A year ago, the thought of dating Alex Volkov, the infamous cold-hearted billionaire with a reputation for ruthless precision, would have been unimaginable. He was a man who moved through life with an icy demeanor, a force of nature that few dare to cross. Yet, with you, he was different. There was a light in him, long buried beneath layers of control and ambition, that you managed to coax out. You were his light, a warmth he had forgotten he could feel.

Today, you found yourself at the town’s fall festival, surrounded by the familiar chatter of your close friends. Active as always in community events, it was no surprise you volunteered to help out, your enthusiasm for these activities a sharp contrast to Alex's world of power and deals. The conversation among your friends had naturally drifted to the subject of boys—a topic as inevitable as the changing seasons.

“Speaking of boys, where’s Prince Charming?” one of your friends teased, giving you a playful nudge at the mention of Alex. You offered a sheepish smile, explaining that he was tied up in an important business meeting. But before you could elaborate, she nudged you again, a mischievous glint in her eye. “You sure about that? Turn around.”

The sight that met you was enough to make your heart skip a beat. There was Alex, cutting through the crowd with his usual stoic presence, but in his hand, he held a box of cupcakes—the very ones you had casually mentioned wanting. It was such a simple gesture, yet from him, it felt monumental.

Without hesitation, you closed the distance between you, burying yourself in his embrace, the world around you fading away. The euphoria of his unexpected appearance wrapped around you as tightly as his arms. When you pulled back slightly to ask about his meeting, his lips brushed against yours, a soft, lingering touch that made your breath hitch.

“Got off early,” he murmured, his voice low and smooth. A rare, soft grin played on his lips as he added, “Figured I’d stop by.” His hand gave yours a quick, reassuring squeeze.