One afternoon, Leia received an invitation to a high school reunion. It had been years since she had last seen most of her classmates, and while she felt a mix of excitement and nervousness, she ultimately decided to attend. Nathan was currently away on a business trip, so she would be going alone.
The venue was already bustling with familiar faces when Leia arrived. Groups of former classmates stood together, exchanging laughter and catching up on life. Some people had changed, their appearances more mature, their presence more confident, while others still carried the same youthful energy from their school days.
Leia scanned the room, eventually spotting a few of her old friends. Relief washed over her as she made her way toward them, joining their conversation with ease. As they reminisced about their high school days, laughing over fond memories and sharing stories of their lives now, Leia couldn't help but feel a nostalgic warmth fill her heart.
Just as she was settling into the lively atmosphere, a particular presence caught her attention.
Lina had arrived.
Dressed in a delicate pink dress that accentuated her elegance, she greeted everyone with her usual bright, confident smile. Even in high school, Lina had always been the center of attention—beautiful, smart, and effortlessly charming. She was someone everyone admired.
The moment she walked in, her first question had everyone's attention.
"Will Nathan be coming?"
Her voice carried an undeniable eagerness, and it wasn't lost on anyone in the room.
A few classmates exchanged knowing looks. It was no secret that Lina had always harbored feelings for Nathan, and judging by the way she was asking about him now, it seemed that some things hadn't changed.
One of the classmates responded, "I heard he's on a business trip, so he won't be able to make it. Didn't you both go to the same university? You didn't keep in touch?"
Lina's expression faltered ever so slightly, though she quickly masked it with a light laugh. "We were both really busy with our own studies, so we didn't talk much."
Leia, who had been sitting quietly at the table, listened to the conversation without saying a word. Her fingers tightened subtly around the stem of her wine glass.
She hadn't known that Lina had also attended Qilin University.
Not that it mattered now—but for some reason, hearing Lina so openly express interest in Nathan even after all these years stirred something uncomfortable within her.
Still, she had no intention of revealing her relationship with Nathan. It wasn't that she was ashamed—she simply knew that not everyone would be happy for them, especially some of the women in their class. Besides, Nathan wasn't even here. There was no need to make unnecessary waves.
So she chose to remain silent.
The reunion continued with delicious food and endless toasts as classmates celebrated their individual journeys. Laughter and nostalgia filled the air, and Leia gradually eased back into the moment.
Until—
A familiar voice spoke beside her.
"Leia, how have you been? Do you have someone special in your life right now?"
Leia felt a wave of discomfort as she nodded in response to her former classmate's question. She wasn't trying to hide anything, but explaining her relationship with Nathan in front of everyone felt… unnecessary. So she simply acknowledged the question without elaborating further.
The reunion carried on until the final group photo, where everyone gathered together, laughing and reminiscing as the camera clicked away, capturing the fleeting moment of nostalgia.
Just as the event came to an end, the crowd moved outside, only to be met with the heavy downpour that had started while they were inside. The sudden rainfall soaked the pavement, the street lights reflecting off the wet ground, and people scrambled for umbrellas or rushed to call for a ride.
Leia was about to book a car when the same male classmate from earlier turned to her.
"Leia, I drove here. I can take you home." His tone was friendly, but there was something insistent in his expression.
Leia politely declined, her fingers already tapping on her phone. "It's alright. I'll just call for a ride."
But the man chuckled, shaking his head. "In this rain? It's going to take forever to get a car. Come on, don't be stubborn. Let me take you home. It's just a ride."
Before Leia could figure out how to turn him down without making things awkward, the sound of an approaching car cut through the rain.
A sleek black luxury sedan came to a stop right in front of them.
Everyone turned their heads in curiosity.
The driver's door opened, and the person who stepped out instantly stole all the attention.
Nathan.
A collective wave of surprise rippled through the group, but no one was more shocked than Leia.
He wasn't supposed to be back yet.
Yet here he was—standing tall, dressed in his usual sharp suit, his expression calm yet commanding as he shut the car door.
Before Leia could even react, a voice filled with excitement cut through the air.
"Nathan!"
Leia turned to see Lina rushing toward him, her eyes practically glowing as she instantly positioned herself at his side.
"We thought you were on a business trip! You weren't supposed to make it tonight!" One of the classmates exclaimed.
Nathan barely spared Lina a glance before responding matter-of-factly.
"I just got off the plane. I came to pick up my wife."
Silence.
A heavy, stunned silence fell over the crowd as Nathan walked forward with purpose, his gaze locking onto Leia's.
Wife.
He had said it so naturally, so firmly, as if it were the most obvious fact in the world.
The realization hit everyone like a thunderclap—especially Lina.
"You're married?" Someone blurted out, their voice filled with shock.
Lina's smile froze in place, her expression shifting from disbelief to utter devastation.
Nathan walked up to Leia, his actions smooth and confident, before he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her into his side. His touch was possessive yet undeniably gentle, his warmth soothing the coldness of the rain against her skin.
"Leia and I already registered our marriage. We'll be holding a ceremony soon, and of course, all of you are invited."
The crowd erupted into murmurs.
Some were congratulatory. Some were surprised. But one person wasn't taking it well at all.
Lina.
Her hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her palms as she stared at Leia with burning jealousy.
It wasn't fair.
She had been the one everyone thought was the perfect match for Nathan—the beautiful, smart girl who had always been close to him.
And yet, here was Leia, standing in the place she had always wanted for herself.
Something inside her snapped.
"Leia, why is it you?!" Her voice came out sharper than she intended, her emotions cracking through her carefully composed image.
Everyone turned in shock at Lina's sudden outburst.
She took a step forward, her eyes flashing with resentment. "I was always by Nathan's side! If anyone should be with him, it should be me!"
Leia felt her breath catch in her throat.
She hadn't expected this reaction, hadn't expected Lina to say it so openly in front of everyone.
But before she could even think of a response, Nathan pulled her closer.
Then, in a voice low and unwavering, he leaned down to Leia's ear and whispered:
"Don't worry. I'll explain everything later."
And just like that, the tension in Leia's chest eased.
Because she knew—no matter what happened next, Nathan was standing firmly by her side.
—
As the car smoothly cruised through the quiet streets, the rhythmic hum of the engine filled the silence between them. The city lights flickered past, casting soft shadows across Leia's face. She turned to Nathan, her gaze filled with curiosity and warmth.
"Weren't you supposed to return tomorrow morning?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.
Nathan kept his eyes on the road, his fingers tapping lightly on the steering wheel. "Finished work early, so I caught an earlier flight."
Leia's lips curled into a small, unintentional smile. "Did you eat?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.
"Had something on the plane," Nathan replied casually.
Shortly after, they arrived home. The moment they stepped inside, Nathan took her by the hand and led her to their bedroom. His grip was firm, yet gentle, as if he didn't want to let her go even for a second.
Leia noticed immediately—something about him felt different tonight. There was an unspoken weight in his eyes, a tension in the way he moved, as if there were things left unsaid.
She turned to him, a concern flickering across her face as she reached out to help him remove his suit jacket. "Nathan, what's wrong? You've been acting strange ever since the reunion."
Nathan let out a slow breath, his fingers brushing against hers as he took her hands in his own. "I was worried you'd be affected by what Lina said."
Leia froze for a moment, blinking up at him. "So is there something you want to explain to me?"
Nathan hesitated briefly before finally speaking. "Back in high school, I used to tutor Lina."
Leia's expression remained neutral as she listened, though her fingers unconsciously tightened around his.
"So that's why you both got into Hua University together," she murmured.
Nathan gently squeezed her hands, his voice calm but firm. "Yes, but we were in different course. And even during university, we barely interacted. She was never someone I saw that way, Leia."
Leia searched his gaze, looking for any hint of hesitation, but all she saw was sincerity and unwavering certainty.
A small sigh escaped her lips as she leaned into his embrace, resting her forehead against his chest. "Alright, I believe you. I guess… I just always envied Lina. Not being able to attend the same university as you was one of my biggest regrets."
Nathan wrapped his arms around her securely, his chin resting atop her head. His voice was low yet filled with conviction. "We may have missed out on that phase of life together, but we have a lifetime ahead of us."
Leia chuckled softly, her fingers absentmindedly tracing circles on his chest. "Lina is beautiful, smart… and she's always liked you. You really never felt anything for her?"
Nathan let out a low chuckle, shaking his head before cupping her face with both hands. "Leia, I never saw her as anything more than a classmate. You were the only one I ever noticed. Even back then, I was always drawn to you."
Leia's breath hitched as his words settled in her heart. Could it be true? Had he really been aware of her all this time?
Before she could respond, Nathan leaned down, pressing a lingering kiss against her forehead. "You're my wife now, Leia. The only person I love is you."
Leia's face flushed, her heart warming at his tenderness. She playfully nudged him, her palm resting against his chest. "You're really good at saying sweet things, aren't you?"
Nathan's lips curled into a smirk, his eyes glinting with amusement and affection. "It's not just sweet talk—it's the truth. You're the love of my life, Leia. That will never change."
Leia felt her chest tighten with emotion. With a small laugh, she wrapped her arms around his waist, hugging him tightly.
"I missed you while you were away, you know," she admitted softly. "Sleeping alone feels strange now."
Nathan smiled as he ran his fingers through her hair, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Then let's fix that tonight."
Nathan felt immense relief and warmth after hearing Leia's words. His fingers gently cradled her face, tilting it slightly as he leaned in, pressing a soft, lingering kiss against her lips.
His touch was tender yet filled with longing, his lips moving slowly against hers as if savoring the moment. Their breaths intertwined, the warmth between them growing with every passing second. As the kiss deepened, Nathan inhaled softly, pulling her even closer, his lips exploring hers with a quiet intensity.
His fingertips traced gentle patterns along her cheek, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. The connection between them felt undeniable, magnetic, as if nothing else in the world existed beyond this moment.
After spending time apart, the distance had only made their longing for each other stronger. Nathan held Leia securely in his embrace, his arms wrapped protectively around her, as if afraid to ever let her go. His hand brushed against her neck, then through the strands of her hair, his touch filled with nothing but affection and tenderness.
As Leia helped unbutton Nathan's shirt, the fabric parted, revealing his well-defined chest. His toned muscles, usually hidden beneath layers of formal attire, carried a quiet strength, exuding warmth and confidence. Leia's gaze lingered for a moment, a trace of admiration and awe flickering in her eyes.
She reached out, tracing her fingers lightly over his chest, feeling the firm lines beneath her touch. His arms wrapped securely around her waist, pulling her closer into his embrace. His touch was gentle yet firm, a silent promise of love and devotion. Their hearts pounded in unison, the warmth between them intensifying with every passing second.
As their lips met, their world seemed to fade away, leaving nothing but the quiet hum of their breathing and the undeniable connection between them. Their kiss deepened, filled with longing and emotion, as if making up for every moment they had spent apart.
Leia's fingers slid over Nathan's shoulders, feeling the strength beneath his touch. His hands traced along her back with deliberate tenderness, as if memorizing every part of her.
"Leia…" Nathan murmured against her lips, his voice low, sending a shiver down her spine.
She looked up at him, her eyes filled with trust and affection. In that moment, nothing else mattered—only the love they shared and the way their hearts beat in perfect harmony.
Nathan and Leia lay side by side, their arms wrapped around each other as they basked in the warmth of the moment. The room was quiet, save for their steady breathing as they savored the closeness, the comfort of simply being in each other's embrace.
Nathan's fingers traced gentle patterns along Leia's skin, his touch soft, lingering, filled with quiet affection. He pressed a light kiss to her forehead, his voice low and tender as he whispered, "are you feeling okay?"
Leia's heart swelled with warmth, a soft smile spreading across her lips as she buried her face against his chest. yup," she murmured, her voice carrying a trace of contentment.
Nathan's arms tightened slightly around her, as if he wanted to hold onto this moment a little longer. His hand slowly caressed her back, his touch neither rushed nor urgent—just a silent reassurance of love and devotion.
Leia let out a quiet sigh, feeling completely at ease in his arms. She tilted her head slightly, her lips brushing against his ear as she whispered, "Nathan, I love this feeling… being with you."
Nathan's heart skipped a beat at her words. He looked down at her, his gaze filled with warmth and tenderness. "Leia," he murmured, his voice softer now, almost reverent.
He leaned in, pressing a slow, lingering kiss against her lips, his hand gently cradling the back of her head. Leia melted into the kiss, her arms instinctively wrapping around his neck, pulling him closer, deepening the moment between them.
Time seemed to stand still as they remained locked in their world, their hearts beating in sync, their souls completely intertwined.
When they finally pulled away, both slightly breathless, Nathan brushed a few strands of hair from Leia's face, his eyes holding nothing but love.
Leia, feeling shy yet undeniably happy, lowered her gaze before letting out a soft giggle. Nathan smiled at her reaction, his own heart swelling with affection.
Without needing to say a word, they understood each other perfectly at that moment.