James's POV

"There has to be a way to get him to agree to it, it is a great deal that would honestly increase the productivity if we just make use of better technology." Jack, senior engineer at the company explains while Elena nods along.

"Is there supposed to be cost cut back?" I look over the file as my eyes search for the budget which doesn't match well with their words. They exchange a look amongst themselves before changing the slide to that of a bar graph. I read it carefully as Elena starts speaking up.

"Not immediately, no. It would first impact the productivity, like Jack already mentioned, and in a year the cost cutback would begin, as you can follow the graph."

My finger moves across the chin as I continue to rub the stubble on my face, taking in their words and presentation. "It's going to be hard to get Dad's approval on this, you know he likes immediate results. And even if he agrees, what's to say the rest of them would?"

We're in the conference room having a meeting regarding the new machinery products to be employed for the biodegradable plant that we've invested in couple of months back. Jack has with him a team to present the new plan he's discovered while Elena is handling the finance regarding the same.

"It's Carrack that you've got to get on board, if the two of you are on the same page, you know the rest can be handled." Elena reminds me, and I nod.

"I'll convince him once I'm convinced, so get on with it." I motion for Jack's associate and she stands up before looking at her partner to start.

The next hour goes in a blur of them explaining things to me as I try to wrap my head around it. It sounds promising to some extent, but I know my father wouldn't see it that way. He likes to stick to old ways at times, and it creates conflicts to have him on the same team to move forward with decisions.

"When do you want to hold a meeting with Mr. Clark regarding this?" Elena asks me as we move out of the conference room.

She walks alongside me while Eve, my assistant tries to keep up with us. "Let me talk to him off record first, and then we can decide."

"Very well, then."

"How's her last day coming along?" I dare ask her, and her eyes shoot up in surprise because she knows exactly what I'm talking about, despite the fact that I've never brought her up in any of our conversations.

"She's done well, but you already know that." She gives me a small smile.

Before I can respond to her, Eve catches upto me. "Sir, Mr. Alfred's waiting for you in your office, and I'm afraid that I haven't able to secure a reservation for tonight."

I frown at her words as Elena dismisses herself. "Well, did you put in my name as a reference?"

She looks like the idea never occurred to her and gives me a rather sheepish look. "Right, I'll get onto it."

"Can you get someone to provide me a cup of coffee and some tea for Mr. Alfred?"

"Of course, Mr. Clark."

Alex passes me a small smile as I turn the hallway to make my way to the office where I know it would take at least another hour to discuss the proceedings with Alfred Industries. When I enter the room, he's waiting with a colleague of his, making me feel annoyed at Eve for not mentioning him.

"Clark." He stands up, extending his hand to shake while I do the same.

"Alfred." I add a pinch of smile along then look at his colleague who has never joined us for a meeting before.

"This is my nephew, Charles."

Charles offers me a firm handshake and a smile. As we start to talk about the investment for the upcoming quarter, I observe how he's here to learn business more than anything as Alfred seems to be guiding him.

When Eve enters with the tea and coffee, I notice how she got an extra cup which immediately resolves my annoyance a little because she must've remembered it. The meeting with the two does take more than an hour of mine, making me check my watch as I start to wrap up things by the end.

"You got everything covered, Eve?" I ask as I approach her desk, my things packed up in my hands.

She stands up at my presence and nods, "Yes, Mr. Clark. I got the reservations for eight as well. Enjoy."

I nod at her before exiting the office premises and making my way down to the car. As I get out, the summer air hits me and a familiar laugh reaches my ear. Her presence dawns on me before I lay my eyes on her. She seems to be talking animatedly with her colleague and I approach them in silence. He notices me before she does, his eyes widening in surprise as always, and I wonder why do people react the way they do in my presence.

But then I understand it to some extent. I'm his boss's boss's boss. She must notice the change in his expression because she turns around, her bambi like eyes staring up at me as a small smile takes over her face.

"Hey." Her smile widens and I lean down to kiss her cheek.

"Hello, love."

I was never the one for being affectionate, but she seems to bring that side out of me. I spend the entire day putting the thoughts of her at the back of my head just to concentrate on my work better, but when she stands in front of me, my resolve breaks and the relief that washes upon me has to be rewarded in some manner.

My eyes move to Yash who smiles at me, "Good Evening, Mr. Clark."

"Evening." I nod at him, my arm going almost subconsciously around my wife as I pull her closer to myself. "Hope you both had a nice day."

"Indeed." She grins, exchanging a look with him.

"Well, I'm off now. Keep in touch, Lillian." Yash smiles at her and she steps out of my embrace to give him a hug.

"You too."

After they bid their goodbyes, Lillian turns to me, "How was your day?"

"Same old." I shrug as we approach the car where Reece seems to be waiting for us.

When we're inside the car, I turn to take my wife's hand in mine and she smiles at me. "Do we have plans for the evening?"

"Yes, Eve managed to get reservations for eight. You don't mind, do you?" I ask, because if she's too tired, we can always skip.

"Nope, it's been a while since I went out." She wonders out aloud before her eyes meet mine. "When did I go out last? I can't even seem to recall."

Her words amuse me, "With Yash and his girlfriend, when you abandoned me for the night."

"Right." She rolls her yes. "I did not abandon you, who knew you would be such a baby about spending a few hours on your own."

"Well, it's your fault. I've got accustomed to your presence now."

It's true, I did throw a fit when she told me that she was going out for dinner at the last moment and I had no plans. Hale was busy having dinner with Alex's parents that Friday night so that left me all on my own. Earlier I spent most of the time in my own presence but now with her in my life, I look forward to going back home after work.

My work life balance in this past month has taken up a new turn and I'm struggling less and less to balance both, having clearer boundaries. Sometimes I think I was a fool to invest so much of myself in work but I'm glad she pushed me to realise it on my own.

"Is there something you have to tell me?" I ask, arching an eyebrow as we reach the apartment door after discussing the happenings of our day during the car ride.

She unlocks the knob and turns to me, an amused smile on her lips as she shakes her head. "Nope, do you?"

Her words make me shake my head as I laugh under my breath. We both can be silly with pretending to be oblivious about things sometimes, waiting for the other to come around to spill the beans first. She steps out of her heels as we reach the living room and I remove my tie, going to the kitchen to fetch myself and her a glass of water.

When I return, she's lying down on the couch so I go to sit by her side, pulling her head in my lap which makes her smile grow. I pretend to keep up the facade as does she, moving from one topic to another.

"I was expecting you to be home late today." She speaks up, scrolling through her phone when I have no idea what does she even do with that device. She has absolutely no social media, despite our banter about how she should at least try it once.

"Why is that?" I wrap the end the of her hair strand around my finger and she finally keeps her phone aside.

"You'll be gone for two days, four if we include the weekend, is the company not going to fall down if you aren't there, or wait, that's just what you like to believe." She teases, biting on her lower lip to stifle her laugh.

Her words make me roll my eyes as I pull on her hair a little which earns me a yelp and a pout in return. "Want me to go back to the office and spend the night there just to prove a point?"

"If you want to spend the next four days on the couch, then yes." She eyes me playfully.

I decide to tease her back, playing along. "We do have more than one bedroom back at the cabin, you know?"

She dramatically gasps, getting away from my touch as she removes her head from my lap and gapes at me. "How dare you, Mr. Clark?"

I grin at her, pulling her closer by the wrist which makes her stumble forward. "Just teasing, love. You know I wouldn't dare spend the night apart from you."

She resists a little but I stand from the couch, my arm going under her knees as I pick her up over my shoulder, a yelp leaving her and I carry her to the bedroom.

"James, put me down!" She squeals, but her protests go absolutely unheard as a loud laugh leaves me. "You're evil."

"Shush now." I spank her ass which seems to shut her up as she goes quiet.

Upon entering the room, I put her on the bed, her cheeks flushed deep. It always leaves me astonished how beautiful she is, without even realising it. Her eyes are filled with tiredness from the day yet they ignite with desire as I hover over her body, my lips brushing over hers. The way her body responds to me has to be one of the most amazing things in my life, to know how her breathing catches a little when we're about to kiss, how her hands always go straight for my hair roots and how she tries to be discreet about wanting to close any space between us.

But as her breast rubs against me, my hands go straight to her hips as I part her knees and pull her closer, an audible gasp leaving her as I kiss her. Our tongues move in sync, often making me question why did I never feel this insatiable need for anyone before as I do with her.

Too soon, I pull away, a groan leaving her at the distance between us as she pouts at me. "Come back."

I shake my head, retracting my body from hers and the bed as I start to move to the closet as she musters a glares at me, but it only makes her look more adorable.

"We've got to pack a little before we leave for dinner and finish after we come back." I remind her.

It's that time of the year which I usually dread because it takes too much strength to pass the days that mark another year of my mother's death. But this year, I have Lillian by my side. I have no idea why she was so surprised when I asked her to come along, because honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Earlier I didn't know what it felt like to have a companion in your sorrows and grief but now that I've experienced almost every emotion I can put a finger on with her, I know what it is like to have your heart feel lighter because you have someone to share your pain with.

I don't want to lose that, ever again. It isn't because we're dependent on each other, no. We're our own people but we share what only a few are lucky to have, a bond that goes beyond words, a love that can only be felt and expressed. And I wouldn't want to lose it for the world, because it would mean losing her, and I can't have that.

"That's about second time you've left me wanting, Mr. Clark. I'm not saying that there's a score board, but if there was, you're certainly not earning any points." She gives me a fake innocent smile before getting off the bed and straightening her skirt, leading herself straight to the closet.

"Sounds worrisome, I think I can earn some bonus over the weekend." I remark, catching her smile as she turns away to pull out a dress.

There's a burning in my heart as the day approaches nearer but it gets easier every year, just like last year was better than the one before that, this one is better than the last. Sometimes I wonder if the sadness would completely fade away but I'm afraid that doesn't happen when you lose a parent that you shared a loving relationship with. It gets easier every year, yes, but the absence always glooms in the darkness of your mind, and sometimes on most jolly days because they aren't there to share it with you.

After we put aside the clothes we both want to pack for our short trip away, I move to take a shower while she does the same, except in a different bathroom. That stubborn woman.

"James!" She yells from the closet when I step out of the bathroom, my hair damp as I rub a towel over, making my way to her.

"Yes?"

"This or this?" She asks, putting a dress on each arm of her body, one is black and the other is turquoise

"That." I point towards the latter and she nods, looking at it before turning a little to change into it. She's a lot more comfortable around me naked than she was couple of months ago, and I count that as huge progress. "We have to leave in ten if we don't to miss the reservations."

After reminding her, I get ready myself and move out in the bedroom to find her running a hand through the ends of her hair. She looks at me and then back at her hair ends.

"I need a haircut." She pouts as we make our way out of the apartment and she continues to play with the ends of it as I lock up the apartment

"We'll find you something over the weekend."

"How long is the drive?" She asks as we get in the car and I begin to drive as we've already dismissed Reece for the day.

"A couple of hours at most. I was thinking we could take the Audi?" I suggest. "I would've taken this one but we don't have the charger set up there."

She nods in understanding. "Yes, we could take my car too, but you would know better I guess."

"Would you want to drive?" I ask her and her eyes lit up as she eagerly nods.

"Yes, yes!" She squeals, "Only I would obviously prefer this one, but I'll settle on the one other too."

Her words amuse me as I halt the car in front of the tall building, the valet opening the car door for her as I get out too, giving the car keys to him and move to take my wife's hand in mine. Both of us make our way to the building lobby and her eyes roam around, taking in the setting.

"I've never been here before." She informs me but I grin.

"I'm aware. You haven't been much of anywhere, Ms. Introvert." I remind her which causes her to scowl at me. "It's okay, it just means more memories for us to make."

"I like the memories we have so far." Her scowl lightens a little.

We enter the elevator with another couple, and I bring her hand up to kiss the back of it which causes her smile to widen. The elevator door opens to the ninth floor and we step outside, her hand still in mine as I approach the waiting lobby.

The woman at the front table smiles at me, and I don't miss the way her eyes stay hooked, sending a simmer of irritation through me. "Good evening, sir. I'm afraid we have a waiting. Do you have reservations?"

Her eyes are perked up which only seems to annoy me further because I can sense my wife throwing daggers through her looks at her. She's not as vocal as me about her discomfort when other people show interest, but I'm able to gauge her reactions well now. I pull Lillian closer to me, freeing my hand as my arm goes around her waist.

"Yes, under the name Clark."

She nods, immediately checking her records before she seems to find it. "Yes, right away."

Her hands gesture towards the entrance door as she leads us inside and I look at Lillian, her eyes taking in the setting. It pleases me to see the hint of surprise on her face as the woman leads us to a table. I pull the chair for her and she takes a seat as I do the same, a waiter approaching us.

"Hello, I'm Will, your server for the night. Please let me assist you with anything you need and I'd be happy to be at your service."

His smile is almost blinding, the positivity almost making me grimace but it seems to make Lillian smile so it will have to do. She speaks up, "Thank you, Will. For now water is good, you can take our order in ten minutes."

"Of course, ma'am."

He withdraws his presence and I turn to her, my complete focus on how beautiful she looks under the candle light. Her smile is still intact as her eyes meet mine, the happiness evident behind them, making my heart fill the gratitude.

"This is a beautiful place, James." Her voice is quiet. "It makes me realise we've never had a candle light dinner."

She's right. We've been to a lot of dinner dates now but never with an ambience like this. My eyes take in the dim light of the restaurant and the glass windows that seem to overlook the city, the lights giving out a distant beautiful view. There are flowers and candles decorating our table and every table is a little secluded, providing appropriate privacy as a soothing piano plays in the background. Normally this place would've been a no-go zone for me but I wanted tonight to be special.

"There's always a first for everything, Lil." I smile at her, realising how easy it is for me to do so in her presence as she beams back at me with that twinkle in her eyes. "Let's order, shall we?"

She nods as the waiter, Will approaches us with water and Lillian gives the order for food while I select a bottle of champagne. He gets the drinks first and as he pours it, I reach out to take Lillian's hand in my own, my thumb grazing her knuckles.

After he's done, I pick up the glass with my free hand and she does the same, "What are we celebrating, Mr. Clark?"

"You know very well, Mrs. Clark. It's not very good for my ego to lose our silly games every time."

My words make her laugh a little. "I think it's good for the relationship, so you have to prioritise."

This cheeky little mischievous woman. I give in, raising my glass to her, as she does the same with raised eyebrows, waiting for me to speak up.

"Here's to new assistant to the finance controller of Clark Enterprises. I'm so damn proud of you." I grin at her, my heart genuinely swelling with pride as her lips form into a beautiful smile.

"Thank you, James." We clink our glasses before each taking a sip. She looks at me with a cautious look. "You didn't have anything to do with the offer, did you?"

Her words make me frown. God! When is she ever going to have a little confidence in herself? I don't understand how does she not see that she's good at what she does, she's smart, and a hard-worker.

"No, I didn't. It's a standard procedure to offer a job position to interns after training and their work duration is over, depending upon the performance appraisal. Everyone gets the opportunity had their work been up to an optimum level, which is why you were offered the position." I explain, trying to clarify the procedure to her and she nods, relaxing a little. "And you should be a little more confident, I've seen your file, remember? You've done good work."

She does take in my suggestions during her work, but it's mostly her ideas which she shares while I nod along because I don't have much to contribute. She already works with such a clear thought process and clarity that it leaves lesser room for suggestions but when there is a need of one, I don't shy away from adding to it.

"I know, it makes sense, the performance appraisal thing I mean, because Yash was offered too, except he denied. He wants to explore more options."

"And you're sure you don't want to do that?" I ask, because as much as I want her to work for the company, I also want her to be at liberty to make choices.

"Yup, pretty damn sure. This was my short-term goal, remember? It doesn't matter that I'm married to you, I keep that part very far away from my professional life and I hope you do the same."

The caution behind her words doesn't go missing as I assure her, "I do, promise. You're starting from next Monday, right?"

"Yes, I've to get things settled with my professors at college and get done with the paperwork as well."

During our conversation the dinner is served as we continue to eat while she explains to me how much she's looking forward to working as a full-time job instead of just an intern. I'm aware this is her part of short-term goals and she has told me all about her dreams and plans, but a selfish part of me always hopes that Clark Enterprise can become her long-term goal as well. It isn't because I'm biased towards her, but because I see in her a reflection of myself during my final year, which would be an asset to our organization, so I don't want to miss out.

It came to me as a surprise the first time we sat down to discuss official work, that she and I operate in very similar manners, except she has a better balance at it with her life while I'm still struggling to approach it completely. In a very odd way, that was the first thing that actually made me feel something towards her the first time. After all, everything between us did start with her occasional visits at the office.

"How do you feel?" She asks me, concern clear as a day in her eyes as she takes a bite of her dessert. I sigh a little at her question but there's only so much I can do to pretend.

"It isn't as bad, but you know how on normal days I can push it at the back, but this is that part of the year I cannot seem to do so, hence the isolation." I try to put it into words as nicely as I can. "How about you? I know the sessions are getting wrapped up now, do you feel any progress?"

She nods at my question, "I do, looking back I'm able to cope in much better and healthier ways, if it makes sense? She discussed the termination of sessions with me, and I genuinely believe its time to be on my own."

Her words make me smile as I nod in complete understanding, that's what the therapy does, it makes you embrace yourself completely as who you are while also trying to make you aware about yourself. I'm glad she's had a pleasant experience instead of going from a therapist to therapist because some dickheads are just after your money. The memory makes me a little angry but I push it down, not wanting to ruin our evening.

Will approaches our table, his smile shining like pearls, only pissing me off at how someone can beam so damn much without their cheeks hurting. "Anything else I can get you, sir?"

I look at Lillian and she shakes her head so I turn to him. "Just the bill, please."

After paying the bill and leaving a good tip for the guy, we leave the place and find ourselves outside the building. Our car comes a minute later and I turn to Lillian as she approaches the passenger door but frowns when she doesn't see me moving.

"What's wrong?"

"You're using the wrong door."

She looks at the passenger side and then back at me, giving me a ludicrous look. "What the hell are you talking about?"

"Driver's door is on the other side."

When the realisation dawns upon her, her eyes immediately widen as her mouth falls open. She looks between the car and me, continuing to do so until she settles her gaze on me, filled with surprise.

"Are you serious?"

"Deadass." I grin, taking a step towards her and she shakes her head as if to snap out of the moment. "If you take one more minute, I'll change my mind."

She seems to get out of the zone as she immediately moves towards the driver's side and slides in the car seat and I take the passenger seat. I read her expression and it looks like she's having a mini freak-out session in her head.

"Baby it's just a damn car."

"It's your car."

"Ours, you aren't making very logical points right now. Come on now, we've got to pack once we reach home."

She nods, her body going into motion as she keeps her hands on the steering wheel, a huge grin taking place on her face as she begins to drive. I can practically feel her body relaxing next to mine which also relaxes me. It isn't that she's a bad driver, she's pretty damn fine one but I've never had anyone else drive this car, not my father, not Hale, no one. I didn't want to break that record, but who the hell am I kidding, if she asked me hand over my heart to her in a silver platter, I would happily do so.

She has absolutely no idea how much control she has over me. It's easy to assume that I've got the upper hand, but I think we both balance each other out quite amazingly. However, she does have me wrapped around her little finger, even if she fails to realise it sometimes. There's nothing I wouldn't do for this woman.

"I want to speed up." She announces as we take a turn and I look ahead, mentally trying to map out our way to the complex. "C'mon."

"You can't do that in traffic, I'm not letting you put yourself and others at risk." She immediately sulks at my words which makes me huff out a sigh. "Take the road behind the complex, it's mostly empty after the dark. But be aware of your surroundings, Lil."

Her whole face lights up at my words as she winks at me. "Yes, sir."

When she takes the turn towards the road, it takes her a few seconds before she presses on the speed and for a second, it does knock my breath out as I look over at her. "Woah, slow down."

"Nope, I've waited too long for this." She laughs, and I can't help but join in her laughter, realising that something so little is making her this happy. If I had known that she wanted it this much, I would've gifted her a damn Tesla on her birthday.

When she's satisfied, she slows down and I'm glad for the mostly empty street, and grateful to her for being careful. She turns the car around, moving over to the familiar way to the complex. Once we reach the parking space, we both get out after she parks the car in its place. As soon as I step out, she jumps into my arms, a small squeak of happiness leaving her, making me laugh.

"You're crazy, you know that?" I whisper in her ear and she steps back, her lips curving into that gleeful smile of hers.

"Only with you, James, only with you."

"Good, I wouldn't have it any other way."

She kisses me, her lips staying against mine for a moment longer than a peck before she groans, leaning her weight completely against mine which makes me balance myself to hold her. "I'm so tired, I don't want to pack."

"Too bad, you don't have a choice." I chuckle, kissing her hair as I quite literally drag her to the elevator. She pouts at me, blinking her lashes and I shake my head at her. "Seriously?"

"Please, I've already kept out everything, and whatever's left, I'll keep in the morning. You just have to put in a bag."

Her words make me roll my eyes as I unlock the door. "Fine, I'll put the rest of the stuff as well, just give me a list and you can sleep."

"Have I ever told you how much I love you?" She offers, her words both warming my heart and making me laugh.

"Not since a couple of days, so I wouldn't mind the reminder."

That seems to spark something in her as she takes my hand in hers before leading us to the bedroom, her hands immediately reaching for my jacket which makes me arch my eyebrows at her, her actions almost amusing me.

"What are you doing?"

"Reminding you." She shrugs as if it's the most obvious thing in the world.

"I thought you were too tired."

She gives me a 'duh' look, "Yes, too tired to pack, never enough to love you."

Her words make me chuckle but when she reaches for my pants, I simply shut up and let her actions be a reminder of her love for me.