┊❛ PURPLE ROSE - RAN H. ❜┊

PROLOGUE

" You bloom inside of me, My Only Purple Rose "

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The quiet hum of the office filled the air, a gentle counterpoint to the stillness of the dim lighting. His office was like a shadowed retreat, the walls cloaked in sleek, dark panels that exuded sophistication. The furniture, minimalistic and dark-hued, was arranged with almost mathematical precision. Even the soft glow of his desk lamp cast a disciplined, focused light, illuminating his work in a small circle of warmth.

Across from him, I was nestled on the plush armchair, a book resting open on my lap. The glow from the lamp touched his face, highlighting his clean-cut features—sharp jaw, perfectly arched brows, a touch of stubble that added ruggedness to his otherwise refined look. He was effortlessly good-looking in his leisure outfit, dressed down from his usual attire but no less magnetic. His shirt sleeves were casually rolled up, revealing strong forearms, and he had a drink on the corner of his desk, the glass half-empty with a lingering mark from his lips on the rim.

He was deep in his work, his eyes tracing over papers with unwavering focus, pen moving swiftly across the pages. I could see the tension in his posture, the weight of whatever task was at hand pressing on him, and the seriousness in his gaze that seemed unbreakable.

But boredom had begun to settle over me. I shut the book with a soft thud and tilted my head, watching him intently. "You know," I said with a playful smirk, "I’ve been reading about Eros and Psyche."

He didn’t look up, but his lips curved slightly. "And what have you learned?"

I shrugged, leaning forward a little, teasingly. "Enough to know that love stories aren’t just about happy endings. They’re about trials, overcoming obstacles, even betrayals. Eros and Psyche weren’t exactly a straightforward couple."

This caught his attention. He lifted his gaze from the papers, those intense eyes meeting mine, softened just a bit by curiosity. "I take it you’re looking for my opinion on them?"

"Of course," I teased, grinning. "Tell me, would you put me through trials to prove my love for you? Or would you rather whisk me away like a god to some hidden palace?"

He laughed, a low, genuine sound that lifted the tension from his face and reached his eyes. "I think I’d settle for a hidden palace. But if you keep distracting me, I might start putting you through trials just to keep you occupied."

I couldn’t help but laugh in return, his playful expression loosening the serious atmosphere that had weighed down the room moments before. We lingered in that lightheartedness, both of us feeling the tension melt away as he leaned back in his chair, that warm smile lingering on his face.

He held my gaze a moment longer, then reached for his glass, taking a long, steady gulp. When he set it back down, the corners of his mouth curved into a mischievous smile. Without a word, he stood and crossed the room to me, reaching out a hand. I raised an eyebrow, playfully feigning hesitation.

“Oh, so you are putting me through a trial,” I teased, resting my hand in his.

“Something like that,” he chuckled, slipping his other arm under my legs and effortlessly lifting me into his arms in a bridal style. A laugh bubbled out of me as I settled against his chest, and he leaned down to press a gentle kiss to my forehead.

With each step toward the bedroom, he murmured soft, affectionate words just loud enough for me to hear, his voice like a low, steady rhythm. “You know I’d whisk you away to a hidden palace if I could,” he whispered, his breath warm against my temple. “But for now, our little sanctuary will have to do.”

I giggled, my fingers tracing little patterns along his shoulder, feeling completely at ease in his embrace. “So, you’d really go to any lengths for me, huh?”

He paused in the doorway to our room, his gaze deepening as he looked down at me. “For you? I’d face every trial the world could throw my way.” His voice was barely above a whisper, but the sincerity in his eyes spoke louder than any words could.

We both laughed, the sound filling the quiet space between us. With one final, lingering look, he carried me over the threshold, and in that moment, nothing else mattered—no work, no trials, just the warmth and closeness we shared.

As he laid me down gently, his gaze never leaving mine, I couldn’t help but feel the warmth radiating from him—the kind that wraps you up and makes you feel safe. He was genuine, a little naive maybe, but so full of love, so open and unguarded in these quiet moments. I let my fingers trace along his jawline, a smile playing at my lips as he held me close, his whispers filling the stillness around us.

But deep inside, my thoughts wandered. There was a part of me he couldn’t see, a side I kept hidden behind the softness of my smile and the lightness of our laughter. I wondered what he’d think if he knew the truth—if he knew what I’d discovered. But for now, I stayed in the role he needed, my secrets safe under layers of affection and quiet assurance.

For now, I’d play my part.