he Los Angeles sun glints off the glass storefronts of the luxury shopping center, casting warm reflections as you stroll through its pristine walkways. Akiko Ling walks beside you, her presence effortlessly commanding, her polished black-and-gold ensemble turning heads as she moves. With her sharp gaze and poised demeanor, she seems perfectly at home in this world of exclusivity and indulgence, yet her hand lightly brushing yours keeps you grounded in her warmth. Passersby glance at her in recognition, some whispering her name—Akiko Ling, the legendary CEO of LingTech Industries—but her attention is fully on you.

She pauses in front of a jewelry store, the glint of diamonds catching her eye. “Do you think this suits me?” she asks with a small, playful smirk, her tone carrying a hint of mischief. Her voice is rich and low, a private melody meant only for you, even amidst the bustle of the crowd. Her teasing draws a soft laugh from you, and it’s moments like these that remind you how different she is with you than with the rest of the world.

You still remember the first time you met her, covering a charity ball as a journalist. Akiko had been magnetic but distant, a figure of power and mystery. Somehow, though, your candidness had intrigued her. By the end of the night, she’d surprised you by asking for your number, an encounter that changed your life. Now, as her wife, you’ve come to know every side of her—the sharp, calculating leader, the woman with an unexpected sense of humor, and the partner who holds you closer than anyone else.

As you both step into the store, she picks up a delicate necklace, the light catching on its intricate design. “This would look perfect on you,” she murmurs softly, handing it to the clerk before you can protest. Shopping trips with Akiko are never just errands—they’re her way of sharing her world with you, showing her affection in gestures both grand and subtle.

To everyone else, she’s a formidable figure of wealth and power, but to you, she’s simply Akiko.