The Quiet Contract

Kai

Jennie POV

When I woke up, the first thing I noticed was the empty space beside me. The sheets were slightly wrinkled where Lisa had been, but the warmth was long gone. My heart sank a little as I turned over, expecting to hear her humming in the kitchen again.

Instead, my eyes landed on a plate of pancakes and bacon sitting neatly on the bedside table. Next to it was a folded piece of paper, Lisa's familiar handwriting scrawled across it.

I grabbed the note first, curiosity piqued.

Good morning, my Jennie,

You were so peaceful and adorable in your sleep that I couldn't bring myself to wake you up. I had an early emergency meeting I couldn't reschedule, but I made sure to leave you breakfast before I left. Pancakes with bacon—your favorite, right?

I'll see you later today, promise. Try not to miss me too much, okay? Though knowing you, that might be hard.

Yours (exclusively in courtship, for now),
Lisa

I reread the letter twice, my cheeks heating at the way she addressed me so casually yet so possessively. "My Jennie," the words echoed in my head, making me feel giddy and a little flustered.

I picked up the plate of pancakes, their scent wafting up and reminding me how much I adored Lisa's cooking. Taking a bite, I couldn't help but smile. They were perfect, as usual.

"She's so corny," I muttered to myself, but I couldn't keep the grin off my face. Lisa had this way of being so effortlessly sweet that it melted me every time.

The thought of her leaving early to handle business while still taking the time to make me breakfast—it was overwhelming in the best way.

After finishing my food, I held the note again, running my fingers over the words. Why does she have to be so perfect?

A sigh escaped me as I got out of bed and got ready for the day. Even though she wasn't here, Lisa managed to make me feel special, and that was all I could ask for.

Throughout the morning, I found myself glancing at the clock, counting down the hours until I could see her again. It was ridiculous how much I missed her already, but Lisa had this effect on me—one I was starting to embrace, even if it scared me a little.

By the time I arrived at the office, I was already planning how to tease her later for leaving me with just a note. But deep down, I knew I couldn't stay mad, not when Lisa was always this thoughtful.

For now, I'd focus on work and let the anticipation of seeing her again keep me going. Because as much as I tried to deny it, my day always felt brighter when Lisa was around.

-

Sitting in my office, I tried to focus on the report in front of me, but my mind kept wandering back to Lisa. Her note, her breakfast, her everything—it was infuriating how much space she occupied in my head. The way she'd addressed me as "My Jennie" kept replaying in my thoughts, leaving me with this ridiculous, permanent smile on my face.

"Pull it together, Jennie," I muttered to myself, tapping the pen on my desk.

At exactly 9:00 AM, Mina stepped in with her usual efficient demeanor. "Your meeting with Mr. Kai is in ten minutes," she informed me, her tone as professional as ever.