Sense of Belonging


    As made a dinner reservation as we entered the car. My heart kept pounding throughout the ride,


    and I


    couldn’t bring myself to look at him. He pulled me closer, saying, “Call your parents and tell them you


    won’t be home tonight.”


    I had no strength to argue or think about anything else. I just wanted to find peace in As’s arms as it


    melted away all my worries and anxieties. Soon, we returned to the resort. I felt a sense of belonging,


    like


    this was our home.


    His previous question still entranced me. “Do you want to stay here or go home?”


    I wondered if this ce could be our home.


    After dinner, he didn’t hesitate to hold and shower me with kisses. I felt like crying then because I had


    waited for him for so long. I missed him so much, and all my longing turned into happiness.


    However, I dared not look at him, afraid of keeping this moment in my memory. Instead, I closed my


    eyes


    as my mind went nk.


    “Why won’t you look at me?” As asked.


    I reluctantly opened my eyes and met his tender gaze. His handsome face held a deep affection that


    melted me. He held me tightly and whispered, “Chloe, I’ve missed you so much.”


    His words brought me a sense offort. I didn’t know if this was his way of dering his feelings for


    1. me. I wondered how long he would keep missing me and dared not consider how much he loved


    me.


    I nestled in his embrace and couldn’t help but ask, “Is everything going smoothly with your work?”


    “Mmm.” He held me, letting out a soft hum. I wasn’t sure if that hum meant everything


    smoothly.


    g was going


    Unexpectedly, he shared, “There are some new issues at the headquarters, and the outgoing CEO


    won’t


    make any moves for now. So, I’ll be staying in Foswood.”


    My heart lightened, and I couldn’t help but smile. Did that mean As hadn’t epted any additional


    conditions? I felt a sense of relief wash over me, thinking if it meant he hadn’t epted any additional


    conditions.


    Still, there was a lingering worry in the back of my mind. I didn’t want obstacles to hinder As’s


    sess


    and only wished for everything to go smoothly for him.


    He gazed down at me and brushed my cheek as he asked, “You want me to stay, don’t you?”


    His question brought me back to reality. I didn’t know whether or not I wanted him to stay and


    wondered what I would be to him if he left. Was i just hispanion in times like these?


    I heard single men often seek experienced, obedient, and intelligent partners. Was he one of those


    men?


    I


    I remained silent while sorrow surged within me. Suddenly, I abandoned my usual reserved attitude


    and kissed As passionately. However, he gently tugged at my hair with a hint of displeasure,


    demanding.” Why won’t you answer me?”


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    He looked into my eyes like he could sense something was amiss.


    I looked at him forlornly. “I’m a divorcee. How could I demand or hope for anything? All that matters is


    that you’re doing well.”


    “Is that how you really feel?” he growled.


    I understood what he asked but didn’t know how to respond. Since I remained silent, he pressed me


    closer to vent his frustrations. It made me wonder if he was just concerned about me. It seemed like it


    would be a sleepless night for me.


    I pondered the uncertain nature of our rtionship. Ste told me they had an arranged marriage. But


    even without Ste, wasn’t he still bound by constraints?


    The following day, I rode in his car to the office. He seemed to be in high spirits. The drive was leisurely


    and unhurried as well, I was delighted to see him so content. I thought maybe I could stop overthinking


    things, but little did I know that reality was about to shatter my illusions.


    Trouble was on the horizon