“Huh?” Zoya looked up, puzzled.
Wren turned around and took her hands. “If you’re really not put off by me, then you need to keep your promise and be even nicer to me, okay?”
Zoya couldn’t help but laugh. The mighty Wren actually looked like a pitiful child at that moment.
“Okay, I’ll treat you even better!” she said.
Hearing her promise, Wren couldn’t hold back his excitement any longer. Suddenly, he wrapped one arm tight around her waist and pressed his lips to hers.
His lips, cool and gentle, carried a hesitant tenderness, like he was scared she’d be upset by his bold move.
Only when she responded did he deepen the kiss again and again.
When they finally walked out of the bathroom, Zoya’s cheeks were flushed a bright red. Her breathing was unsteady, her lips were rosy and full, and even her neck was dotted with several faint red marks.
‘This man… he’s like a demon!‘ Zoya thought.
At last, Zoya understood why people used the phrase “tempting little demon.”
She realized that phrase applied to both men and women.
Just now, in the bathroom, she had almost lost control, almost taken Wren right then and there.
She quickly stopped that train of thought and refused to dwell on what had happened inside.
In contrast, Wren looked completely calm, not even a trace of color in his face, as if nothing had happened at all.
“What is it? Why are you staring at me like that?” Wren asked casually as he changed his clothes right in front of her, completely at ease.
“I just think you’re really composed. It’s like what just happened was nothing out of the ordinary for you,” Zoya said. Although Wren had never been involved in any public scandals, with his status and looks, there must have been no shortage of women around him.
“Ordinary?” Wren chuckled lowly. Then, taking her hand, he pressed her palm against his chest, right over his heart. “To me, it was anything but ordinary. I’m not calm at all. In fact, I’m still nervous.”
She could feel his heartbeat pounding against her palm. It was like his heart was proving every word he said.
“Zozo, you’re the first woman I’ve ever truly wanted to treasure. Whether it’s kissing you or sharing a bed, you’re the first…and you’ll be the last,” he promised.
Zoya’s eyes widened in disbelief. ‘Wait a sec, did he just say… I was actually his very first kiss?‘
She was so shocked that for days after, she just couldn’t get over it.
She had never imagined that the head of the powerful Richmond family had never even kissed anyone before her.
Thinking back to when they first kissed, she remembered how awkward he’d been about it. She was the one guiding him through the whole thing.
But honestly, he was a quick learner, always eager to figure things out and improve.
During these past few days, he’d sneak in kisses whenever he got the chance, and each time, he’d just get a little better at it.
And Zoya didn’t resist. After all, kissing him felt… nice. Besides, she did like him. They were a couple after all.
Ever since that night when they first slept together, Wren had gotten into the habit of turning up at her room every evening, wanting to spend the night with her.
At first, Zoya tried to turn him down, but she ended up falling for his pretty–boy moves anyway. Whatever, if we’ve already done it once, what’s the harm in a hundred times?‘ she mused.
Even when they shared a bed, Wren might flirt or tease her a bit, but in the end, he’d just hold her hand and drift off to sleep.
Zoya knew he’d never cross any boundaries without her say–so.
Over the past few days, the story about the Lucero Group employees getting trapped had somehow blown up online, and the internet was flooded with posts and news about it.
Of course, people online couldn’t stop praising the Lucero Group for how fast they jumped into action and sent help to rescue their staff.
That evening, Zoya was scrolling through the news on her phone when she unexpectedly got a call from the TV station.
“Is this Ms. Lucero? We’re calling from the Marabotara TV station’s talk show. We heard you were involved in the rescue of your company’s staff five days ago, and we’d like to invite you on our show to talk about what happened, the caller explained.
Zoya didn’t hesitate for a second. “Sorry, I’m really not interested in talk shows.” Being in the spotlight just wasn’t her thing.
“Really? But all the others who were part of the rescue are coming too. Don’t you want to join the group?” the caller continued to persuade her.
“The other people from the rescue?” Zoya echoed, a bit surprised.
“Yeah! Including Jasmine Ingram, the co–pilot. She and you both flew helicopters for the rescue that day. Seriously, you were awesome! Our show just wants to highlight that kind of positive energy,” the caller
continued.
Zoya’s gaze grew cold. ‘Jasmine actually has the guts to go on TV after what she did?‘ she thought.
“Fine, I’ll do it,” Zoya replied.
“That’s great!” the caller said.
After she hung up, Wren asked, “You’re really going on that talk show?”
“Yeah,” Zoya replied. “And Jasmine’s going too. If she’s so desperate for the spotlight, then perfect! I’ve got a little surprise for her.”
Wren raised an eyebrow. “If you can’t stand her, I’ll deal with her myself.”
Jasmine was just an unfavored heiress from the Ingram family’s second branch. Even being a co–pilot for Cloud Airlines didn’t help. She was totally insignificant compared to Wren.
If Wren ever decided to go after Jasmine, she wouldn’t stand a chance.
“No need,” Zoya said with a hint of a smirk. “If someone needs putting in their place, I’d rather handle it myself. Anyway, Jasmine’s really not worth you lifting a finger.”
Wren just nodded. “Alright then. But whenever you need me for anything, just let me know.”
For her, he would do anything.
*****
On the day of the talk show taping, Wren accompanied Zoya to the TV station. The staff were completely stunned when Wren walked in.
She hadn’t mentioned that Wren would be coming along.
One of the staff, a little nervous, asked, “Mr. Richmond, may I ask, what brings you here today?”
“I’m just here to watch from the audience,” Wren replied.
The staff swallowed hard. Sure, talk shows had audiences, but having Wren sit in the audience was unheard of.
Still, their eyes lit up in excitement. If the camera caught him even once, the episode’s ratings would skyrocket!
Zoya and Wren were led into the studio with the staff showing them the way.
Jasmine was already seated on the sofa. The moment she saw Zoya, her expression stiffened, then twisted into a mocking smile. “Zoya, I thought you were so noble. Claiming you rescued people without seeking any reward. But in the end, you’re just here to show off like the rest of us!”
“Well, at least I actually saved someone,” Zoya retorted, not bothering to hide her disdain. “Remind me again. Why are you even here when you didn’t help a single person?”

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