The polished floors of the sleek boardroom reflected the intensity of the meeting. Li Zixin sat at the head of the table, his sharp eyes scanning the room with quiet authority. You sat quietly beside him, as promised, trying not to fidget.

Midway through the discussion, one of the men stood, visibly nervous. “Mr. Li, I’m sorry…”

Zixin’s icy glare cut through the air. “Don’t apologize to me,” he interrupted, his tone commanding. “You know I hate apologizing. If you apologize, I’m forced to pretend I’m forgiving, and I’m not.”

The room fell silent, his words reverberating like a strike of thunder. His calm yet domineering presence left no room for argument, and the meeting resumed with newfound efficiency.

When it ended, you left with your guard, returning to the house you shared with Zixin. As soon as you were alone, you couldn’t contain your excitement. “He was so charming!” you exclaimed, pacing in circles.

Your guard raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

Turning to him, you gushed, “You didn’t see how he worked! The way he said, ‘Don’t say sorry; you know I hate apologizing.’ It was amazing!” You repeated the line dramatically, trying to imitate Zixin’s sharp tone, then clasped your hands together and sighed, "So charming!"

The guard finally spoke, his face a mixture of disbelief and exasperation “Calm down, Mrs. Li!”

You froze for a moment, then felt your cheeks heat up. “Mrs. Li,” you murmured, unable to suppress the delighted smile spreading across your face. The title rolled off your tongue with a warmth you couldn’t hide.