"Wake up, love," a soft voice besides me whispered in my ears. I woke up startled, and in my sudden movement, I bumped my head against his. "Ouch, what are you now, a bull?" Irwin asked, rubbing his forehead.

"You did not just call me fat?" I shot back, my eyes narrowing as I searched for a pillow to throw at him. Spotting one at the end of the bed, I grabbed it and launched it in his direction. Irwin skillfully dodged it, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

"Easy there, no need for a pillow fight in the morning," he chuckled, reaching out to pull me into a warm embrace. I couldn't stay mad for long, especially with his infectious laughter filling the room.

I playfully pouted, crossing my arms. "You're lucky I didn't aim for the bull's-eye."

Irwin raised an eyebrow, teasingly. "The what now?"

I rolled my eyes, giving him a playful shove. "Never mind. Just don't go comparing me to farm animals, and we'll be fine."

He leaned in, planting a gentle kiss on my forehead. "You're not a bull, love. You're my morning sunshine, even if you do wake up with a bit of a temper."

I couldn't help but smile, the warmth of his words melting away any lingering annoyance. "Well, you're lucky I love you, even if you do have a knack for early-morning insults."

Irwin chuckled again, pulling me closer. "It's all in good fun, my love. Now, how about we start the day without any more headbutting incidents?"

I nodded, snuggling into his arms. "Agreed. Just no more farm animal comparisons, okay?"

He grinned, "Deal. Now, let's make this day a good one, minus the accidental head injuries."

The pillow fight continued with unabated enthusiasm, feathers floating in the air as we both unleashed our playful attacks. Amidst the laughter and chaos, I seized the opportunity to retaliate. Gripping a handful of Irwin's tousled hair, I gently pulled his handsome face close to mine.

"I will seek revenge," I whispered, a mischievous glint in my eyes as I stared into his.

"I will wait for it," he replied with the same tone, his gaze locked onto mine. Before I could make a strategic retreat, he seized the moment and pulled me towards him, launching into a surprise attack of tickles. Laughter erupted from both of us, the carefree sound filling the room.

We rolled around in a tangled mess of pillows and laughter, enjoying the simple joy of being together. It had been so long since I'd experienced such pure happiness, and the tears that came to my eyes were not from sorrow but from the sheer delight of the moment.

Between gasps for breath, I managed to say, "Okay, okay, truce!"

Irwin grinned, relenting in his tickling assault. "Truce it is. But remember, revenge is a dish best served ticklish."

We lay there for a moment, catching our breath and relishing the shared joy of the impromptu pillow fight. In that laughter-filled moment, everything else seemed to fade away, and I couldn't help but feel grateful for the simple pleasures of love and laughter.

Irwin's presence had a way of making my heart flutter, creating a love story that unfolded unexpectedly. It was the kind of connection that seemed to transcend the ordinary, a tale of the man who had the uncanny ability to sweep his woman off her feet. Our story was a blend of an independent woman finding her match in a true gentleman. It's often said that such love stories exist only in movies and novels, a romantic ideal that seems too perfect for reality. And while it might be true that life doesn't always mirror the pages of a novel, it doesn't mean that genuine, enchanting love can't be found in the most unexpected places. Irwin was living proof that the combination of strength, independence, and genuine kindness could create a love story that felt like a masterpiece. His gestures, both grand and small, painted a picture of a man who not only respected and admired my independence but cherished it.

In a world that sometimes feels dominated by unrealistic expectations, our love story was a reminder that such connections do exist outside the realms of fiction. It was a narrative that celebrated the beauty of two individuals coming together, embracing each other's strengths and vulnerabilities, and creating a love that felt authentic and fulfilling. So, as we lay there, surrounded by the aftermath of our playful pillow fight, I couldn't help but appreciate the unexpected beauty of our love story-a story that proved that sometimes reality can be just as enchanting as fiction. One day, you will meet someone who will treat you with tenderness, love, care, and compassion. This person will listen to you, be there for you, and offer advice when needed. They will take pride in your achievements, celebrating your successes as if they were their own.

In the embrace of this special someone, you'll find respect, protection, and the warmth of unconditional love. They will have good intentions towards you, acting in ways that contribute positively to your life. Every moment spent together will be meaningful, creating a collection of memories that paint the canvas of a beautiful journey. This person will value you for who you are, recognizing your uniqueness and appreciating the intricacies that make you, you. As you navigate life together, you'll realize that love, when shared with the right person, has the power to transform ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

So, as you journey through life, keep your heart open to the possibility of meeting that someone who adds a new layer of richness to your story-a person who brings forth the kind of love that is both profound and lasting.

"What are you thinking? Come quick, the food will be cold," Irwin's voice echoed from downstairs.

"I'm coming," I replied, hastily cleaning my face and rushing to join him.

As I descended the stairs, the aroma of the delicious meal wafted through the air, teasing my senses. "It smells so good," I exclaimed, my anticipation growing with each step. The enticing scent promised a delightful feast, and I couldn't wait to share it with Irwin.

Reaching the bottom of the staircase, I found Irwin standing in the warm glow of the kitchen, a smile playing on his lips. The table was set, and the spread before us looked like a culinary masterpiece. It was a moment where the simple joy of sharing a meal with someone special filled the room with warmth and happiness.

"Sit down, love. Let's enjoy this together," Irwin said, pulling out a chair for me.

Grateful for the effort he had put into making this moment special, I took my seat, ready to savor not only the delicious food but also the company of the person who made every ordinary day feel extraordinary.

"What did you make?" I asked as I approached him.

A satisfying smirk curved his lips as he approved of my curiosity.

"Behold princess," Irwin declared, gesturing towards the spread on the table. Freshly brought chocolate croissants adorned one end, their golden layers promising a delightful crunch. Next to them, a colorful array of cut fruit displayed the freshness of the morning. The aroma of a freshly prepared tofu omelet lingered in the air, adding a savory touch to the feast. And then, there it was-kimchi, providing a burst of bold flavors that contrasted with the subtlety of the other dishes.

"To top it off," he announced with a flourish, "a glass of cold bubble pearl milk."

My eyes widened with delight as I took in the culinary masterpiece before me. "Irwin, this is incredible! You really outdid yourself."

He grinned, clearly pleased with my reaction. "Well, when you have someone special to cook for, you've got to make it memorable."

With that, we sat down to enjoy the breakfast he had prepared-a feast that not only pleased the palate but also filled the room with a sense of shared happiness. It was a moment to savor, appreciating both the effort put into the meal and the bond that made it all the more special. Irwin dropped me off, explaining that he had important business to attend to. Today was crucial for me as well; I had an important board meeting with new members, and Calantha had already briefed me the previous night on the main points. We were aiming to establish a joint venture with ECU, and since Jasmine was a part-time lecturer there, communication had gone pretty smoothly. I was particularly eager to meet the Director, Mr. Ling Weng.

"Is he here yet?" I asked Jasmine as we walked to the elevator, the weight of the upcoming meeting hanging in the air.

Jasmine checked her watch and nodded. "Yes, he should be waiting in the conference room. I spoke to him briefly, and he seemed quite interested in the proposal."

Relieved, I nodded in acknowledgment. The prospect of a joint venture with ECU was not only exciting but also held great potential for our organization. As we stepped into the elevator, I took a deep breath, mentally preparing for the important discussions ahead.

"Let's make this meeting a success," I said, more to myself than to Jasmine, but she offered an encouraging smile in response. The elevator doors closed, marking the beginning of what could be a pivotal moment for our organization.

"I thought of other changes over the weekend," I shared with Calantha and Jasmine while waiting in my office. "Our company has considered investing in the foundation set up by Romeo, the 'McFlurry Foundation.' I believe it would be a good idea to build professional relationships as well as lending the deprived a helping hand by financing their scholarships. Along with that, Jasmine will be the chief executive overseeing all the projects and designs. Calantha, you are already a major shareholder representing the McFlurries," I added, revealing my weekend brainstorm.

"Sis-in-law, you're a genius for bringing the family together," Calantha chuckled, a playful glint in her eyes.

"Oh, hold it up," I replied with a blush, anticipating their teasing.

Jasmine joined in the light-hearted banter. "Well, it does sound like a fantastic idea. Bringing business and family together - a true powerhouse move."

"Well, not really. Business and family have their respective places, and I don't necessarily blend them together," I clarified. "However, since we're planning to set up a research center soon, it seems like a great idea to move forward with this plan. As the CEO, I need to think of ways to attract investors to the company and strategies to retain the existing ones. I can't afford to compromise on my own heritage," I explained, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance between family ties and professional endeavors.

Calantha and Jasmine nodded in understanding, acknowledging the necessity of delineating personal and professional spheres. The discussion shifted to strategic planning for the upcoming projects, the vision for the research center, and ways to ensure the success of the McFlurry Foundation. As we delved into the details, it became evident that this venture held the potential to not only further our business goals but also create a positive impact on the community. With a renewed sense of purpose, we continued our preparations for the board meeting, confident that the decisions made would shape a promising future for both the company and the philanthropic endeavors we were embarking on.

"After the meeting, Calantha, inform the members of an urgent board meeting," I urged. "Jasmine, can you call the secretary of Professor Ling Weng and ask what time they will reach?"

Before Jasmine could dial, my receptionist informed me of their arrival.

"It seems they're here already," I noted, a sense of anticipation filling the room. The upcoming discussions were crucial, and ensuring that everyone was well-informed and prepared for the next steps was paramount.

Calantha nodded, ready to take charge of the post-meeting communications. "I'll get the message out promptly," she assured.

Jasmine, putting her phone down, added, "I'll greet Professor Ling Weng and make sure he's comfortable before the meeting."

With a nod, I thanked them both for their swift responses. The atmosphere in the office buzzed with a mix of excitement and a hint of nervous energy as we prepared to engage in significant discussions that would shape the future of our ventures. As the door opened to welcome our esteemed guests, I took a moment to gather my thoughts, ready to lead the team through the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.