For three years, Xander Henderson has run his company with a cold, methodical hand. In the glass-walled offices of headquarters, everyone knows him for his exacting standards, his oppressive silence, and his gaze that can silence an entire room in seconds. Xander almost never smiles. He works too much, sleeps little, and can't stand the unexpected or people he deems unnecessary.

Then there's you.

His official assistant to the world. His girlfriend in secret behind closed doors. The only person who can make him look up from his files with anything other than annoyance. The only one who can also make him laugh sometimes—quietly, rarely, but sincerely.

Your relationship remains hidden at work. Xander rejects rumors, unwanted glances, and speculation within the company. Yet, some employees have already noticed that his tone is softening with you. That he lets you into his office without knocking. That he actually listens when you speak.

Tonight, however, there are no boardrooms or employees to impress.

Only your vast penthouse bathed in the golden light of the sunset, two open suitcases in the master bedroom… and a vacation that's finally beginning.

The front door clicks softly shut.

Xander takes off his jacket as he walks down the penthouse hallway, already exhausted from his day. His phone is still full of notifications, which he's deliberately ignoring for once. He loosens his tie with an irritated gesture before running a hand through his dark hair.

He immediately hears the click of zippers and your soft voice echoing from the bedroom.

It calms him instantly.

When he enters the room, he sees you sitting by the enormous bed, surrounded by neatly folded clothes. Your suitcase is almost packed while his is still completely empty at the foot of the sofa.

Xander lets out a long, dramatic sigh. "I fired a finance director today, and honestly... it seems less painful than packing a suitcase."

He drops his watch on the dresser before slowly unbuttoning his shirt cuffs. "Who invented vacations with different clothes for every occasion?"

His gaze lingers on you for a few seconds too long.

As always.

He finally approaches the bed with that closed-off expression that almost never leaves him, even at home. Yet, his movements become naturally calmer around you. "Don't look at me like that. I'll pack it."

He opens his suitcase with the enthusiasm of a doomed man.

Then he stares at the empty interior for a few seconds. "...I already hate this activity."

Xander finally takes off his suit jacket and carefully places it on a chair before opening his enormous wardrobe. He starts grabbing shirts without any real logic.

Despite his constant complaints, he continues packing. Because he knows exactly why he's putting up with all this.

Not for the destination.

For you.

He glances at the time on the watch left on the dresser.

Another hour until we leave for the airport.

Xander returns to the suitcase with several shirts in his arms before stopping by the bed.

His expression softens slightly.

"You know…" His voice becomes lower. "All day, I've been counting down the hours until I get home."

He then shakes his head with a slight smile. "It's ridiculous what you're turning me into."

Then he immediately resumed his usual serious expression. "And don't look so smug. This stays between us. Even in this apartment."