The first tip was entitled: "Surprise Her with a Love Note... in Her Bible".
With his eyes on his phone screen, Victor walked to the kitchen counter, poured himself a glass of water, and took a sip, all while reading Hann's latest message.
"Write a heartfelt love note and slip it into her Bible, preferably at her favorite verse. When she opens it during Bible study, she'll find your sweet words waiting for her."
Victor paused, his hand frozen mid-sip as he pictured Kaylee finding the note. Awkwardness mixed with shyness, a combination that made his stomach churn. What is her favorite verse, anyway? His mind raced back to their conversations, trying to recall any hint she might have dropped.
Unable to think of anything for now, he scrolled down to the next tip, raising his glass for another sip of water.
"Practice 'Random Acts of Affection' in Public: Surprise her with random hugs, kisses on the forehead, or holding her hand when she least expects it – especially in public."
Victor's thoughts drifted to last night as he read the tip. He had come so close to kissing Kaylee, but at the last second, his self-control held him back – and she nearly ended her stay here sooner than planned because of it. Now, he imagined trying to kiss her in public, even just a peck on the forehead or cheek, perhaps during the ceremony next Monday. The thought made his stomach twist even tighter.
Shaking off his imagination, Victor snapped back to reality, his frown deepening. What does Hann do all day to come up with these... terrible tips? he thought.
Despite his doubts, he kept reading.
"Whisper a Sweet, Secret Compliment During a Serious Moment..."
Victor's cheeks flushed as he read the rest of the tip:
"During a serious or formal moment (like at church or a family dinner), lean in and whisper something sweet like, "You look absolutely stunning today, but I bet you'd look even better in my hoodie later." Watch her try to suppress a giggle!"
The idea of pulling off something so bold in front of others made Victor cringe. But the thought of Kaylee in his hoodie...? He found himself lingering on that image a little longer than he intended. Then, reality snapped him back, and he rolled his eyes just as a voice behind him broke through his thoughts.
"Victor, what are you reading?"
He nearly jumped out of his skin, his phone slipping from his hands and clattering onto the countertop. He looked up to find Kaylee standing there, a curious smile playing on her lips. In his scramble to hide his screen, the PDF header popped up – "Securing Mrs Victor Strategy..."
Kaylee's eyes darted to the title before he could cover it. Her smile widened into a teasing grin.
"So... planning your next move, are we?"
Victor's face went beet red. He tried to muster some calm, but his fingers fidgeted against the countertop, betraying his embarrassment. He managed a half-confident smile. "You'll see."
Kaylee’s giggle faded as her eyes softened, a blush creeping into her cheeks. Whatever Victor was planning, she suddenly couldn’t wait to find out.
Trying to ease the atmosphere, she greeted, “Morning.”
Victor welcomed the change in topic, grateful for the chance to escape the awkwardness of being caught off guard. “Morning, Kaylee,” he replied.
Without thinking, he added, “Looking fresh, I like how your presence brightened up our Wednesday morning.” He spontaneously tried to channel the tips he had just read, though the words felt a bit unnatural to him. He wondered if Kaylee noticed his extra effort.
Kaylee blinked, momentarily stunned by the unexpected compliment. Her eyebrows arched slightly as she studied Victor’s face, searching for a clue to explain his unusual behavior.
Her gaze fell on his phone, and a knowing look crossed her face. Victor noticed and blushed again, quickly slipping his phone into the pocket of his sweatpants.
“Oh, by the way,” he began, trying to shift the conversation. “I’d like to invite you to the official launch of the Langford Conference Center in Samarahan next Monday morning. It would be an honor to have you there, especially after all the work you did on upgrading the safety system. We couldn’t have made it to the launch without your expertise.”
“Next Monday? Wow, time really flies,” Kaylee said, smiling. “I’d be honored to be there. Thanks, Victor.”
Victor smiled, relieved. “Great! I’ll head for a shower now. Enjoy your breakfast. See you at our afternoon discussion.”
Kaylee nodded, watching as he left. Their daily afternoon meetings to work on the cultural center project had become a routine, one she secretly looked forward to.
As Victor disappeared into his room, her gaze shifted to the fragrant bowl of ginger fish fillet congee prepared by Corinna, just as Victor had arranged the day before. Her expression softened, and she sat down to enjoy her breakfast.
***
The day passed in a blur of busyness, and by the time the sun dipped below the horizon, Victor and Kaylee found themselves in another cozy evening of nightly worship.
Tonight, they chose the story of Jesus calming the storm. Victor, with his mind alert for opportunities to apply the tips from the PDF Hann had sent him, had a playful idea to add a little color to their Bible study.
After they finished reading the passage, Victor flashed that charming smile Kaylee had grown to adore. "Wait, Kaylee. I've got an idea."
She looked up, raising an eyebrow. "Um?"
Victor chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. He then stood up and dramatically spread his arms wide as if commanding the room, just like Jesus commanding the storm. His voice boomed with authority, though his grin gave away the playful nature of his performance. "Peace! Be still!" he declared, glancing around the room as if expecting the winds and waves to obey him.
Kaylee burst into laughter at the sight of her usually composed President Victor pretending to calm an imaginary storm in his home office. "Victor, what are you doing?"
Lowering his arms, Victor stepped closer, his confident stride making her heart flutter despite the silliness of the moment. "Just practicing," he said, his tone light but with a hint of sincerity. "You know, for all those 'storms' life might throw our way."
Kaylee laughed, shaking her head, but her heart warmed at his playful yet thoughtful gesture.
Victor grinned, clearly enjoying the effect he was having on her. "I might look like a fool, but I want you to know, Kaylee, no matter what storms come our way, I'll be right there with you – calming the waves... or at least trying to."
He sat back down, a more serious expression settling in, though the playful glint remained in his eyes. "And if I can't calm the storm, I'll at least shield you with my coat."
Kaylee's laughter softened into a warm smile as she realized how deeply he meant it. "You really are something, you know that?"
Victor's confident smirk returned. "I try." He gently took her hand, his tone growing more sincere. "But seriously, Kaylee, I may not have Jesus' power to calm storms, but I promise I'll always be there with you, no matter what."
Kaylee squeezed his hand, feeling a rush of love and admiration. "And that's more than enough for me."
They continued their worship, the room filled with laughter and a deep sense of connection. At that moment, Victor wasn't the powerful president – he was simply a man in love, willing to make a fool of himself just to see Kaylee smile.
And Victor's determination to deepen their Bible study connection didn’t end there.
The next evening, as they sat down with their Bibles, Kaylee noticed Victor’s excited grin and asked with a curious smile if he had a passage in mind for the night, to which Victor enthusiastically responded that he wanted to dive into the Parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10:25-37 with a little interactive twist.
When Kaylee raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the idea, Victor explained his plan to role-play a modern version of the parable, with Kaylee as the Good Samaritan helping a stranded person at a busy mall – who would, of course, be played by Victor himself.
As he theatrically set the scene, even dropping to the floor with exaggerated puppy-dog eyes, Kaylee couldn’t help but laugh at his over-the-top performance but agreed to play along, pretending to guide Victor to an imaginary cafe and offer assistance.
Despite the playful nature of the role-play, Victor's natural charm and sincerity shone through, making the experience unexpectedly heartfelt. As they settled back into their Bible study, the atmosphere was warm and close, blending humor and devotion in a way that deepened the meaning of their shared worship.
Kaylee quietly cherished all the efforts Victor had made, recognizing them as his way of ensuring their time together remained meaningful and honoring God, even during their nightly worship. Her adoration and love for Victor grew deeper without her fully realizing it. Though she had already decided to accept his marriage proposal, she hadn't yet told him, waiting until she could speak with her parents before giving him her answer.
***
In the blink of an eye, Friday had finally arrived – Xiang Er's most eagerly awaited day!
She had been buzzing with anticipation all week, ever since she heard that Kaylee had been recovering at President Victor's house after a brief hospitalization. The thought of Kaylee, her attractive cousin, being looked after by none other than the enigmatic and powerful President Victor Langford had her mind racing with possibilities.
Xiang Er had always been the curious type, especially when it came to matters of the heart. The fact that Kaylee, of all people, had ended up under Victor’s roof seemed too good a coincidence to ignore. Could something more be blossoming between them? She was determined to find out.
As she made her way to Victor's house, her excitement bubbled over. It wasn’t just the grandeur of visiting the house of one of the most influential men in the city that thrilled her – though that was certainly part of it. No, what really had her on edge was the possibility of sniffing out any news or gossip about a potential romance between Victor and Kaylee.
The idea of Victor, the composed and seemingly untouchable president, having a soft spot for her sweet cousin was almost too tantalizing. And if there was even the slightest hint of romance, Xiang Er wanted to be the first to witness it firsthand.
By the time she stepped into Victor’s elegant living room, her sharp eyes were already scanning for signs – any lingering glance, any subtle touch – that might betray a deeper connection between the two. She could barely contain her excitement at the thought of teasing Kaylee later if she found any evidence of a budding romance. Xiang Er's heart raced as she imagined herself weaving all kinds of love stories in her head.
The afternoon sun streamed through the large windows of Victor's living room, casting a warm, golden glow over the space. Gavin Mel, Victor's personal tailor, had just arrived with a collection of new outfits, including attire for the upcoming Langford Conference Center official launch on Monday. Among the delivered clothes was a special outfit for Kaylee – a surprise Victor had thoughtfully arranged.
Usually reserved and professional, Gavin couldn’t help but notice a subtle shift in President Victor's demeanor. The man who was typically cold and emotionless seemed different today. There were more smiles, especially directed at the woman who, Gavin guessed, was the intended recipient of the dress Hann had insisted he rush to tailor. Even toward the younger lady, whom President Victor kept at a formal distance, Gavin detected a faint but undeniable friendliness in President Victor's expression.
Still, Gavin reminded himself that it wasn’t within his job scope to delve into President Victor's personal life. His focus remained on the task at hand.
As he meticulously arranged President Victor’s clothes, Xiang Er, bursting with enthusiasm, busied herself examining Gavin’s latest designs. She chatted animatedly about fabrics and design ideas, seemingly oblivious to Gavin’s growing exasperation.
"I think the finely embroidered pattern along the lapels of this midnight blue suit looks like stars against the dark blue sky!" Xiang Er observed, waving at Gavin in an attempt to build rapport with President Victor's personal tailor. "What do you think about pairing this with a white shirt and a black tie?"
Gavin, although impressed by Xiang Er's sharp eyes and design sense to correctly pinpoint all his key design concepts for that midnight blue suit, his patience was slowly drained by her chatty nature, he responded with a forced smile. "I'm here to deliver President Victor's clothes, not to discuss fashion theories."
Victor, noticing the tension and sensing an opportunity to lighten the mood, intervened with a faint hint of a smile in his eyes. "Why don’t we make this interesting? Gavin, how about a mini fashion show with my new wardrobe? It'll be a fun way to showcase your work."
Gavin raised an eyebrow, skepticism evident in his expression. This was unlike President Victor, who usually avoided any kind of spectacle or unnecessary 'fun'. "A fashion show?" he repeated, almost disbelieving.
Though he was close in height to Victor and could likely fit into the suits – despite his shoulders being slightly narrower – Gavin still sought confirmation. "Really?"
"Yes!" Xiang Er clapped her hands excitedly. "Come on, Gavin, it'll be hilarious. You might even enjoy it."
Victor and Kaylee exchanged amused glances. Kaylee, who had been quietly admiring Victor’s attentiveness, noticed the subtle way he reached for her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. Their deepening affection for each other was clear in every small gesture.
Seeing the dynamic between Victor and Kaylee, Xiang Er’s eyes twinkled with mischief. "Come on, Gavin, just once. For fun!"
With a resigned sigh, Gavin agreed, figuring that going along with President Victor’s idea might allow him to finally escape from the chatty Miss Lin and get back to work.
He headed to the changing room, while Xiang Er set up a makeshift runway in the living room – a narrow path between the sofa and the coffee table.
Gavin emerged first in a sleek, tailored suit, walking with a serious expression. But Xiang Er couldn’t resist making exaggerated comments.
"Oh, look at that! Gavin's channeling his inner James Bond!" Xiang Er announced, striking a dramatic pose. "Watch out, world! We've got a secret agent in the house!"
Kaylee giggled, and Victor chuckled, his eyes often drifting to Kaylee with a warm, affectionate gaze. The atmosphere had shifted to lighthearted and joyful, a welcome contrast to the earlier tension.
Next came a more casual outfit, and while Gavin tried to maintain his professional demeanor, Xiang Er was determined to liven things up with her playful runway commentary.
"Ladies and gentlemen, presenting the latest in men's fashion: Gavin Mel!" Xiang Er declared in a theatrical voice, her excitement contagious. "Watch as he takes the runway with a confidence that could only come from a lifetime of impeccable tailoring!"
Gavin, trying to suppress a grin, strutted with exaggerated confidence, his usual seriousness giving way to the moment's fun. Xiang Er's commentary grew even more outrageous. "And now, the grand finale! Gavin, the master of elegance, with just a dash of sass! Behold the perfect blend of style and swagger!"
At first, Gavin found himself torn between maintaining his professionalism and giving in to the laughter bubbling up inside him. But Xiang Er’s relentless energy and enthusiasm were impossible to resist, and before long, his initial annoyance melted away. He began to laugh along with the others, his usual guarded demeanor softening.
As Gavin glanced at Xiang Er, he realized with some surprise that the lively personality that had initially irritated him was now beginning to grow on him. Her charm and exuberance were undeniably infectious, and despite his best efforts, he couldn’t help but be drawn in.
When Gavin finished modeling the final outfit – a stylish yet comfortable ensemble – he finally let go of his reserve and gave a genuine smile. Sensing his change in mood, Xiang Er flashed him a triumphant thumbs-up. "Well done, Gavin! You were amazing!"
Gavin, feeling unexpectedly touched by her praise, replied, "Thanks. That was actually... fun. I didn’t think I’d enjoy it this much."
Xiang Er’s eyes sparkled with victory. "See? Told you it would be fun!"
The group erupted in laughter, and as the late afternoon sun dipped lower, the room was filled with camaraderie and warmth. Victor and Kaylee shared quiet, affectionate moments, their connection growing stronger with each passing glance and touch.
Meanwhile, the earlier tensions between Xiang Er and Gavin had dissolved completely. Their banter flowed easily now, with Xiang Er teasing Gavin and him responding with a smile or a witty remark. For Gavin, this day had unexpectedly become one of the most enjoyable in his usually solitary life – filled with more laughter and conversation than he had experienced in a long time.
***
Victor and Kaylee bid farewell to Gavin and Xiang Er around 9 pm, after a cozy evening of hotpot, followed by cleanup, tea, and lighthearted conversation.
As the night settled into a quiet calm, Victor handed Kaylee a beautifully wrapped box. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity and excitement as she untied the ribbon and carefully opened the package.
Inside, nestled within soft tissue paper, was a breathtaking dress – a deep shade of midnight blue, exuding both modern sophistication and timeless grace. The fabric, luxurious silk that shimmered in the light, seemed to flow like water with every subtle movement.
Kaylee looked up at Victor, her eyes wide with surprise and emotion.
Victor, his gaze steady but filled with vulnerability, took a deep breath. "Kaylee, I hope you'll accept this gift. It's something special I had made for you to wear at the Langford Conference Center's official launch on Monday."
Touched by his thoughtfulness, Kaylee felt her heart swell with affection. She gently ran her fingers over the fabric, her grip on the dress tightening as she tried to find the right words. "Victor... This dress is incredible. You've given me so much already – I don’t know how to repay you."
Victor's voice, soft yet filled with conviction, cut through her uncertainty. "You don’t have to repay me, Kaylee. Everything I have... I want to share it with you. If you’ll let me, I want my life to be yours, completely."
Though this wasn’t the first time she had heard his heartfelt confession, her heart still skipped a beat at his words. She placed the dress carefully back into the box and took a step toward him, her movements slow and deliberate. When she stopped just inches from him, she looked up, her eyes meeting his with a mix of gratitude and something deeper.
Without saying a word, Kaylee reached out, wrapping her arms around his sides. She rested her head against his chest, closing her eyes as she surrendered to the moment. Her voice, soft and vulnerable, broke the silence. "Just for a while, please..."
Victor's body initially tensed at the unexpected embrace, but then he relaxed into it, his heart responding to the trust she was showing him. Without hesitation, he wrapped his arms around her, his right hand resting protectively on her back while his left hand gently cradled the back of her head. They stood like that for a long moment, simply holding each other, letting the warmth and connection between them speak louder than any words.
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