Millie continued, “Who has two weddings with the same spouse anyway? Besides, we already completed the ceremony.” She threaded her fingers through his. “We promised each other a lifetime, Ronnie. We’re already husband and wife.”

Despite everything that came afterward, the ceremony had been real.

Myron lifted her face gently between his hands, studying her with tenderness. He only wanted to give her brighter memories, something joyful that would outshine the chaos. But it was her choice.

Myron nodded. “Alright. If that’s what you want.” Even so, he still carried the desire to give her something special. Perhaps loving someone came with equal parts tenderness and guilt, constantly pushing you to offer the very best. She never got the chance to witness the surprise he had prepared for her on their wedding night. Quietly, he began planning something new.

Millie caught the distant look in his eyes and instantly understood. She did not ask; whatever he prepared, she knew she would cherish. He always knew her well.

Millie leaned against Myron’s shoulder, gazing at the sunlit sky outside. A sense of peace settled in her chest. It was a rare, tranquil afternoon. The warmth of the sun against her skin wrapped her in a gentle bliss. Before long, sleep tugged at her, and she drifted off.

Myron smiled softly, lifting her with care and carrying her to his personal lounge, laying her on the bed so she could rest comfortably.

Millie awoke to the sharp buzz of her phone. Still foggy from sleep, she blinked and found Myron opening the door to check on her, alert to the sound. She glanced at the screen and saw Archie’s name. After a brief moment of thought, she straightened and answered.

“Archie?” she said.

“It’s me,” Archie replied. “Millie, how have you been feeling?”

Leaning back against the pillow, Millie responded, “I’m recovering quite well.” After a thoughtful pause, she added, “Is something wrong, Archie?”

He wouldn’t have called at this hour if it were anything minor.

Archie exhaled heavily. “Sorry to disturb you, but MKK is in trouble. SKR has expanded rapidly and formed alliances with powerful partners…” He laid out the situation in detail.

The longer Millie listened, the deeper her brows knit. SKR had always been MKK’s main rival; they’d been evenly matched for years. How had SKR surged so aggressively during her year of slumber?

“You only just woke up, and I really shouldn’t trouble you,” Archie continued, “but some of your father’s critical investments still lie within MKK. If MKK—” He hesitated, then pressed on. “If SKR takes over, those assets will be in danger. I’ll send you the complete information. Please respond as soon as you can.” With that, he hung up.

Millie stared at her phone, absorbed in thought. Soon she felt the mattress dip as Myron settled beside her, his quiet presence drawing her back from her spiraling thoughts.

“Is it about MKK?” he asked, his voice low and steady.

Millie nodded, meeting his eyes. “What’s going on?”

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