Happily After

That night, after dinner, Leonard and Sophie stepped into their room. The moment the door clicked shut, sealing them in their own private world, Leonard didn't wait.

His hands found her waist, pulling her flush against him. His mouth was on hers before she could speak, stealing her breath in a kiss that was equal parts hunger and tenderness. Sophie melted into him, her fingers curling into the front of his shirt as he backed her gently against the door.

His lips trailed from her mouth to her jaw, then down the delicate curve of her throat, each kiss slow, deliberate, as if he was savoring her.

Without another word, he pulled her gently between his legs, his hands sliding up her sides. "Did you think I forgot our unfinished business?"

Sophie smiled faintly, her voice soft. "I hoped you didn't."

His hands found the zipper of her dress, pulling it down with unhurried ease, revealing the smooth skin of her back. "I haven't forgotten a single thing," he murmured, brushing his lips along her collarbone. "Not your sigh… not the way you melt into me when I touch you… and definitely not the way you look at me in my office today."

Sophie's breath hitched, fingers twisting in his hair as his mouth crashed into hers—hot, demanding, no patience left. The dress pooled at her feet, his shirt following as he lifted her effortlessly, her legs locking around his waist as he carried her toward the shower.

Steam curled in the air before they even reached it, the glass already fogged. He didn't wait, stepping under the scalding spray with her pinned between the tile and his body. Water sluiced over them, his hands mapping every dip and curve—her ribs, her hips, the desperate clutch of her thighs around him.

She gasped as his fingers found her, slick and wanting, circling once—twice—before sinking deep. Her head fell back against the wall with a thud, but he caught her mouth again, swallowing her moans as his touch turned ruthless.

"Leonard—" His name fractured on her lips as her body bowed, pleasure coiling tight.

He didn't let her finish. With a growl, he hooked her leg higher, dragging her to the very edge before thrusting into her in one relentless stroke. The water roared around them, his grip bruising on her thigh as he set a pace that stole her breath. Every snap of his hips drove her harder into the tile, the friction unbearable, perfect.

She came with a cry, nails raking down his back, and he followed—a harsh groan against her throat, his body locking as he spilled into her.

For a heartbeat, there was nothing but the rush of water and their ragged breathing. Then his mouth was on hers again, slow now, lingering, as if he couldn't bear to pull away.

He carried her back to bed, water still glistening on their skin, and when his lips traced the shell of her ear, his voice was rough with promise:

"We're not done."

The moment her back hit the mattress, his mouth was on hers again, hot and demanding, his hands roaming her body like he needed to relearn every curve.

She arched beneath him, gasping as his teeth scraped down her throat, his fingers teasing her nipples into tight peaks. He kissed lower—her collarbone, the valley between her breasts, the flutter of her stomach—before settling between her thighs with a dark, satisfied growl.

"You taste like us," he murmured against her skin, his tongue dragging slow, torturous circles over her clit.

Sophie's hips jerked, her fingers knotting in his hair as he worked her with lips and tongue, relentless, until she was writhing, begging.

"Please—Leonard—I need—"

He didn't make her finish.

Instead, he pulled back just as she teetered on the edge, watching her frustration with a smirk before surging up her body and slamming into her in one deep thrust.

"Fuck," he gritted out, his forehead dropping to hers as he bottomed out inside her. "You take me so fucking well."

His rhythm was brutal from the start, each snap of his hips driving her higher, his grip on her thighs keeping her spread wide for him. She could feel every inch, every ridge, the way his breath hitched when she clenched around him.

"Come for me," he ordered, voice rough, and she obeyed—her back bowing off the bed as pleasure ripped through her.

Leonard groaned, his thrusts faltering as he followed her over, spilling deep inside her with a shudder.

But he wasn't done.

He stayed buried in her, catching his breath for only a moment before pulling out and flipping her onto her stomach, dragging her hips up.

"Again," he demanded, his palm smacking her ass lightly before he pushed back in, his dick still hard, still hungry.

This time was slower, deeper, his hands roaming her body as he fucked her with long, deliberate strokes. She could feel him everywhere—his teeth on her shoulder, his fingers pinching her nipples, the way his free hand slipped between her legs to circle her clit as he moved.

She came a second time with a sob, her body clamping down on him, and he cursed, his rhythm stuttering before he pulled out abruptly, flipping her onto her back.

"Look at me," he growled, fisting his dick as he loomed over her.

Sophie's eyes locked onto his, her lips parted, chest heaving—just in time to watch him cum, his release hot and thick inside her as he groaned her name.

For a long moment, the only sound was their ragged breathing. Then Leonard collapsed beside her, pulling her against his chest, his lips brushing her temple. Leonard held Sophie close against his chest, one arm wrapped around her securely, his lips pressed to her hair.

"I love you," he whispered, barely above a breath.

"I love you too," Sophie murmured, her voice sleepy and full of warmth. "Thank you… for everything."

*****

Sophie & Leonard's wedding took place in one of the city's most beautiful gardens, where tall old trees stretched overhead and sunlight danced along the stone paths. Hidden inside a quiet botanical park, the garden was full of soft ivory, blush, and green blooms.

Florists worked carefully, weaving pale roses and baby's breath into a large floral arch at the end of the aisle. White chairs lined both sides of the path, which was sprinkled with rose petals. The air was filled with the sweet scent of flowers, the gentle breeze, and soft string music mixed with the sound of rustling leaves and birds in the distance.

Sophie stood in front of the mirror, her heart racing as the final touches were added to her bridal look. Her dress was simple but elegant, the silky fabric hugging her figure perfectly. Her long hair was swept into a soft, romantic bun, a few curls left to frame her face. Madam Yan stood beside her, misty-eyed. "You look beautiful, my dear. Leonard won't be able to take his eyes off you."

Downstairs, Leonard adjusted the cufflinks on his tailored white suit, his usual calm demeanor giving way to a rare flicker of nerves. Grandpa clapped him on the back. "About time, boy. Don't keep your bride waiting."

As Sophie walked down the aisle on Madam Yan's arm, her eyes met Leonard's. He looked at her like she was the only person in the world, his breath visibly catching as she drew closer. Her fingers trembled slightly, but the moment Leonard reached for her hand, everything else faded away.

The vows were simple. Honest. Full of emotion.

"You were the one thing I never expected," Sophie said softly, voice steady despite the tears brimming in her eyes. "And the one person I never want to live without."

Leonard squeezed her hand. "I spent too long thinking I had to protect you from everything. But you're the one who saved me. I'll spend the rest of my life making sure you never forget how much I love you."

When the rings were slipped onto their fingers—custom bands they had chosen together weeks ago, engraved with their initials and the words "Always Us"—it felt final. Solid. Real.

"You may now kiss the bride."

Leonard didn't wait. He pulled Sophie close and kissed her deeply, lovingly, surrounded by soft applause and a few happy tears.

*****

Back at the office, news of the wedding spread like wildfire. Photos of the garden ceremony were posted by the Yan Group's official account, the caption reading: "Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Yan."

May, Sophie's close colleague, nearly dropped her coffee when she saw the post. "Mrs. Yan?!" she exclaimed, eyes wide. She grabbed her phone and rushed over to Sophie's desk, only to remember Sophie had taken leave for the wedding.

Vivian, standing nearby, paled as she stared at the screen. "She was Mrs. Yan all along?" she whispered, stunned.

"No way," another colleague said. "Sophie? Our Sophie? How did we not know?"

May shook her head, still processing."So that's why she always dodged questions about her personal life. She was literally married to the boss!"

Vivian quickly excused herself, her expression unreadable. The office buzzed with disbelief and excitement, whispers flying from one desk to another.

*****

After a week-long honeymoon tucked away in the serene hills of Europe, Leonard and Sophie returned to the Yan Group headquarters. But this time, things were different.

The moment Leonard's sleek black car pulled into the company driveway, heads turned. Whispers rippled through the lobby as the glass doors slid open and Leonard stepped out—then circled to the passenger side and offered his hand to Sophie.

She took it without hesitation.

They walked hand in hand to the lift lobby, Leonard in his sharp navy suit and Sophie in a soft cream blouse tucked into a flowy midi skirt. She looked every bit the calm, composed woman the staff had always known—except now, she was also Mrs. Yan.

"Good morning, Mr. Yan. Mrs. Yan," one of the junior executives greeted with a nervous bow.

Leonard gave a short nod. "Morning."

Sophie smiled politely. "Good morning."

More greetings followed, some hesitant, others downright stunned. Sophie gave them all a soft, warm smile, her fingers still curled around Leonard's. At the lift, he squeezed her hand gently and leaned down to whisper, "Still hiding from me, Mrs. Yan?"

She rolled her eyes playfully. "Now the whole world knows. No more hiding."

As the lift doors opened, Leonard brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and said lowly, "Good. I like seeing you beside me."

When Sophie finally stepped into her department, her arrival caused a subtle stir. May, seated at her desk, blinked as if seeing her for the first time.

"Mrs. Yan! I mean—uh—Sophie—should I be calling you that now?" May asked, her eyes wide.

Sophie laughed softly. "Just Sophie, please. Nothing's changed."

May walked beside her as she entered her office. "Seriously? You're that Mrs. Yan? All this time? You hide the secret very well."

Sophie chuckled. "Well, it was complicated."

Just then, Vivian walked past the doorway. She paused, giving Sophie a cool once-over, then offered a curt nod. "Welcome back," she said flatly before walking away without waiting for a reply.

May raised a brow. "She hasn't said more than five words all morning. Think she's still in shock."

Sophie simply smiled. 

After work, Sophie and Leonard returned to Yan Residence. The soft click of the front door echoed in the quiet foyer as Leonard and Sophie stepped inside. The house was calm, bathed in the warm amber glow of the hallway lights.

Leonard loosened his tie as he set down his briefcase. "You did well today," he murmured, turning to look at Sophie, who had already slipped off her heels by the door. "Handled everyone with that calm Mrs. Yan grace."

Sophie let out a small laugh, brushing a hand through her hair. "I was nervous."

"I could tell," he teased, stepping closer and gently cupping her cheek. "But you were perfect. As always."

Sophie's gaze softened. "Everyone looked at me differently today."

He studied her for a moment, then leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "You're incredible."

Sophie looked up at him, her smile small but warm. "You're biased."

"I'm right," he murmured, his fingers brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. "And now that the whole world knows you're mine, I don't have to hold back."

He tilted her chin and kissed her—slow and deep, the kind of kiss that made her forget they were still standing by the door. Sophie melted into him, her fingers curling lightly into his shirt. He pulled her closer, his other hand pressing gently to her lower back, deepening the kiss with a tenderness that made her knees weaken.

The moment lingered, breathless and warm, until—

Ahem.

They broke apart instantly.

Madam Yan stood at the archway to the dining room, arms folded, a knowing smile tugging at her lips. "Dinner is ready," she said, clearly amused. "You two can continue that after you eat."

Sophie's face flushed crimson as she stepped back. "Sorry, Mom…"

Leonard, unfazed, slipped his arm around Sophie's waist and grinned. "We're coming."

Madam Yan smirked, clearly enjoying herself. "Yes, well, come quickly. Or I'll tell Grandpa you two are skipping meals again."

As she disappeared into the dining room, Leonard leaned in and whispered near Sophie's ear, "She has perfect timing."

Sophie gave him a gentle nudge. "Let's eat before we get into more trouble."

Still holding hands, they walked to the table with hearts content, smiles lingering, and affection shining through every glance they exchanged over dinner.