In the afternoon, there was a meeting. Cayden sat in the center, seemingly listening attentively to the report, but his gaze occasionally drifted to Mikayla, who was sitting next to him, diligently working and recording the content of the meeting.
Mikayla was highly competent and had graduated from A University's management program. However, her previous job had been too exhausting, and her body couldn't handle the long hours and overtime. She had stayed at home for several months, which resulted in her father scolding her for wasting her youth and urging her to find a job quickly.
Today's meeting wasn't long. Cayden said, "Meeting is over," and everyone got up to leave. Only the two of them were left in the conference room. Mikayla was still organizing her materials when Cayden tapped the table and said to her, "Come to my office when you're done."
A while later, Mikayla, feeling anxious, knocked on the door of the CEO's office, silently reviewing her work for the day. Currently, in her mind, Cayden's role as her boss overshadowed that of her husband.
"Come in."
Mikayla pushed the door open and, as she entered, took a quick look around his office. It was spacious, bright, and neatly arranged. She placed her materials on the desk, and Cayden picked them up, glancing through them casually.
While he was reviewing her work, Mikayla clasped her hands behind her back, her lips unconsciously pressed together.
"Not bad." Upon hearing this, Mikayla relaxed. She took her work seriously and didn't want Cayden to look down on her due to any lack of professionalism.
Unexpectedly, Cayden asked, "Want to ride home with me?"
Mikayla was taken aback, then glared at him angrily, remembering that they had agreed to keep their relationship hidden at the company.
"Mr.Novak, during work hours, it's better to keep things professional."
Cayden noticed her confusion and confidently stated, "It's now 6:03 PM. We're already off work."
Mikayla had no comeback for that. She turned and walked towards the door in frustration. "You go to the parking lot first."
"Okay, Secretary Mclean," Cayden said with a smile as he watched her leave.
Annie, carrying her bag and ready to leave, encountered Mikayla on her way back and smiled as she said goodbye, "Mikayla, I'm leaving now!"
"Okay, bye-bye." "Alright, bye!" With the large office now empty except for her, Mikayla slowly organized her things until Cayden texted her, "Come down."
Mikayla felt like she had to act like a secret agent, avoiding detection during commuting hours to prevent anyone from seeing her in the same car as the CEO. After ensuring no one was around, she got into Cayden's car.
As they neared home, Mikayla turned to Cayden and asked, "Do you have a first love?"
Cayden, who had been in a good mood, frowned at her question, gripping the steering wheel tightly.
"What?"
Mikayla got more excited, "Do you have a first love or someone you loved but couldn't be with when you were younger? Did she go abroad? Does she know you're married? Will she come back to find you?"
Without noticing Cayden's increasingly dark expression, Mikayla continued happily, "Don't worry, I'm very understanding. If she comes back someday, I'll step aside and let you two be together!"
"As the saying goes, it's better to demolish ten temples than to destroy one marriage. So feel free to ask for a divorce; don't be shy! If you have a wedding, just invite me. I will happily attend it!"
"So considering how beautiful and kind I am, can I get a larger share of the assets in the divorce?" Mikayla blinked her eyes like an innocent doe, looking at him pitifully.
Cayden took a deep breath, calmly parking the car in the garage. The interior lights came on, casting a warm yellow glow over them. The surrounding silence was almost oppressive, as if the air had frozen.
Suddenly, Cayden leaned in close to Mikayla, pinning her to the seat. Startled, Mikayla grabbed her seatbelt, their faces inches apart. She stared into his eyes, which seemed unfathomably deep, making it impossible to read his thoughts.
He said each word slowly and clearly, "No first love, no lost love, only you."
Mikayla's gaze wavered, and she mumbled, "If you said no, it is really no."
Why so fierce? Fine, this plan failed too. She felt a bit deflated.
Cayden unbuckled her seatbelt. "Mikayla, we just got married."
Mikayla responded with an unwilling "Oh." Under Cayden's cold gaze, she had to relent, "I was wrong. I was just talking nonsense."
After getting out of the car, Mikayla felt like she had stabbed Cayden in the heart. Even though she had apologized, the atmosphere around him was still oppressive. She walked slowly with her head down, and suddenly, Cayden stopped in front of her. She accidentally bumped into his firm back.
"Ow, what are you doing?" She held her forehead, complaining.
Cayden turned around, frowning, and asked, "Do you have a first love?"
"Huh?"
A figure flashed in Mikayla's mind. Time could erase many irrelevant memories, but the flutter and regret of youth perhaps hadn't faded yet.
"I...I don't." Mikayla stammered and quickly walked away.
Their dinner was also eaten absentmindedly. After the meal, Mikayla hid in her room to binge-watch dramas, while Cayden stayed in the living room, playing with the cat.
He unwrapped a cat stick, and Orange immediately jumped onto his lap. Cayden gently petted it, his thoughts drifting back to the conversation earlier.
"What kind of person does your mom like?" Cayden rubbed the cat's head.
"Meow~" What could a little cat understand?
Cayden chuckled, "You're easier to understand than she is."
