It had been a month since Sanlang's hospital discharge, and he had stubbornly insisted on returning to his penthouse instead of Noor's estate.
Which would have been fine… if Noor hadn't moved in with him.
Not that she asked. She just did.
She cooked his meals. She changed his bandages. She monitored his medicine like a hawk.
And worst of all? She ignored every single one of his attempts to get her attention.
Sanlang had tried everything.
Sanlang groaned loudly from the couch, draping an arm over his face like a man on his deathbed. "Maya, I think I'm dying."
Maya, comfortably seated across from him, didn't even look up from her tablet. "Good."
Sanlang sat up, scowling. "Excuse me?"
Zeyla, sipping her tea beside Maya, smirked. "She means you'll live. Unfortunately."
Sanlang turned his glare to Noor, who was calmly preparing breakfast in the kitchen, utterly unaffected by his imminent demise. "Noor," he called dramatically, "I'm weak… I need care… I need you."
Noor, without looking up, set a cup of tea in front of him. "Drink this."
Sanlang blinked at the cup. "That's not what I meant."
Noor finally glanced at him, her expression as unreadable as ever. "Then be specific. If you're requesting medical attention, say so. If you're requesting affection—" She set down a plate of sliced fruit. "—this is the best I can offer."
Maya covered her mouth to hide her laughter. Zeyla just nodded approvingly.
"A clean kill," Zeyla murmured. "Elegant."
Sanlang groaned again, slumping onto the couch. "None of you have hearts."
Noor picked up the tea towel and folded it neatly. "I have one. I just use it efficiently."
Maya whispered to Zeyla, "That means no wasting it on whiny celebrities."
Sanlang shot them a glare before turning his attention back to Noor, who was now washing dishes with her usual unshakable calm. He narrowed his eyes.
She was too calm.
And most frustrating of all… too impossible to get a reaction from.
He had been pulling every move in his arsenal for three days—charm, theatrics, strategic shirt unbuttoning—nothing worked. Noor cared for him like a duty.
Sanlang wasn't having it.
He straightened, ready for war.
Sanlang leaned against the kitchen counter, watching Noor rinse dishes. He deliberately rolled up his sleeves, flexing his forearms. "You know," he began, voice low, "it's unfair."
Noor didn't pause. "What is?"
Sanlang pushed himself off the counter, stepping closer. "You take care of me like a child… but I'm a man, Noor. Maybe you should treat me like one."
Maya and Zeyla, from the living room:
Maya: "Oh, this should be good."
Zeyla: "How long before she shuts him down?"
Maya: "Five seconds, tops."
Sanlang ignored them. He reached for an apple from the fruit bowl, taking a slow, deliberate bite, his gaze locked onto Noor's face.
She finally looked up, eyes flicking to his hand. "You're not supposed to eat solid food yet."
Sanlang smirked. "I can handle it."
Noor held out her hand. "Spit it out."
"…What?"
"Spit. It. Out."
Maya choked on her laughter.
Sanlang clenched his jaw, refusing to be defeated. He chewed aggressively, swallowing with exaggerated effort. "Too late," he taunted. "Guess I'll suffer."
Noor simply wiped her hands dry and stepped past him, murmuring, "Your suffering is self-inflicted."
Maya and Zeyla burst out laughing.
Sanlang sat on the floor, arms wrapped around his knees like a sad, abandoned puppy. "Do you even care about me, Noor?"
Noor, flipping through reports, didn't look up. "Of course."
Sanlang's eyes brightened. "Really?"
"Yes."
"…Then say it like you mean it."
Noor turned a page. "Eat your breakfast."
Sanlang let out a deep, suffering sigh. "That's not even remotely what I asked."
Maya whispered, "That's what he gets for trying emotional manipulation."
Zeyla nodded. "He's lucky Noor didn't just toss him off the balcony."
Sanlang pointed at them. "You two are no help."
Maya shrugged. "You're right. We should be placing bets."
Zeyla nodded. "I say Lady Noor throws him out in two days."
Maya considered. "Nah, tonight."
Sanlang groaned in defeat.
Later that night, Sanlang sat in his dimly lit bedroom, defeated.
Then he noticed something.
His mirror reflection—except Noor, standing behind him, was not moving.
Sanlang turned quickly. Noor was there, reading a book like normal.
He turned back.
The Noor in the mirror was watching him.
He whipped around again. Noor was totally normal.
Heart pounding, he turned back once more—and the reflection was normal again.
Sanlang: "Noor."
Noor: (calmly flipping a page) "Hm?"
Sanlang hesitated. "Did you… move?"
Noor finally looked up, her expression unreadable. "Did I?"
Sanlang's pulse spiked. "I—" He turned back to the mirror.
Noor returned to her book, unfazed.
Sanlang, whispering to himself: "Okay. I'm losing my mind."
Sanlang sat alone in the dark, fuming.
Noor passed by, stopping briefly. "Why are you sitting in the dark?"
Sanlang sighed heavily. "Because I have nothing to live for."
Noor stared at him for a moment. "…Would tea help?"
Sanlang hesitated. "Maybe."
She poured him tea. He stared at the cup.
Sanlang: "…You care about me."
Noor, sipping her own tea: "Don't I?."
Sanlang smirked. "Then why make me tea?"
Noor met his gaze.
Then—THE LIGHTS FLICKERED.
Sanlang stiffened. "Did you see that?!"
Noor, completely calm: "No."
Sanlang: "YES, YOU DID."
Noor sipped her tea. "Go to sleep, Sanlang."
And suddenly—Sanlang's body grew heavy. His thoughts slowed.
Before he knew it…
He was asleep.
Maya and zeyla were watching from the hallway.
Maya: "Did she just… put him to sleep with her voice?"
Zeyla: "Maybe he's just weak."
Maya: "But that was suspiciously fast."
Zeyla, sipping tea: "Eh. Master of many talents,must say."
Noor glanced at Sanlang, who was once again asleep against his will.
She tucked the blanket around him and whispered—so softly, no one could hear—
"Fool."
And with that, she walked away.
The next morning Zeyla and Maya were gone.
Sanlang's eyes followed Noor as she walked across the room to straighten things up. He groaned dramatically. "You know, you take care of me like I'm a child, but I'm a grown man, Noor. Maybe you should treat me like one."
Noor glanced over her shoulder, raising an eyebrow at him. "Then stop acting like a child, and maybe I will."
He chuckled at her sharp retort, but his smile didn't fade. "Oh, but I like it when you fuss over me like this. It makes me feel… special."
Noor shook her head, her lips twitching slightly. She turned her attention back to the closet, organizing his clothes.
Sanlang, never one to give up easily, pushed the tray aside and stretched his arms wide, deliberately showing off his toned body. "Well, if you're going to treat me like a child, at least tuck me in properly. I could use a little warmth, you know."
Noor sighed, knowing his game by now. "Eat your food, Sanlang," she repeated, this time her tone leaving no room for argument.
He finally relented, picking up a piece of toast and taking a slow, deliberate bite, his eyes never leaving her. "You know, it's not fair," he said between bites. "Here I am, injured, and you're still keeping your distance."
Noor turned to face him, her arms crossed over her chest. "You're not that injured anymore. And I'm taking care of you."
Sanlang leaned forward, flashing her a playful grin. "Maybe… but you could be a little closer."
Noor's cheeks flushed slightly, and she quickly busied herself with his medicine bottles. "Behave yourself, Sanlang."
As she turned her back to him, he couldn't resist. He reached out and grabbed her hand, pulling her toward him with a surprising amount of strength for someone who was supposed to be recovering.
She stumbled slightly, her hand landing on his chest as she found herself inches away from him. His eyes locked onto hers, the playfulness gone, replaced with something intense.
"Noor," he whispered, his voice low and filled with emotion. "I'm serious. I don't want you to just take care of me… I want you here with me."
Noor froze, her heart skipping a beat. She pulled away gently, her face flushed, as she stepped back, shaking her head slightly. "Sanlang… you need rest."
Sanlang sighed, watching her retreat once more. "Rest, rest… that's all you ever say. When will I get to see you without that wall between us?"
Before Noor could respond, Maya and Zeyla walked into the room, their eyes wide as they saw how close their lady had been to Sanlang just moments before.
Maya shot Zeyla a look, and Zeyla leaned in, whispering, "It's like watching a mother trying to handle a rebellious teenager."
Maya smirked. "More like a woman dealing with a very tall, very flirtatious 6'3 child."
Zeyla shook her head, still amused. "If he keeps this up, she might strangle him before he recovers."
As Noor composed herself, she turned to address them, her voice steady once more. "Maya, Zeyla, I need you to handle the business calls this afternoon."
Maya raised an eyebrow but said nothing, simply nodding. Zeyla, however, couldn't resist. "Looks like our lady has her hands full with more than just work."
Noor shot her a warning glance "Just do your tasks."
Sanlang, still watching from the bed, gave the two women a mischievous grin. "You two should be grateful. Noor's finally learning how to relax a little—at least around me."
Maya and Zeyla exchanged knowing looks before turning back to Noor, who was now gently straightening Sanlang's blankets.
"Just try not to drive her too crazy, Sanlang," Maya teased as they made their way out of the room.
Sanlang watched them leave, then turned his attention back to Noor. "You're really good at this, you know," he said softly, his tone more serious now. "Taking care of me. It's almost like…"
"Like what?" Noor asked, her eyes still focused on adjusting the sheets.
"Like you've done this before," he said, his voice low. "Like you care."
Noor paused, her hands freezing for a moment before she resumed her task. "I care about your recovery, Sanlang."
But Sanlang wasn't satisfied with her deflection. He caught her hand again, this time holding it firmly but gently. "No, Noor. I mean… you care about me. Don't you?"
Noor's heart raced, she met his gaze, her eyes betraying the emotions she tried so hard to keep hidden. "Sanlang, rest."
Sanlang gave her a soft smile, his thumb brushing against her hand. "I think I'll rest better knowing you're here with me."
Noor flushed, finally pulling her hand away.
And as she turned to leave the room, Sanlang's eyes followed her, his heart filled with something far stronger than his usual playful flirtation.
As both Maya and Zeyla left, the silence in the penthouse seemed to grow louder. Noor continued working in the kitchen, her mind focused on preparing the meal. Sanlang, watching her from the doorway, couldn't suppress the fire burning within him. The consuming desire he had fought for so long now rose to the surface.
Silently, he moved toward her, his long strides bringing him close until he stood just behind her. Without warning, his hands reached for her waist, pulling her into his chest, his breath hot against her ear as he whispered, "Do you know why I didn't want to stay at your estate?"
Noor gasped softly, caught off guard by the sudden closeness, her heart pounding. Her pulse quickened as she felt the firmness of his body against hers. "Why?" she breathed out, barely managing to find her voice.
Sanlang's lips were so close to her ear that she could feel his breath, warm and teasing. "Because I couldn't have you this close," he murmured, his voice dripping with raw desire.
Before she could respond, his fingers gently brushed her hair aside, exposing the delicate curve of her neck. He pressed his lips softly against her skin, sending shivers down her spine. Noor's breath hitched as he trailed kisses along her neck, each touch more deliberate . His tongue flicked out to taste her skin, followed by a soft bite that made her gasp again, her knees weakening beneath her.
Sanlang's hands tightened around her waist, pulling her even closer as his lips moved upward, tracing her jawline before he whispered into her ear, "I couldn't resist you, Noor. Not anymore."
She felt the intensity in his voice, the hunger, and the possessiveness. His lips brushed against her cheek, leaving a trail of heat before he kissed her. Then he shifted, his lips hovering dangerously close to hers, teasing her, his breath mingling with hers.
"Will you leave when I'm better?" Sanlang asked suddenly, his tone shifting to something more vulnerable. He pressed his face into her shoulder, nuzzling her like a child seeking comfort, though his hands betrayed his true intentions, sliding around her waist, holding her tightly.
Noor's face flushed. She slowly turned to face him, meeting his intense gaze. Her heart raced, her lips trembling slightly as she spoke, "Every path leads to you. No matter where I go, you'll always be there."
Sanlang's dark eyes softened, filled with a potent mixture of desire and possession. His voice dropped, hoarse and full of emotion, "I'll always find you, Noor. No matter where you go, you are mine." His hands caressed her sides, trailing up her arms until they cradled her face, and he gazed into her eyes, filled with something deeper than just want—it was a claim, a promise.
Without waiting for her to respond, he closed the distance between them, his lips crashing against hers with an intensity that took her breath away. This kiss was unlike any before—it was fierce, consuming, and deeply possessive. Sanlang poured everything into that kiss, his need, his hunger, his longing. It was as if he was marking her, claiming her, making sure that she knew she belonged to him.
His hands moved to the back of her neck, pulling her deeper into the kiss, as if the very idea of being apart from her was unbearable. Noor's body responded, her lips parting under the pressure, allowing him in. His tongue sought hers, tangling in a heated dance, as his kiss grew even more passionate, more desperate.
Noor's hands, which had been resting on his chest, now gripped his shirt, trying to steady herself as the world around her seemed to spin. The fire in his touch ignited something within her. She was lost in him, in the way he held her as if he'd never let go.
Sanlang deepened the kiss, his hands sliding down her back, pulling her impossibly close, his body pressing against hers as if he wanted to fuse them into one. His lips moved with purpose, demanding more, his desire for her becoming more urgent with each passing second. He tilted her head slightly, allowing him to dominate the kiss even further, his lips claiming hers fully.
When he finally pulled back, both of them were breathless. Sanlang's eyes were filled with a fire that hadn't dimmed—if anything, it had grown stronger. "You're mine, Noor," he whispered, his voice raw and filled with emotion. "And I'll never let you go."
Noor, her cheeks flushed and her heart racing, couldn't meet his gaze. She turned her head slightly, trying to regain her composure, but the heat in her face betrayed her.
Sanlang, seeing her reaction, grinned playfully, his earlier intensity softened by the sight of her flustered. "It still hurts, you know," he said, his voice taking on a teasing tone as he rubbed his chest where his heart was. "I think it needs more of your touch to feel better."
Noor glanced back at him, flustered but Sanlang only chuckled softly, pulling her back into his arms, resting his chin on her shoulder as he whispered, "I'll always need you, Noor."
"Sanlang..." she whispered, her voice a delicate tremble. She wanted to push him away, but her body betrayed her, leaning ever so slightly into his embrace.
Sanlang's grip tightened around her waist, his lips now trailing down to her shoulder. "I've waited so long for this," he whispered, his voice thick with need. "Every moment you're near me, I crave you more... I can't stop myself anymore."
Noor closed her eyes, torn between the duty she had imposed on herself.She had spent so much time guarding her heart, but here he was, breaking through those walls with every whispered word, every lingering touch.
For a moment, she let herself feel it—the yearning, the passion she had kept hidden.
Summoning all her willpower, Noor gently but firmly placed her hands on his chest, pushing him back just enough to create space between them. Her breathing was ragged, her heart pounding in her chest. She looked up at him, her eyes conflicted.
"Sanlang... we can't," she said, her voice a mix of regret and restraint. "Not like this."
Sanlang's dark eyes searched hers, his expression a mixture of frustration and yearning. "Why not, Noor?" he asked, his voice low, almost pleading. "Why are you always holding back?"
Noor looked away, unable to face the intensity of his gaze. "Because... because I care about you too much," she admitted softly, her voice barely a whisper. "And I can't let myself lose control. Not when there's so much at stake."
Sanlang sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. He stepped back, giving her the space she needed. "I don't want you to keep holding back, Noor," he said, his voice quieter now, more vulnerable. "I need you... all of you."
Noor swallowed hard, her heart aching at his words. She wanted to give in.
"One day," she whispered, her eyes meeting his again, filled with emotion. "But not today."
Sanlang stared at her for a long moment, the tension between them palpable, before finally nodding. He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead, his touch tender and filled with unspoken promises.
"Alright," he murmured, his voice resigned but understanding. "I'll wait. But don't make me wait too long, Noor."
As he pulled away.
Sanlang stood still, the weight of their shared history, though hazy in his memory, pressed against his chest. Noor's gaze locked with his.
He cupped her face gently, the touch more reverent this time. Noor's eyes softened with a deep recognition that they were two halves of a whole.
Their lips met, but it wasn't just a kiss. It was a merging of souls. His hands moved slowly, out of devotion, tracing the contours of her face, as if memorizing every detail.Her fingers gently brushing his neck, pulling him deeper into the kiss.
In that kiss, Sanlang felt an overwhelming sense of peace, as though the universe had finally aligned. Their bodies may have been separate, but in that instant, they became one—fitting together perfectly.
As Sanlang watched Noor move seamlessly through her day, he couldn't help but be mesmerized by the woman she was. Even in his weakened state, his mind was sharp enough to grasp the sheer force of her existence, the weight of her responsibilities, and the ease with which she bore them. He had always known Noor was different—extraordinary—but seeing her now, truly witnessing the breadth of her world, made him feel as though he were only scratching the surface .
"How does she do it?" he thought, his gaze following her as she moved from task to task. She was like a force —steady, unstoppable, yet so incredibly controlled. From her morning prayers, which filled the air with a quiet serenity, to the way she commanded entire business empires without missing a beat, Noor was unlike anyone he'd ever known. It was as if the entire universe moved around her.
Sanlang marveled at how, even when her time was divided between colossal responsibilities, she never seemed overwhelmed. "Does she ever falter?" he wondered. There was no sign of fatigue, no moment of hesitation. She would finish a call about a billion-dollar deal and immediately move to comfort a child.
"She's both steel and silk," he realized, his admiration deepening.. **"How can one person be so many things at once?"**
And then, despite all of that, she still made time for him. She would pause in her day, even in the middle of negotiations, just to check on him. Her touch, though brief, was filled with a care he couldn't understand. She held his gaze for a moment longer than necessary, but her eyes gave nothing away—just that deep, endless calm he could never seem to penetrate.