The morning sun slipped through the pale curtains, casting golden streaks across the room like a gentle blessing. The world outside was quiet, and for the first time in a long while, I felt the calm settle in my bones.
Leo's arms were wrapped around me, his breath soft against my hair, and his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm that lulled me deeper into the comfort of him. I had fallen asleep here last night—curled up beside him after everything had finally calmed down. I hadn't meant to. I just couldn't bear to leave.
Now, the hush of morning bathed everything in softness, like the world had hit pause, just for us.
His grip tightened slightly, his thumb brushing small, lazy circles on my back. I didn't move. I didn't want to break the moment. Not when his warmth felt like home.
A quiet sigh escaped him, and then he stirred.
His nose nestled into my hair as he whispered something unintelligible—something sweet and half-dreamed. And then, I felt it.
A soft kiss.
Pressed right to the center of my forehead.
Like sunlight blooming on skin.
I slowly blinked my eyes open, greeted not just by the morning glow, but by the soft gaze of the man beside me.
"Good morning," he whispered, his voice low, gravelly, and full of tenderness.
My lips curled into a small smile as I whispered back, "Morning…"
He reached up and brushed a strand of hair away from my face. "You're still here."
"Of course I'm here," I said softly. "Where else would I be?"
Leo didn't respond right away. He just looked at me—like I was something rare. Like I was something precious.
He leaned forward then, his lips brushing mine in a kiss so delicate it felt like the morning breeze itself had touched me.
The sunlight, his embrace, the rhythm of his heartbeat under my palm—it all felt like a dream I never wanted to wake from.
And in that quiet glow, I knew…
Just as Leo leaned in to rest his forehead against mine, a soft knock interrupted our quiet bubble.
We both turned toward the door as it creaked open slightly.
"Sir Leo, Miss Melody," came the gentle voice of their housemaid. "The Chairman wishes for you both to join him for breakfast in the dining hall."
Leo let out a breathy chuckle, brushing a thumb over my knuckles. "Guess the morning peace is over."
I giggled, pulling myself up from the bed. "Let's not keep your father waiting."
We moved around the room, quickly fixing ourselves—Leo smoothing down his shirt and me brushing out my hair. I caught glimpses of us in the mirror, the quiet smiles we shared, the way his eyes softened every time they met mine. It was like waking into a brand-new world.
Once ready, Leo reached for my hand, his fingers lacing with mine effortlessly.
"Come on," he said with a bright smile, "let's make this morning a little more perfect."
We walked down the hallway together, and as the warm morning light spilled in from the large windows, I felt its glow match the one blooming inside my chest.
When we arrived at the dining room, Leo's father—Chairman Cyprus—was already seated at the head of the long table, a newspaper folded beside his untouched coffee. He looked up as we entered, his expression relaxing as he saw us.
"There you are," he said, motioning for us to sit. "Join me."
"Good morning, Father," Leo greeted, his voice warm but respectful.
"Good morning, Chairman," I said softly with a small bow before taking the seat beside Leo.
We began our meal, exchanging light conversation at first. The aroma of fresh-brewed coffee and warm bread filled the room, mingling with the soft clinks of silverware. It felt like a scene from a life I was slowly becoming part of.
Then, the Chairman placed his fork down and looked straight at me.
"Melody," he said with calm seriousness, "I've thought deeply about this… and I'd like to ask you to move in with us. To this house."
I blinked in surprise, pausing mid-sip of orange juice.
"And…" he continued, eyes firm but sincere, "I would like you and Leo to officially register your marriage. The sooner, the better."
The silence that followed seemed to hum through the room.
Leo's head turned toward me almost instantly, brows slightly raised, but he didn't look shocked. He looked… thoughtful.
"M-Move in? And register… our marriage?" I echoed, my voice soft, barely catching up with the gravity of his words.
I clutched the hem of the tablecloth for a second, grounding myself before I spoke. "Chairman… I… I'm honored by what you're asking." My voice trembled just slightly. "But… my parents… they don't even know yet."
Leo turned his gaze to me again, this time more intently. His thumb brushed over the back of my hand as he whispered, "Then we'll tell them. Together."
I looked up at him, my lips parting slightly. The sincerity in his eyes melted some of the worry that had started coiling in my stomach.
"I'll visit them with you," he said, more firmly this time. "We'll explain everything. I want to meet them properly, Melody. As your partner."
I swallowed the lump in my throat and slowly nodded, a soft smile forming on my lips. "Okay… Thank you."
But even as I said the words and returned his reassuring squeeze, a quiet storm brewed inside me.
My parents didn't even know I had a boyfriend. They thought I was just working hard, building my career, living independently in the city. And now I was… engaged. To one of the most powerful men in the country. How would they take it? Especially my father—he'd always been wary of people in high places, men with too much money, too much influence. He believed they couldn't be trusted.
Would he see Leo the same way?
I felt a sudden chill in my spine.
Leo, noticing the flicker of hesitation in my eyes, leaned in closer and whispered, "Hey… we'll be okay. I'll make sure they see what I see in you… and what I feel for you."
I let out a soft breath, and the tension in my chest loosened just a little. "Alright," I murmured. "Let's go home after this."
Across the table, the Chairman gave a gentle nod of approval. "Take all the time you need. What matters most is that you begin this journey with clarity—and with the blessing of the people who raised you."
That struck me deep. My heart thudded as I gave him a grateful nod.
I still didn't know how my father would react… but one thing was clear: I wouldn't be facing it alone.