Chapter 11: Together…? Yes Together.

I sit calmly in my office, eyes lowered to the thick files spread across the desk.

Numbers. Contracts. Strategies.

I am learning how to ruin a business—

and how to win in the business world.

If I want a bright future… if I truly want a peaceful life with my future partner, then money is unavoidable. Love alone doesn’t protect you. I learned that lesson too early in my real life.

Even though I was a broke high school student, I was never stupid.

My grades were always at the top.

I learn fast—too fast sometimes.

I rest one elbow on the table, my chin settling lazily into my palm, and my gaze drifts—without permission—toward Deniz.

He sits across from me, posture straight, shoulders relaxed but disciplined, completely absorbed in his work. His fingers move swiftly across the tablet, eyes sharp behind thin glasses.

Looks beautiful…

I want a future with him.

The thought slips into my mind so naturally that it surprises me.

A quiet, peaceful life.

Enough money.

No fear.

No ending written in blood.

I swear to myself—I’ll be a good husband.

The thought alone makes something warm bloom in my chest. A soft, unconscious smile curves my lips as I continue staring at him, lost in my own daydream.

Then—

Deniz suddenly lifts his head.

Our eyes meet.

“Sir…?” His voice is cautious, confused by my unblinking stare. “Sir… are you alright?”

I blink—hard—then shake my head quickly.

” Yes, I’m fine.”

Why does he always think I’m sick?

I wave my hand casually, forcing myself back into reality.

“Nothing. Let’s continue.”

He watches me for a second longer, clearly unconvinced, then nods slowly and lowers his gaze back to the files.

I follow suit—only to be greeted by the mountain of paperwork waiting for me.

God…

I’m so tired.

Mopping floors. Washing dishes. Running on instant noodles—

Those were easier than this.

I lean back in my chair, eyes closing as I release a long breath.

Still, I can feel his gaze flicker toward me again.

Neon.

Stop.

You’re Zyren Kael now.

Zyren Kael doesn’t get tired.

He doesn’t complain.

He works endlessly—cold, efficient, unstoppable.

Be hardworking.

Not cruel.

Hardworking.

I straighten immediately, forcing my focus back onto the files.

Deniz lifts his head slightly.

“Sir, after lunch you have a meeting regarding the new perfume brand.”

I look up. “How many meetings today?”

He checks his tablet swiftly.

“One business dinner tonight with the partners.”

Inside my mind, Neon screams.

Another business dinner?

God, no.

I want to eat, rest and reading novels.

I stare at him for a moment, then decide—

I’m rich.

I’m Zyren Kael.

“Cancel the business dinner tonight,” I say calmly. “I already have plans.”

He doesn’t question it.

“Yes, sir.”

I return to my files, forcing myself to focus again.

Then—

Grrrr.

The sound is loud. Betrayal-level loud.

Oh no.

Deniz’s eyes widen slightly before he recovers.

I immediately lift a file and cover my face.

God, Neon.

Why are you like this?

Embarrassing yourself.

Deniz clears his throat politely.

“Sir… what would you like for lunch? We can continue afterward.”

A small smile tugs at my lips.

Since morning, this is the first thing he’s said that isn’t strictly business.

I lower the file just enough for my eyes to peek over.

“That sounds good.”

He stands immediately, perfect posture.

“Please tell me what you’d like to eat. I’ll order.”

I stare at the file again, thinking.

In my real life, food choices were simple.

Instant noodles—morning, noon, night.

“What about instant noodles?” I say without thinking.

Silence.

Deniz freezes.

He looks at me as if I’ve just declared I want to eat poison.

“…Sir,” he hesitates carefully, “instant noodles aren’t healthy. Should I prepare your usual meal?”

Unhealthy…?

I blink, genuinely confused.

I survived on instant noodles.

How it’s unhealthy..?

I push the thought away before it drags me back to that life.

I look at him, decision made.

“Let’s go outside and eat something delicious.”

“Together…”

He blinks.

“…Together?”

I nod, standing up with a bright smile as I grab my coat from the stand.

“Yes. Together.”

For once, I’m not following the rules of being hardworking.

And somehow—

that feels better than winning any business deal.

Deniz remains standing, frozen in place—confused, clearly shocked.

I calmly slip into my coat, fastening it with unhurried movements, then adjust my cufflinks as if nothing unusual is happening. Lifting my gaze, I repeat in a cheerful tone, “Let’s go.”

He blinks, then nods obediently and follows me in silence.

As I head toward the door, I ask casually, without turning back, “Do you know any good place for lunch?”

Before he can answer—

before my hand even reaches the handle—

the large, luxurious office door swings open.

Zyke steps inside.

The atmosphere shifts instantly.

His presence alone presses down on the room—calm, controlled, dangerous. Of course. An S-class alpha.

I pause.

God… why now?

Out of all moments—why did he choose this one?

I don’t have the energy for him today. Not when I finally decided to do something for myself.

“Zyren,” he says, his voice steady and cold. “Are you going somewhere?”

I turn to face him, a soft smile settling naturally on my lips. “Big brother,” I reply lightly, “why did you come so suddenly?”

His sharp eyes study me, missing nothing. “Can’t I?” he asks flatly.

There it is.

That quiet pressure. That unspoken authority.

I smile again, gentle and composed, deliberately easing the tension. “Of course you can. Come—let’s sit.”

I walk back to my desk and take my seat. Zyke follows without a word and sits across from me, his posture perfect, his gaze unwavering.

Deniz bows respectfully. “Sir, I’ll have coffee sent in. Please let me know if you need anything else.”

I nod. He leaves, closing the door softly behind him.

Silence settles.

I lift my eyes and look at the man sitting across from me—

calm, unreadable—

and very effectively ruining my lunch date.

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