A Moment of Peace

After the intense meeting with the board, Hua and Ming walked out of the office building, the weight of their decision still lingering in the air. The sun was setting, casting a warm orange glow over the city, and for the first time in weeks, Hua felt like she could breathe.

They stopped at a nearby park, where the sound of rustling leaves and distant chatter provided a temporary escape from the chaos of their professional lives. Ming led her to a quiet bench under a tree, his hand still firmly holding hers. Neither of them had spoken since leaving the boardroom, but the silence was comforting, like they didn't need words to understand each other right now.

Sitting down, Hua let out a deep breath, her body finally relaxing after days of stress. "I can't believe that just happened," she said softly, her eyes focused on the horizon. "I didn't think they would actually push us to make that choice."

Ming turned to look at her, his expression soft yet filled with concern. "They were trying to protect the company. I understand that, but I'm not going to let them force us apart."

Hua smiled weakly. "I know. I just— I never wanted it to come to this point. I've worked so hard for this position, and now it feels like everything is slipping away because of rumors."

Ming sighed, his hand gently squeezing hers. "I hate seeing you go through this. But no matter what happens, you're not alone in this. We'll get through it together."

For a moment, Hua simply stared at him, overwhelmed by how much he was willing to sacrifice for her. Ming had always been supportive, but the fact that he had been ready to give up his position for her made her heart swell with both gratitude and guilt.

"I don't deserve you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Ming frowned, shifting closer to her. "Don't say that. You deserve everything, Hua. You've worked so hard for this, and you've earned your place. Don't let anyone make you feel like you don't belong here."

Hua blinked away the tears that were beginning to form, leaning her head on Ming's shoulder. "It just feels like no matter how much I achieve, there's always something trying to pull me back down."

Ming wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer. "That's because you're a threat to people who don't want to see you succeed. But you've already proven how strong you are, and you'll keep proving it."

They sat like that for a while, Hua's head resting against Ming's shoulder, the quiet of the park offering them a rare moment of peace. For once, it felt like the world wasn't watching, like they could just be themselves without the weight of their responsibilities hanging over them.

Eventually, Hua pulled back slightly, looking up at him. "I never thought my life would end up like this," she said with a small smile. "Running a company, being in a relationship with you… it all feels so surreal."

Ming smiled back, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I think we both ended up in places we didn't expect. But I wouldn't change it for anything."

Hua's heart fluttered as she gazed into his eyes, the warmth of his words making her feel more grounded than she had in weeks. Without thinking, she leaned forward and pressed her lips against his in a soft, lingering kiss. It was gentle and slow, a reminder of the connection they had built over time.

When they pulled back, Ming rested his forehead against hers, his breath warm against her skin. "I love you, Hua," he whispered.

Her heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected him to say it, not now, not after everything they had just gone through. But hearing those words filled her with a sense of clarity she hadn't felt in a long time.

"I love you too, Ming," she replied, her voice steady and certain.

For the first time in what felt like forever, Hua allowed herself to feel happy. Despite everything that had happened—the rumors, the tension, the threat of losing everything—she realized that having Ming by her side made all the difference.

And in that moment, sitting in the park with the man she loved, Hua felt like maybe, just maybe, they could face whatever came next together.