Chapter 131: Mine to cherish

As the golden hues faded into twilight, Ethan and Jillian found themselves sitting beneath a vine-covered pergola, fairy lights twinkling above like stars drawn close.

A gentle breeze carried the scent of blooming jasmine, wrapping them in its delicate perfume.

Jillian leaned her head lightly against Ethan's shoulder, their fingers naturally entwined. Neither spoke for a while—they didn't need to. The silence was warm, comforting.

Ethan finally murmured, "I don't remember the last time I slowed down like this."

Jillian smiled faintly, her eyes watching the petals sway in the wind. "Me neither. I think… I was always chasing something. But today, I just wanted to be."

He turned his head slightly, brushing a kiss on her hair. "Then let's just be. For as long as you need."

They stayed there, surrounded by night's calm hush, the garden their quiet world. No pressure, no plans—just a boy and a girl falling softly into something real.

After leaving the serene garden, hand in hand, Ethan and Jillian strolled along the quiet street until they reached a small local food stall tucked under glowing lanterns. The owner greeted them with a wide smile, and the scent of grilled skewers and spicy broth hung in the air.

Jillian's eyes sparkled as she tugged Ethan forward. "Come on. You said you wanted to slow down, remember?"

Ethan eyed the wobbly plastic stools and the slightly greasy table with a raised brow. "I didn't mean this slow. This place might be… unsanitary."

Jillian burst out laughing. "Stop being dramatic, Mr. Hunter. Sit. Eat. Or I'll rat you out to Charles for being a diva."

He scoffed, clearly unamused, but sat anyway—his knees awkwardly pressed under the tiny table. "This is character building," he muttered.

But when the food came—hot, flavorful, and surprisingly good—Ethan found himself loosening up. Jillian fed him a bite of spicy tofu, laughing when he winced from the heat. "You're lucky you're handsome," he grumbled between bites.

She leaned in, a smirk playing on her lips. "You love this."

He didn't deny it. Not the food. Not the place. And especially not the girl sitting across from him, turning a late-night street meal into one of the best nights of his life.

With satisfied stomachs and hearts full of laughter, Ethan and Jillian left the little food stall behind, walking side by side beneath a quiet sky painted with stars. Jillian looped her arm through his, her other hand holding a takeaway dessert the stall owner had insisted they try.

The city's usual chaos had softened into peaceful stillness. Streetlights bathed the sidewalks in a golden glow, and the breeze tugged gently at Jillian's hair.

"This was nice," she murmured, her voice quieter now, almost reflective.

Ethan glanced down at her, a rare softness settling in his expression. "I still can't believe I ate tofu on a cracked plastic plate… but yeah. It was."

She bumped his shoulder with hers. "See? Ordinary life has its charm."

He didn't reply, but when they reached her apartment, Ethan didn't let go of her hand right away. For a moment, they stood at the door—neither ready to end the night.

"Want to come in for tea?" Jillian asked, trying to sound casual but hoping he'd say yes.

Ethan hesitated only for a heartbeat. "Only if I get to pick the flavor."

She laughed as she opened the door. "You're impossible."

"And yet," he said, stepping inside, "you keep letting me in."

They shared one last smile before the door closed behind them—quietly, warmly, like two hearts slowly learning to find home in each other.

The scent of jasmine tea still lingered in the air as Jillian leaned back against the couch, her eyes fluttering closed between sips. Ethan sat beside her, watching her with that familiar fondness that had crept in without warning—quiet, constant.

She tried to mumble something about needing to clean up, but the words faded as her head tilted slightly, resting on his shoulder.

He chuckled softly. "You're worse than I thought."

Still, he didn't move. He simply reached over, gently placing the half-full teacup on the table and letting his arm settle around her as she drifted into sleep.

A few minutes passed. The room was warm, quiet. So quiet that Ethan, who only meant to stay a moment longer, leaned back and closed his eyes.

And never got up.

By the time the clock struck midnight, they were both asleep—entwined in a peace neither of them dared disturb.

No grand declarations, no perfect pose—just two people caught in a rare, shared silence.

*****

Morning sunlight peeked through the curtains, casting golden lines across the room. Jillian stirred first, her senses slowly waking. There was warmth behind her, an arm draped securely around her waist—and the steady rhythm of soft breathing against her neck.

She blinked, her mind catching up to the moment.

Ethan.

Her lips curled into a sleepy smile before embarrassment flushed her cheeks. How did they end up like this again?

She shifted slightly to get a better look at him. He looked so unguarded in sleep—no cold CEO mask, no teasing smirk. Just Ethan, peaceful and close.

As if sensing her gaze, his lashes fluttered open.

"Good morning," he murmured, voice husky from sleep. "I thought you'd sneak away."

"I tried," she whispered, "but someone has a heavy arm."

He grinned, clearly unrepentant. "Maybe I didn't want to wake up alone."

Their eyes held a quiet moment, hearts beating in the comfort of each other's presence. No rush. No pretense. Just them.

Then Ethan whispered, "Are you always this warm in the morning, or am I just lucky?"

She rolled her eyes, laughing. "You're impossible."

"And you're stuck with me," he replied, tightening his hold for just a second before letting go. "Come on, sleepyhead. Let's make breakfast. Or… you want to burn toast while I save us both?"

She playfully shoved him with a soft groan. "Fine. But I'm making the coffee."

"Deal."

After a playful breakfast filled with teasing, laughter, and Jillian's victorious coffee (which Ethan admitted was better than expected), they both got ready for the day. Ethan was dressed sharply as usual, but today he wore a soft expression that lingered as he watched Jillian tie her hair in the mirror.

"You sure you're okay with me dropping you off again?" he asked, adjusting his cufflinks.

Jillian turned to face him, a smile tugging at her lips. "You've already claimed boyfriend duties, haven't you? Might as well do the full shift."

He laughed, stepping closer. "You're dangerous when you're this charming."

She mock-pouted. "You only noticed ?"

Moments later at the hospital entrance, the drive had been filled with gentle conversation and background music. When they arrived at the hospital, Ethan parked but didn't turn off the engine just yet.

Jillian turned to him. "Thank you—for everything lately."

He reached over, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "For you, I'll always make time."

Their eyes held a pause. Jillian leaned in, pressed a soft peck on his cheek, and before he could react, she opened the car door.

"See you later!" she called over her shoulder, hurrying off with that familiar bunny-like run.

Ethan chuckled, shaking his head, watching her disappear inside.

"Mine," he muttered to himself with a grin, finally driving off, heart lighter than ever.