Behind Closed Doors

As Hua and Ming continued to navigate the challenges their relationship brought into their professional lives, the office buzzed with tension. Though they had faced the board with confidence, Hua could still sense the unease brewing among her colleagues. Whispers circulated through the hallways, and every glance felt like a judgment, especially when she and Ming found themselves in the same room.

They couldn't avoid each other forever—after all, they were both vital to the merger process. But now, every meeting was charged with unspoken tension, and the eyes of the company were on them more than ever.

---

Late one evening, Hua sat at her desk, staring at the documents scattered before her. She had been at work for hours, trying to focus on the numbers and proposals in front of her, but her mind kept drifting back to the media frenzy, the board meeting, and, of course, Ming. The weight of her responsibilities felt heavier than ever.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. She looked up to see Ming standing in the doorway, his expression gentle but concerned.

"Still working?" he asked, stepping into the room.

Hua sighed, leaning back in her chair. "Trying to. But it's hard to concentrate when everything feels like it's about to fall apart."

Ming walked over and sat on the edge of her desk, his presence immediately calming her nerves. "You're doing fine, Hua. The board is still backing you. We handled the press, and the merger's still moving forward."

"For now," she muttered, running a hand through her hair. "But I keep thinking…what if we're missing something? What if this relationship does end up costing us everything?"

Ming looked at her intently, his hand reaching out to gently tilt her chin so she would meet his eyes. "You can't think like that. I believe in you, Hua. You've come this far. You've built this company, and you've led it through crisis after crisis. This? We can handle it."

She held his gaze, her heart fluttering at the conviction in his voice. He always had a way of calming her when everything felt like it was spinning out of control. In this storm, Ming was her anchor.

But before Hua could say anything, there was another knock on the door. Both of them straightened up immediately, and Hua quickly tried to compose herself as the door opened.

It was Jing, Hua's assistant, holding a folder of documents. "I'm sorry to interrupt," she said quickly, her eyes darting between the two of them, her expression slightly flustered. "But there's an issue with the numbers for the East division."

Hua nodded, trying to push her emotions aside. "Thank you, Jing. Leave the documents on my desk. I'll take a look at them tonight."

Jing placed the folder down, her eyes lingering on Ming for just a moment longer before she left the room.

As soon as the door closed behind her, Hua let out a sigh. "See what I mean? People are watching us. Even Jing—she's my assistant, and I can feel her trying to read the situation every time we're in the same room."

Ming chuckled softly. "Let them watch. We're not doing anything wrong."

Hua smiled despite herself. "You're right. But still…we need to be careful."

Ming stood up and stretched his hand toward her. "Come on. Let's take a break. You've been in here all day, and I know your brain needs a rest."

Hua hesitated. "I can't. I have to go over these numbers—"

"Hua," Ming interrupted gently, but firmly. "You need to take care of yourself too. The work will still be here tomorrow."

He was right, of course. And truthfully, she was exhausted—mentally and physically. She let out a long breath and nodded, standing up from her desk. "Fine. But just for a little while."

Ming smiled, taking her hand as they slipped out of her office. It was late, and most of the staff had already gone home. The building was quiet, dimly lit as they walked down the hallways, feeling for the first time in hours like they could finally breathe.

---

They found themselves on the rooftop of the company building, where the city skyline stretched out before them, glittering in the night. Hua leaned against the railing, closing her eyes as the cool breeze brushed against her skin. For a moment, the weight of the world seemed to lift off her shoulders.

Ming stood beside her, watching her closely. "Feeling better?"

Hua opened her eyes and looked at him, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah. I think I needed this."

They stood in comfortable silence for a while, the sounds of the city below a distant hum. And then, Ming's hand brushed against hers, a gentle but deliberate touch.

Hua looked up at him, her heart skipping a beat. There was something different in his gaze—something deeper, more intense. Ming's usual calm confidence was still there, but it was softened by something more vulnerable.

"Hua," he began softly, his voice barely more than a whisper. "I know we agreed to keep things professional. But…being around you, working with you, seeing how strong and determined you are every day—I can't help the way I feel."

Hua's breath caught as she realized what he was saying. Ming, the man who had been her partner, her confidant, was confessing his feelings for her.

"I've fallen in love with you," he said quietly, his eyes searching hers for a response. "And I know it's complicated. I know we're walking a fine line. But I had to tell you."

Hua felt her heart racing. She had felt something for Ming for a while now, but she had been so focused on the business, on the challenges ahead, that she hadn't allowed herself to fully acknowledge it.

And now, standing here with him under the stars, she couldn't deny it any longer.

Without thinking, she closed the distance between them, her lips brushing against his in a soft, tentative kiss. Ming froze for a moment, surprised, but then he responded, his arms wrapping around her as he deepened the kiss.

For a moment, the world disappeared. There were no mergers, no scandals, no board members watching their every move. It was just Hua and Ming, two people caught in a whirlwind of emotion and love.

When they finally pulled away, Ming rested his forehead against hers, his breath warm against her skin. "I guess that means you feel the same."

Hua smiled, her heart full. "Yeah, I do."

But as much as she wanted to hold onto this moment, she knew it wasn't going to be that simple. The world would come crashing back in soon enough.

And they would have to face it together.