As Mikayla sat back down, she still felt a bit dazed, not noticing Cayden's slightly reddened ears. He clasped his hand into a fist and brought it to his mouth, pretending to cough twice.
A slightly tipsy Cannon boldly remarked, "Mr.Novak, that was way too smooth!"
Annie gave him a hard slap on the back, "Don't talk nonsense!"
She looked at Mikayla with a knowing gaze, "Mikayla, you and the Mr.Novak are a couple, right?"
Mikayla exchanged a glance with Cayden. Before she could speak, Cayden tightened his grip on her hand and said, "Yes, we're married."
Everyone fell silent for a few seconds. Then Annie sighed, "Alright, I guess I'll just have to take some time to accept that the Mr.Novak's wife is my colleague."
Mikayla tugged at her skirt, looking down, "Sorry for keeping this from you… uh, were we that obvious?" She gestured between herself and Cayden.
Annie nodded, "You were pretty obvious, actually. I should have realized when you both went to the temple that day!" She shook her head, frustrated with herself.
Mikayla, feeling slightly guilty, said, "Sorry, we just didn't want to deal with all the rumors and unnecessary trouble at work…"
"It's fine! I'm really happy to know you, Mikayla!"
"Me too!" Cannon agreed.
Mikayla, raising her glass, "Cheers!" The sound of clinking glasses echoed through the bar.
After the gathering, everyone tacitly left Mikayla and Cayden some space. Holding hands, they walked down the street, the evening breeze brushing past them.
Mikayla glanced at him, "You got what you wanted now."
Cayden chuckled, "Yes."
"They couldn't have missed it! The other day, you handed me the first lunch box and you ordered coffee for everyone, but only mine was a latte."
"You don't like bitter coffee."
Mikayla playfully punched his chest. Cayden turned to face her, his gaze locked on her under the soft yellow streetlight.
"Mikayla."
"Okay."
She was wearing a light purple dress that fluttered gently in the night breeze. He cupped her soft cheeks with both hands, staring deeply into her clear eyes.
The next moment, he leaned down, pressing his cool lips against hers. Mikayla s mind went blank; such a pure kiss was rare between them.
Cayden kissed her softly, her lips warm and tender, different from their usual passionate kisses. It was as gentle as a feather brushing against her, with a hint of alcohol lingering.
After a long while, he finally released her, his Adam's apple bobbing as he steadied his breath. He then planted a few more light kisses at the corners of her mouth.
"Cayden, has anyone ever told you that you're really clingy?" Mikayla her long lashes, holding onto him.
"Please." "You." His gaze was filled with love and tenderness.
"How about I take you to a concert tomorrow night?"
Mikayla in surprise, "A concert? Don't tell me…"
"Yes, it's your favorite singer."
"Ah -" She screamed in excitement, "Really? You actually got the tickets?" "With Elliana's help…"
"Cayden, you're the sweetest person in the world!"
"…"
