Outside the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, the sea was pitch black and restless. Inside, the room was warm and cozy, the fire in the fireplace flickering, casting a soft glow over the embracing couple.

Aria was dressed in a silky robe, nestled bonelessly in Sebastian's arms, her fingers lazily tracing circles on his chest. "Sebastian, wasn't today the day you were supposed to get the marriage license with Clarissa? Aren't you worried she'll be mad, since you're here with me instead?"

Sebastian let out a snort of laughter, his arm draped carelessly across the back of the sofa, posture screaming indifference. "Mad? What's she mad about?"

"She chased after me for six years, and the second I threw her a bone, she thought she was in. Seriously?"

"If it wasn't for the Beckett family's background and her knowing how to keep in line, I wouldn't even bother playing nice. She can never compare to you."

Aria's eyes flickered with amusement, but on the surface, she looked pitiful, delicate.

"Don't say that, Sebastian-it's my fault. If I hadn't gotten hurt back then, maybe you and her-"

"It had nothing to do with you, Aria!" He instantly tightened his hold on her, voice tense with frustration and guilt. "If it weren't for her, you wouldn't have missed out on such a huge opportunity. She's the one who owes you."

"Everything Clarissa has came at your expense. So tell me, what right does she have to feel wronged?"

The more he thought about it, the more it agitated him.

He leaned down, kissed the top of Aria's head, speaking gently, "Let's not talk about her anymore. She ruins the mood. Tonight's about you and me."

*****

At the same time, Clarissa stood in front of the apartment she had lived in for years, feeling an oddly familiar sense of unease.

She slid the key into the lock, but it wouldn't turn. A warm, firm hand suddenly covered hers from behind, applying a gentle twist.

Click-the door opened.

Elian stood just behind her, close enough that his breath brushed against her ear.

He chuckled quietly, teasing, "What, nervous to come home? Need me to carry you in, Mrs. Langley?"

Clarissa's ears warmed instantly. She stepped away quickly and walked into the apartment ahead of him.

The place wasn't big, but it was neat and cozy. A cat was napping lazily on the armrest of the couch and perked up at the noise.

Clarissa's face softened without her noticing. She crouched down, reaching out her hand. "Come here, Plumie."

The cat blinked, recognized her, and hopped down gracefully, brushing up against her legs affectionately.

Elian closed the door, leaning against the entryway cabinet, watching the woman and the cat. There was something unreadable in his eyes.

He raised an eyebrow, his voice lightly nostalgic with a hint of tenderness. "So it's still here. You've kept it all these years."

Clarissa gently ran her fingers over Plumie's soft fur, glancing up at him, an unexpected flicker of surprise in her gaze. "You remember?"

"Of course I remember." Elian walked over and crouched across from her, reaching out tentatively to touch Plumie's nose. The cat shifted back slightly but didn't run.

He chuckled, but his eyes stayed on Clarissa as he said meaningfully, "Back when I gave her to you, she was skin and bones, like a little rat. Now she's all fat and happy."

His words were like a key, suddenly unlocking a wave of memories.

One sweltering summer years ago, he had stood outside her place in a plain white T-shirt, sweat-damp hair stuck to his forehead, gently holding a scruffy little cat in his arms.

Back then, his family had fallen into crisis and he was about to be forced overseas-no idea what the future held.

The fire in his youth had long been dulled by reality, leaving behind only sharp edges and a quiet unwillingness to let go.

He shoved the kitten into Clarissa's arms, tone deliberately casual and nonchalant. "Here. Found it by the street, no one seemed to want it. Figured you're into these little furballs. If you don't mind, just keep it."

The moment she held that warm, tiny life, her heart softened.

She could tell-he cared about the cat. Maybe... he cared about her too.

But she knew he was leaving the country. So she swallowed that bitter sting in her chest, forced a bright smile, and said, "Thank you, Elian. I'll take good care of it. You take care too over there. Wishing you all the best."

He looked at her for a long beat before muttering a low "yeah," then turned around and walked off without glancing back once.

Pulled back from the memory, the air seemed laced with a quiet sense of loss.

Elian scratched under Plumie's chin, and the kitten purred contentedly, like it finally remembered him.

He looked up, that mischievous glint returning to his eyes, lips curling into a teasing grin. "You know, Clarissa, you took in this cat, and now married me so decisively. Don't tell me... you've actually been into me all along?"

His voice rose playfully, body leaning forward just slightly, closing the gap between them.

Clarissa froze at his sudden suggestion, cheeks blazing red. Flustered and annoyed, she blurted, "Elian! Don't talk nonsense!"

"Nonsense?" Elian chuckled low, his gaze locked onto hers, intense enough to pull her in. "Then explain-why me, exactly?"

Every word hit straight, with an intensity that made the air itself thicken with tension.

"Stop flattering yourself!" Her heart pounded like crazy. She tried to sound firm, but his nearness robbed her voice of its usual steadiness.

"I'm flattering myself?" Elian leaned in closer, so near their noses almost touched. His voice dropped to a murmur, intimate and dangerous. "Clarissa... say that again, looking me in the eye."

Reluctantly, she met his gaze-dark, deep, and swirling with emotion she couldn't quite name. It was overwhelming and magnetic.

She opened her mouth but couldn't get a word out.

They just stared, like two stubborn cubs in a silent standoff, neither backing down, yet inching closer and closer without even noticing-close enough to feel each other's breath.

"Clarissa, can I... kiss you?"

Elian's voice was barely audible, laced with hesitation and vulnerability. As he leaned in, his warm breath brushed her lips-

Clarissa jolted like she'd been snapped out of a trance.

"No!" she shot up like a spring, fumbling for words. "I-I need to pack my stuff!"

Then she bolted into the bedroom and slammed the door behind her like she was escaping something terrifying.

Silence took over the living room, broken only by a confused "meow" from Plumie.

Elian stayed frozen in his half-crouch, staring at the shut door. The heat in his eyes dimmed, slowly replaced by something deeper-longing, thick with regret.

He straightened up and walked over to the window, staring out at the city lights. He lit a cigarette but didn't take a drag.

Regret filled his chest.

Why did he leave all those years ago?

Why didn't he just stay no matter what?

If he'd been just a little braver, a little more certain, maybe they wouldn't have lost six years.

Without that six-year gap... how could he have let that bastard Sebastian hurt her so badly?

Not long after, Clarissa came out of the room, dragging a small suitcase behind her. From the size of it, she clearly didn't bring much.

Elian walked over with Plumie curled up in his arms.

Clarissa took one look and couldn't help but shake her head-what a little attention hog.

Just seeing Elian's face was apparently enough; Plumie was already rubbing up against him, purring contentedly and settling in like that spot had always belonged to them.

Well, at least she didn't have to worry about how Plumie would adjust to the new place.

"That's all you brought?" Elian asked.

Clarissa nodded, then tossed the question back at him. "Didn't pack many clothes. I figured a high-flying finance guy like you probably has a well-stocked closet."

He gave a half-smirk. "Heh, someone's got high hopes. Are you sure my fashion sense is good enough for you, rising star of the violin world?"

Clarissa rolled her eyes. Classic Elian-still couldn't take any teasing without firing back.

"You carry the cat bag," she said plainly, taking Plumie from him and placing it into its carrier.

Elian threw the strap over his shoulder without a fuss and casually grabbed her suitcase too.

"Let's roll, Mrs. Langley."

He packed the luggage in the trunk while Clarissa had already settled into the passenger seat up front, sitting like the perfect model of well-behaved.

Elian got in after her but didn't start the car right away.

Instead, he just looked at her, eyes steady and warm, like he had all the time in the world.

Clarissa started to feel awkward under his gaze. She turned to look out the window, even checked if her outfit looked off somehow.

Everything seemed in order, and yet he was still staring.

"What are you looking at?" she finally asked, voice stiff as she shifted uncomfortably.

"Just thinking," Elian said lazily, a small smile playing on his lips.

Thinking? Don't tell her he was already regretting the marriage?

"Thinking about what?"

He gave a low chuckle, eyes narrowing a little as he teased, "You planning to get me pulled over? No seatbelt means a ticket-and I'm too pretty for traffic school."

Oh, crap.

Clarissa instantly wanted to disappear. She quickly reached for the seatbelt, but no matter how she tugged, it wouldn't click.

Elian sighed, leaned over, adjusted the strap, then-click-snapped it into place.

Clarissa swore all her life's most embarrassing moments had chosen today to make an appearance.

Whenever she was around Elian, it was like she couldn't avoid making a fool of herself.

Still lost in thought, her forehead was suddenly flicked.

Elian sighed, mock-disappointed.

"Clarissa, after all these years, has your brain really not caught up? Or did all the growth just... shift south?"

His eyes dipped pointedly-only to be met with a palm smacking over them.

"Elian!" she snapped. "Don't be such a perv!"

Her cheeks flushed red with frustration, cheeks almost glowing.

Now she was the one second-guessing their marriage-not Elian.

Why on earth did she agree to marry him anyway?!

Just thinking about spending more time like this made her head throb.

Elian didn't seem offended though-he merely curved his lips into a smug smile, clearly enjoying himself.

"Well, look who's finally acting like her old self again. And just so you know, once you're married, it's not called being a perv anymore. It's called having fun. Get it?"

Clarissa blinked, glancing at him.

His fingers rested casually on the steering wheel, and with a couple buttons undone at the collar, he gave off an effortlessly masculine vibe.

Maybe she'd never actually looked at him properly before.

Their time together had always been filled with arguments or tangled up in things related to Sebastian.

He and Sebastian never got along. They clashed all the time. Even before she started crushing on Sebastian, those two fought constantly.

She used to apologize to people on Sebastian's behalf almost out of habit.

Now that she had completely cut ties with him and could see more clearly, she realized-Elian actually looked better than Sebastian in some ways.

There was an arrogant edge to him for sure, always walking around like he owned the place. But somehow, it wasn't irritating up close.

Though honestly, if he could just tone down the sarcasm, he'd probably be even more likable.

She couldn't help wondering-why had she been so hung up on Sebastian back then?

That one comment from Elian, asking if she was being her "old self," had her suddenly struggling to recall who that even was.

"Elian, what was I like before?"

She stared at the red light blinking outside the window, her voice quiet.

Elian turned to look at her. His usually pale face now had a faint blush spreading across it.

His lashes fluttered just the slightest bit, like soft wings in motion.

For a moment, he spaced out-until she nudged him.

"Green light."

Only then did he snap out of it, easing his foot off the brake.

"What were you zoning out about?" Clarissa asked, half-suspicious.

Was he daydreaming about some other girl or what?

"I was thinking about you," he replied casually.

Her heart skipped a beat-until he followed it up with, "You asked what you used to be like."

"I'd say... you used to be kind of slow. A little clueless. Not great at telling right from wrong. And yeah-just a tad too proud for your own good."

Clarissa puffed up her cheeks and locked eyes with him. "Wanna try that again?"

That tone? Pure "I dare you to keep talking."

Elian laughed, reaching over to ruffle her hair.

"Oh, come on. Even 'To be or not to be' took you two hours-don't tell me that's genius behavior. You showed up to your PE exam in ballet flats-explain that. And when Sebastian decked me for calling him out, you actually apologized to him. How's that not a little... morally confused?"

He laid it out, one by one, like he had receipts for days.

Clarissa thought about it for a second. Okay... maybe he had a point.

Hard to argue with the truth, even if it stung a little.

All that debating champ title from college? Totally wasted.

Seeing her at a loss for words, Elian paused, wondering if maybe he'd gone a bit too far.

So he added, "But hey, your violin game? Honestly amazing. Every time you pick it up, you've got this proud vibe going on-like a black swan."

"Huh?" Clarissa blinked. "Why a black swan? Why not a white one?"

Elian gave a light chuckle.

"Maybe because white swans are everywhere. Black swans? Way rarer."

And well, you're one of a kind.

Clarissa didn't really dwell on it.

As the car turned into Skyreach Manor, she looked out the window, surprised. "You live here?"

Elian drove into the underground parking, made a turn, and finally parked. He stepped out and went around to the trunk to grab their stuff.

With one hand holding the cat carrier and the other a suitcase, he raised an eyebrow at her. "Lock the car, will you?"

"Uh? Oh, sure. Where's the key?"

"Left pocket of my pants."

Clarissa's eyes dipped down-awkward, yeah, but hey, they're married now. A week from now, they'd probably be doing stuff way beyond this. Thinking that made it feel less weird.

She reached into his pocket, fished around a little, found the key, locked the car, then trailed behind him.

Inside the elevator, Elian said, "23rd floor."

Clarissa quietly pressed the button. Skyreach had one-unit-per-floor setups, and the high-floor layouts offered killer views of the river and the massive bridge nearby. Just imagining it made her a little giddy.

Ding.

The elevator slid open.

Elian walked ahead, scanned his fingerprint, keyed in a code, then looked back. "Come here. Time for yours."

Clarissa hesitated, wondering which finger to use.

Without a word, Elian grabbed her hand and helped her press three fingers onto the scanner.

Done with that, he bent down and grabbed a pair of disposable slippers from the shoe cabinet. "No ladies' shoes yet-we'll make a run to the store later."

Clarissa nodded, smiling slightly. "That's fine."

She kicked off her shoes quickly, slipped into the disposable slippers, and tiptoed over to the floor-to-ceiling windows. The view stole her breath. Maybe this whole marriage thing wasn't that bad after all.

"Elian, your place is seriously gorgeous."

Of course, she meant the view-not the black and white minimalist tones everywhere inside.

At some point, Elian had stepped behind her, wrapping his arms around her.

Clarissa froze a little, but didn't pull away. Like he said-she had to get used to it.

His breath brushed against her ear.

And then, in a calm voice, he said, "Clarissa, it's our home. Not just mine."

Only then did it hit her-he was correcting the way she'd been calling it "your place."

Still facing the window, her cheeks tinged with pink, she murmured, "Got it."

Just as Clarissa reached out to take his hand, Elian let go of the hug.

The air felt a bit tense, so she spoke up first, "Which room do I stay in?"

Hearing that, Elian's dark eyes locked onto her with a look she couldn't quite read. His fingers twirled a strand of her hair, like he was playing with a kitten, and reminded her with a hint of teasing, "Mrs. Langley, did you already forget what I said?"

Clarissa blinked, her throat tightening slightly as she remembered what he'd told her earlier:

"I married you because I want a real partner-a shared bed, a shared life."

So yeah, that meant the master bedroom.

She muttered to herself, "Got it."

Anyway, he'd said she had a week to adjust.

Dragging her suitcase along, she walked into the master bedroom. Elian noticed she went to the right room and curved his lips into a subtle smile before turning back toward the kitchen.

Once she was alone in the bedroom, Clarissa finally took out her phone. It had been buzzing like crazy in the car earlier. A quick glance at her messages showed a long stream from Natalie.

There was that photo Natalie sent - still unanswered - and then a barrage of rants.

[Still can't let go?]

[I honestly wanna crack your head open and see if it's just Sebastian in there.]

[Back then, sure, he was great. But ever since Aria showed up, the man changed! How do you still not get that?]

[Are you stupid or what?]

[Still ignoring me? Thinking of doing something dumb?]

[If you seriously go off the rails over him, I swear-when I bury you, the glow from his cheating ass will light up the entire damn country.]

[They booked a hotel room! Do you get what that means?]

...

The rants went on, with the most recent one being from about half an hour ago.

[Ughhhh Clarissa baby, should I just fly back to be with you?]

Clarissa sighed. Typical Natalie - sharp tongue, but always shows up when it counts.

She typed several simple words: [I'm fine.]

Compared to Natalie's passionate paragraphs, her reply looked ice-cold.

The next second her phone lit up - Natalie was calling.

"Babe! Finally! I was this close to heading to the airport."

Face in her hand, Clarissa let out a small sigh. She wasn't sure why-maybe it was Elian being around-but she didn't feel as awful now.

"I'm okay," she said.

"No way you're okay. Wait, you didn't go to the Marriage Registration Center looking for him, did you?"

Of course she guessed it right.

"I did, but Natalie, we broke up. Deleted everything - no contact."

"Huh?" There was a pause on the line, then Natalie's voice shot up a notch.

"Whoa, hold on, how'd you come around? When he flew abroad you never even flinched!"

Clarissa gave a small laugh, asking back, "You don't think I did the right thing?"

"Are you kidding? I'm about to light fireworks on this side of the ocean. Hope the bangs echo into your dreams."

Clarissa chuckled out loud, then added, "Hey, do you remember Elian?"

"Elian? Of course! The guy's living the dream now, all over the international business news. Dunno if he even remembers us old classmates."

Old classmates...

Yeah, to him, maybe that's all she was - just someone from the past.

"Why'd you suddenly bring him up?"

Natalie was curious now. She could sense there was more to it.

"I married him." As she said it, she sent over a photo of their marriage certificate.

Natalie was quiet for a few minutes on the phone. She was probably zooming in on the marriage certificate, trying to figure out if it was photoshopped-or maybe just mentally calculating how much it'd cost if ZephyrTech actually sued her for defamation.

A few minutes later, her voice echoed loudly through the room.

"Clarissa, how did your taste level up this hard after breaking up with Sebastian? Back in school, I totally didn't realize Elian was this hot!"

"Level up," huh?

Clarissa glanced at the marriage certificate again. In the photo, Elian no longer had that wild, rebellious look from his teen days.

Less reckless now, more composed.

But under that calm surface, the rebellious streak was still there. And that smug attitude-definitely still alive and well.

She didn't even notice the small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

Natalie asked again, "So, Clarissa, did you marry him just to make Sebastian jealous?"

"No," Clarissa replied. That idea had flashed through her mind for about two seconds. Mostly, she just felt that Elian... seemed reliable.

"Natalie, marrying Elian wasn't for show. I actually see a future with him."

Natalie asked, "Do you like him?"

"Not quite there yet, but I don't dislike him. And he's... good."

Natalie chuckled softly, her voice calm. "Then I hope you'll fall for him soon."

Clarissa let out a soft "mm." Before hanging up, she reminded Natalie not to tell anyone yet. She'd go public when the time felt right.

*****

After hanging up, it suddenly hit her-why didn't Natalie wish for Elian to fall for her too?

Just as the thought crossed her mind, someone knocked on the door.

She opened it to find Elian standing there, the savory, spicy scent of her favorite boiled fish wafting through the air.

She brushed past him and practically jogged to the dining table, her eyes wide-not with shock, but surprise and delight.

"You made this? For real? You're amazing!"

Elian opened his mouth to reply, but Clarissa had already tossed him a "Don't just stand there, come eat!"

She rushed into her seat and, without waiting for him, picked up a piece of fish soaked in red chili oil and popped it in her mouth.

A numbing heat spread across her tongue.

"This-this is exactly the flavor I love!"

Elian didn't say anything, but the corners of his mouth curved slightly.

Just as he reached out to grab some food, Clarissa blocked his fork.

"I cooked this, and I don't get to eat any?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Still chewing, Clarissa blinked at him and replied slowly, "I heard that nine out of ten CEOs have stomach problems. You sure your stomach can handle this level of spice?"

Elian sighed, put down his fork, and rubbed his eyebrows. "Where do you even hear this stuff? I'm perfectly healthy. Not a single issue."

Clarissa narrowed her eyes. "Swear it?"

"If I wasn't, how could I have made all this and not dropped dead?" he deadpanned.

She thought about it. Come to think of it, out of the four dishes, three were spicy...

Weirdly, they were exactly what she liked. And... turns out, his tastes matched hers to a T.

If meals like this were part of the deal, maybe "settling down" with him wasn't so bad after all.

Elian noticed her zoning out. He tapped her lightly on the head with his fork.

"Stop absorbing trashy internet nonsense. Do you want a violin room? If you do, I'll get someone to set it up."

Of course she wanted one...

After her parents passed, she'd moved in with her grandpa. She never played the violin at home, worried it would bother him.

Quietly, she said, "Yeah... I'd like that. Go ahead and arrange it."

Sensing her mood shift, Elian smoothly changed the topic. "Wanna head out for a bit this afternoon?"

She shook her head. "I'd rather rest."

He didn't press.

After they finished eating, Clarissa cleared the table and went back to her room.

Elian lounged on the couch, phone in hand, scrolling through his gallery.

He picked out two photos-one of their marriage certificate, the other of their fingers laced together.

He added a caption:

[From promises to paper to forever.]