The stage lights blazed with blinding intensity as a thunderous wave of applause reverberated throughout the grand hall. The announcement sliced through the air: "This year's Best Designer Award goes to—Anya Lu!"
Behind the curtains, the scene was nothing short of a miracle.
Zain and Ruan Jian, rivals who usually couldn't stand the sight of one another, were so intoxicated by the high of victory that they seemed to have forgotten their blood feud. In a moment of pure, unadulterated madness, they threw their arms around each other's shoulders, jumping up and down like ecstatic children.
Anya and Huan Jing stood frozen, their mouths agape in total shock.
Huan Jing: "Anya... am I dreaming? Are the Boss and Ruan Jian actually... hugging?"
Qian: (Massaging his temples in exasperation) "Oh god! This 'bromance' is going to drive me insane. They'll be back to clawing each other's throats out tomorrow, but today... today they've truly crossed a line!"
Suddenly, the host's voice boomed again: "To present this prestigious trophy, I would like to invite the CEO of our company, Mr. Zain Yan, to the stage!"
To the employees and the external guests, the truth remained a fortress: no one knew that Zain and Anya were husband and wife. To the world, Zain was the 'Wolf'—a cold-blooded, stone-hearted CEO—and Anya was merely a diligent junior designer.
Zain ascended the stage with a sharp, royal gait. Holding the trophy, he caught Anya's gaze and gave a subtle, commanding tilt of his head, signaling her to join him.
Scene 2: The Whispered Vow
Anya's legs trembled as she stepped onto the stage. Zain's expression remained stoic and professional, but deep within his eyes flickered a flame of pride and love that outweighed any gold-plated award.
As Zain handed the trophy to Anya, their fingers brushed. In a voice so low it was meant only for her ears, he whispered, "Congratulations, Mrs. Yan. Today, you have truly made me your captive."
Anya clutched the trophy, offering Zain a small, radiant smile. Below, the employees began to whisper frantically. "Look at how the Boss is looking at Anya... it's so strange. Could it be that the Boss has actually fallen for her?"
The glare of the spotlight and the frantic flashing of media cameras surrounded them. Reporters swarmed Zain, desperate for a lead on the mysterious wife of Shenzhen's most powerful CEO.
Anya pressed the trophy to her chest, her heart hammering against her ribs. She remembered the days when Zain claimed to hate her—when he stated firmly that this marriage would never see the light of day. She expected him to brush her aside as a 'simple employee' to maintain his cover.
Zain took the microphone. His eyes rested on Anya for a fleeting second—no longer filled with coldness, but with a playful sense of protectiveness.
Zain: (Into the mic, with a ghost of a smirk) "You all wish to know my wife's name? For now, I will keep her identity hidden, but I will tell you this: she is incredibly talented... and quite dangerous."
A light ripple of laughter spread through the hall. Zain glanced at Anya out of the corner of his eye.
Zain: "She is an expert at kicking and punching me. And as I mentioned in my last interview, she has a borderline obsessive passion for Jungkook and Korean Dramas. If I ever annoy her, she treats me like a K-Drama villain."
Anya's face flushed a deep crimson. She cursed him silently: 'Was it really necessary to tease me in front of everyone?!'
Scene 3: The Rival's Gambit
Suddenly, Ruan Jian hurled a sharp question from the crowd, a cunning smile playing on his lips. He held the secret of Zain's family and Anya's uncle like a hidden ace, but he wasn't ready to play it just yet.
Ruan Jian: "Mr. Yan, why hide your wife? Is there a secret so dark it would cause a catastrophe if revealed? Or are you simply afraid to bring her into the light?"
A heavy silence fell over the hall. Anya's breath hitched; she feared Ruan was about to spill the truth.
Scene 4: The Alpha's Defense
Zain's eyes narrowed into slits of ice. His voice turned deep and dangerously sharp as he locked eyes with Ruan.
Zain: "There are no secrets, Ruan. My wife simply finds the media glare overwhelming and treasures her privacy. As her husband, I respect her wishes. When she is ready, the world will see her."
Zain extended his hand to Anya, offering to escort her off the stage. Under the brilliant stage lights, Anya looked as if she were bathed in a magical halo. She tentatively placed her fingers into his palm.
The warmth of Zain's hand sent a jolt of electricity through her. As she descended the stairs, the train of her long gown flowed behind her like a royal wave.
Anya: (A soft whisper, head bowed) "Thank you... Boss."
A dark, mysterious smile crossed Zain's face. He didn't let go; instead, he tightened his grip slightly. His voice was a vibration only she could feel.
Zain: "You don't call me 'Boss' at home, Anya. There, your tantrums are nothing short of an Empress's decree."
Anya's face turned as red as a tomato. She tried to glare at him, but she was no match for Zain's 'ice-cold' gaze.
Scene 5: The Snake in the Grass
Across the room, Ruan Jian stood with his hands in his pockets, a predatory glint in his eyes. He raised his wine glass in a mock toast toward Zain.
Ruan Jian: (To himself) "The game isn't over, Zain Yan. Your 'weakness' is now exposed to the world, even if they don't know her face. The day the truth about Anya's uncle comes out, your empire will crumble like a house of cards."
Cameras captured their proximity, yet no one guessed the 'Designer' of the hour was the 'Mystery Wife.' In a corner of the hall, the female staff gathered around Anya and Huan Jing like a pack of hungry wolves.
Employee 1: (With a stinging sweetness) "Wow, Anya! You were amazing. But did you notice? When the Boss gave you the trophy, there was something... different in his eyes."
Employee 2: "Exactly! The 'Cold King' mentions his wife for the first time and immediately looks at you. Anya... you aren't the 'Mystery Wife,' are you?"
The juice glass in Anya's hand trembled. She forced a hollow smile.
Anya: "What are you even saying? The Boss was just supporting his team like a good leader. As for his wife... she must be a high-society socialite. How could a junior designer like me even compare?"
Huan Jing quickly intervened, pulling Anya away.
Huan Jing: (Whispering) "Anya, your face was bright red! That was a close one. Although, the Boss mentioning 'Jungkook' and 'K-Dramas' really fueled the fire. Everyone knows you're obsessed!"
Scene 6: The VIP Face-Off
In the VIP lounge, the tension was thick enough to cut with a knife. Zain was shaking hands with clients when Ruan Jian and Qian approached. Zain took a sip of wine, casting a frigid look at Ruan.
Ruan Jian: (Leaning in) "Mr. Yan, you have a talent for hiding your 'property.' But remember, the deeper a secret is buried, the bigger the explosion when it surfaces."
Zain's hand slid into his pocket, his face turning to stone. He looked at Qian, who stood beside Ruan.
Zain: "Weak people cause explosions, Ruan. I simply make decisions. And Qian... the next time you're seen near my office files, make sure you've arranged for your own protection."
Qian: (Adjusting his glasses, unfazed) "Boss, rivalry is one thing, work is another. And as for protection? Your wife's punch is faster than Ruan's; I'm more afraid of her than you!"
Ruan glared at Qian before leaning toward Zain again. "The game has just begun, Zain. How long can you hide the truth about Anya's uncle?"
Scene 7: The Secret Touch
Amidst the party, Zain navigated the crowd toward Anya, making it look like a casual stroll. As he passed her, his shoulder brushed hers.
Without looking back, his fingers lightly trailed across Anya's palm—a secret caress known only to them. Anya gasped. By the time she looked up, Zain was already far away, engaged in formal conversation.
Huan Jing: (Nudging her) "I saw that! You've really become the Boss's favorite. So, tell me, what 'reward' are you giving Mr. Yan when you get home?"
Anya lowered her head in shyness, her eyes following Zain from a distance. In this crowded room, he wasn't the 'Wolf' to her—he was her protector.
Scene 8: The Digital Heist
As the night deepened, Ruan Jian prepared his move. Using a waiter as a distraction, he managed to divert Zain's attention.
Zain's phone sat momentarily unattended on a side table. With lightning speed, Ruan snatched it and slipped away into the shadows. He swiped the screen (perhaps Anya had left it unlocked, or the password was compromised). He expected to find high-level business deals or threatening messages.
Instead, he found the Anya & Zain Chat History:
Anya: "Zain! If you don't come home early today, I'm cutting the buttons off all your expensive suits! 😡"
Zain: "Mrs. Yan, have you forgotten those suits cost more than your entire year's makeup budget? Also, what's for dinner?"
Anya: "Noodles! Just noodles! Because you turned off my favorite K-Drama episode in the middle last night. 🍜"
Zain: "Are you a child? Fine, I'll bring chocolates. Just don't become an 'Instant' noodle yourself."
Ruan Jian slapped his forehead in disbelief.
Ruan Jian: (Muttering) "Are these two married or are they toddlers? Shenzhen's most dangerous CEO is actually scared of his wife's 'Noodle Threats'? The man has gone mad!"
He quickly typed a message from Zain's phone to Anya:
"Meet me on the
Rooftop. Now. I have something very important to tell you. - Zain"