His words were effortless, as if missing her was as natural to him as breathing.
Chen Lin opened her mouth, ready to brush it off with another teasing remark, but something in his tone made her pause. It wasn't just flirtation—it was something deeper.
"I think about you constantly," he continued, voice dipping lower. "Even when I'm buried in work, my mind drifts to you. Wondering if you've eaten, if you're taking care of yourself. If you're smiling or if something's weighing on you."
His fingers brushed lightly against her waist, as if grounding himself. "It's maddening, really. But I wouldn't want it any other way."
Chen Lin was stumped.
She didn't know if she fully believed him—Wu Yuxuan always had a way with words—but deep inside, a quiet warmth spread through her chest. Yet there was something else too, something in his tone that was different.
She hesitated before asking, "Did something happen?"
