed as Nian let out a mock groan, pulling their son into his arms and peppering his chubby cheeks with kisses. The bed became a bubble of warmth — sleepy snuggles, tiny toes wriggling under covers, and soft laughter echoing between the walls.
This was their rhythm now. And she loved it.
---
By mid-morning, the family had settled into their breakfast routine in the sunny kitchen. Jace happily munched on steamed buns while watching cartoons on a tablet. Naya leaned against the counter, sipping soy milk as Nian read through emails on his tablet.
"Any updates from Luo?" she asked casually, flipping through a notepad with the housewarming checklist.
Nian looked up. "She confirmed my schedule for next week. Finalized the board meeting and that press interview."
Naya nodded. She hadn't met Luo Yanmei yet, only heard the name tossed around in passing — Xu Corporation's newly appointed executive assistant, personally selected by the board while Nian had been away.
"She's efficient," Nian added, sipping his coffee. "A little formal, but sharp."
"I look forward to meeting her," Naya replied with a soft smile.
---
Later that afternoon, while Naya took Jace out for a stroll in the garden, Nian stopped by the corporate office to check on a few files. The office had missed him — not just for his leadership but for the quiet command he exuded whenever he walked in.
He stepped into the executive suite, greeted by sleek lines, warm wood accents, and the familiar hum of productivity.
"Mr. Xu," came a calm voice.
He turned.
Luo Yanmei.
Neat ponytail. Slim glasses perched on her nose. Navy blue blouse tucked into a crisp skirt. Everything about her was poised — polished. But there was something about her eyes when she looked at him. Something that lingered just a second too long.
"Everything is ready for your board review next Tuesday," she said. "I also scheduled your site visit to the Hongqiao branch on Thursday afternoon, just like you requested."
"Good work, Miss Luo."
She gave a small smile. "I try."
When he turned away to check a file, her smile faltered just slightly — like something unsaid pulled at the corners of her mouth. But she said nothing. Only returned to her desk and quietly began typing again.
---
Meanwhile, back at the Xu residence, Naya stood at the top of the stairs, holding Jace's drawing in her hand — a stick-figure family beneath a crooked sun, all smiles and hearts. A lump rose in her throat. She folded the paper carefully and slid it into the fridge magnet, her eyes warm.
But the warmth shifted when she spotted something out the window.
A sleek black car had pulled up by the front gate.
Luo Yanmei stepped out, exchanging a few words with the housekeeper before handing her a file wrapped in navy ribbon.
Naya's eyes narrowed slightly — not in jealousy, but something subtler. Instinct. A quiet curiosity.
Who was this woman?
---
That night, Nian and Naya curled up on the couch. Jace was asleep, the lights dim, soft jazz humming from the speakers. Naya leaned against his shoulder, fingers tracing the outline of his knuckles.
"You're tense," she whispered.
"Board meetings always make me grumpy."
"Want me to distract you?"
He chuckled, low and quiet. "You always do."
They kissed — slow, familiar, and deeply comforting.
But as their lips met, and her fingers brushed his cheek, a small thought flickered at the back of her mind.
That look Luo gave Nian…
No. She wouldn't jump to conclusions. Not yet.
But she'd keep her eyes open.
Their new apartment was the embodiment of everything they had hoped for—sunlight pouring through the sheer curtains, walls in warm neutrals, touches of jade green and soft gold in every room. It smelled like home now—like vanilla, clean laundry, and the faint trace of Naya's favorite hibiscus oil.
Naya stood barefoot in the kitchen, humming softly as she blended fresh fruit juice for Jace. Her dreadlocks were tied into a loose bun, a few rebellious strands falling over her cheek. Married life suited her—she had that glow, that undeniable lightness that came when love no longer had to prove itself.
Nian walked in, unbuttoned at the collar, sleeves rolled up, and wrapped his arms around her from behind.
"You look like a painting," he murmured, nuzzling her neck.
"And you smell like trouble," she teased, turning to kiss him softly.
Just then, the door buzzed.
"Secretary Luo is here for her orientation," the front desk called through the intercom.
Naya raised a brow. "You're working today?"
"Just reviewing files. I told HR to handle her onboarding, but she insisted on introducing herself in person. Seems thorough," Nian said with a shrug.
Minutes later, Luo Yanmei stepped into the apartment's foyer, accompanied by a light breeze of lavender and elegance. She wore a soft beige blouse tucked into a navy skirt, hair swept neatly into a high twist, and round glasses that gave her a gentle, scholarly charm.
Her eyes locked on Nian with a spark that lingered just a second too long before she bowed politely. "CEO Xu, Mrs. Xu. I'm honored to work by your side."
Naya offered a warm smile, though her eyes scanned Luo with silent curiosity.
"I've read all your recent cases, Dr. Xu… Your work with the Seraphim protocol was especially brilliant," Luo said, her voice silkier than expected.
Nian only nodded. "Welcome aboard, Luo Yanmei. HR will brief you on the files. I'll catch up with you at the office later this week."
Luo turned to Naya. "And you, Mrs. Xu… I must say, you're even more radiant in person. I've seen your published papers on post-op patient care and early childhood trauma. Inspiring."
Naya smiled. Polite. Measured. "Thank you. I look forward to seeing your contributions."
As Luo turned to leave, Jace peeked from the hallway, gripping his toy car. Her eyes flickered to him—briefly—softening.
"Such a beautiful child…" she murmured.
The door closed behind her.
Naya leaned back into the kitchen counter. "Lavender and lace, huh?"
Nian laughed. "What?"
"She smells like a hotel lobby in Paris."
"You're imagining things."
But Naya wasn't imagining the way Luo looked at Nian. Not lustful—something deeper. Admiration with a tinge of claim.
And she'd seen that look before… in the mirror, back when she first laid eyes on him.
Naya didn't say more. She just wrapped her arms around Jace and kissed his forehead.
"Let her bring her lace," she whispered, smiling to herself. "We're made of fire."