UNWANTED DEVOTION

I CAN SEE YOU..

I was in Kian's arms, trying to calm myself down as his hands gently caressed my back. I allowed myself to melt into my husband's touch and whispered, "Hubby..."

He hummed in response, and suddenly, I didn't know what to say anymore. Kian didn't ask for more either. Slowly, he loosened his hold, eventually letting go completely as he stood up. He extended his hand towards me, and I softly took it.

With a gentle pull, he helped me up, but then his other hand slipped to my waist, lifting me in a bridal style. I rested my head against his chest, saying nothing. He hummed softly, muttering something before saying, "I didn't like that, Birdy."

His eyes were elsewhere, ignoring me, and I frowned, confused. "What didn't you like?"

"You not obeying me," he replied, his tone stern. I lowered my head, hiding my face from him, or maybe from no one in particular.

"I'm sorry," I whispered softly.

He hummed again before continuing, "I'll accept it this time, Birdy, but if it happens again, there will be consequences."

I nodded in acknowledgment, hoping that would be enough. But then he added coldly, "Say it, Crystal, if you dare. I want to hear it."

I flinched at his tone but managed to say, "I understand."

"Louder," he suddenly shouted, making me flinch again. I squirmed in his grip, trying to get free, but his hold only tightened.

"Let me go, Kian, I can walk," I said, looking into his dark eyes. Before I could say anything more, he released me abruptly, dropping me to the floor with a thud. I cried out in pain, and he crouched down, one knee on the floor, looking at me.

"If you ever ask me to let you go again, Birdy, trust me, the pain will be a thousand times worse." His voice was low and dangerous. "Now say it. Do. You. Understand?"

I quickly blurted out the words he was waiting for. "I understand."

He stood up, brushing nonexistent dust off his suit before looking at me. "I'm off to work, Birdy. I expect you to have everything here sorted by the time I return, and wait for me—we'll have dinner together."

I murmured a soft "Okay" as I tried to stand, but before I could, he bent down again, his face close to mine. His lips parted as he captured mine, sucking and licking them briefly before pulling away. "That was the goodbye kiss. Now, say goodbye."

Still not quite understanding, I whispered, "Bye..."

He smiled, placing a kiss on my forehead before turning toward the door. I touched the spot where his lips had been and sighed. Slowly, I got up and made my way to the kitchen. I suddenly remembered Kian hadn't had breakfast today, and another sigh escaped my lips.

I started unpacking boxes, organizing things one by one. There were five or seven large wedding pictures among the items. I picked one up and walked upstairs to our bedroom, hanging the frame on an empty wall. Two more pictures went up along the stairway, and the others found places in the hallway.

Once everything was in its place, I drank some water and sat on the sofa, resting for a few minutes. A soft grumble came from my stomach, and I smiled. "Let's make something," I said to myself, heading back to the kitchen. I took out some vegetables and rice from the cupboard and started cooking my favorite fried rice. The aroma made my mouth water. Once it was ready, I served myself a plate, grabbed a water bottle, and sat at the table.

I ate until my stomach was full.

On the other side (Third Person's POV)

Kian sat in his office chair, opening his laptop. A click revealed multiple screens, all showing nothing but empty rooms—except for one. That screen showed none other than Crystal, busy in the kitchen.

He smiled as he watched her arranging things, humming to herself and jumping around playfully. It felt peaceful. When the wedding pictures appeared on the screen, his lips broke into a wide smile, but it quickly vanished as he saw Crystal cooking and eating happily while he was still hungry.

"Didn't I tell you, Birdy?" he muttered, caressing the screen. "Wait for me, and we'll have dinner together. Then why...?"

His eyes darkened, and he abruptly slammed the laptop shut.

A few seconds later, there was a knock at the door.

"Come in," Kian said coldly.

A man, slightly older than him, entered, holding a file. He placed it on the desk and stepped back. Kian flipped through the pages, his frown growing deeper with each turn.

"How could this happen?" Kian shouted, throwing the file to the floor in frustration.

The secretary remained calm. "Sir, someone did it, but I'm sure we'll catch them."

Kian rubbed his forehead, gesturing for the man to leave. "Shithead!" he cursed, standing up and walking toward the giant glass window. His frown eased as he closed his eyes, and suddenly, Crystal's face appeared in his mind—red, teary eyes, wobbly lips.

"Fuck..." he muttered, quickly opening his eyes again.