Noor blinked her eyes open, the sleepiness still on her eyelids refusing to leave but she was feeling suffocating.

As if her lungs were being crushed. Forcefully, she snapped her eyes opened as she gasped a chunk of air to fill her failing lungs.

The moment she opened her eyes, she felt as if her breath was stuck again, refusing to fill her lungs as she stare at the person infront of her.

When did he returned?

Her fingers unconsciously traced his defined jaw, as she admires his perfect features.

MashaAllah she whispered in her heart for the God's creation infront of her, praying for the evil eye to not cast on it.

On Cue, her admiring gaze met with that of her awoken husband's charcoal ones. A smile stretched on his drowsy face seeing his wife.

"Good morning." He inhaled, and Noor smiled, saying the same as he crawled under the covers, his hands drawing her closer.

Leonardo was fully free once the bandage was removed off his hands. It was tough for him to perform anything with only one hand! He finds it difficult to do things!

"Don't you have a meeting to go?" Noor asked him, her hand on his head, playing with his bed hair, while Leonardo murmured in answer, his tone plainly indicating he doesn't want to get up and be in bed with her.

As he moved closer to her chest, Noor chuckled as she felt ticklish. She gasped as her hand tugged at his hair, earning a slight groan while she felt him kissing and sucking at the flesh of her full breasts.

 Noor realized she had on a nightgown. After leaving the hospital yesterday, they had lunch and Leonardo dropped her home because he have to prepare for today's board meeting. 

Noor felt his hand exploring her fabric less body. The night gown she wore barely had any fabric, its as if she was wearing a tissue cloth. 

She did remember waiting for him in the living room, but she wasn't sure when she ended up falling asleep and the next thing , she find herself on the bed with her husband.

Noor planned to consummate their marriage last night, but she didn't thought her dear husband would be coming home late.

"Y-you are going to be late for the me-meeting!" She reminded, separating him from her breast as she received a displeased groan.

"A-Andrew and the others must be waiting; shouldn't you get ready?" Leonardo sighed, knowing she was correct.

He cannot afford to miss the meeting, and as much as he dislikes leaving their cozy bed and her warmth, he must.

 Reluctantly, Leonardo loosened his grip from around her delicate waist, slowly sat up, and ran a hand through his disheveled hair.

Noor let out a breath as she felt him release her as he rose up, but Leonardo hovered over her, a grin on his enchanting face as she hitched her breath.

Her heart raced at his alluring face as she couldn't help but be captivated by it. She can't deny he is one handsome lad.

Noor could only groan at how much she has fallen for this man. She knew she was becoming powerless against his charms.

"I'm letting you go because I have to attend the meeting, but remember what I said?" He questioned her as he came up near her ears, tingles emanating from their contact.

"Once my injuries have healed, I will make you feel things no one has ever made you feel before. And you'll be a beautiful mess." he reminded of his words telling her to mentally prepare.

Noor's heart raced in anticipation as her cheeks flushed in reaction. Ofcourse she remember! But she wasn't sure if she is prepared mentally .

The magnetic pull between them was undeniable, and she knew deep down that resisting him would be futile. 

The anticipation of what he promised was both exciting and anxious for her, but she also wants to bring their relationship to the next step.

She knew that once they did the deed, it would be an unforgettable experience that would forever change the course of their lives. 

Leonardo leaned in and kissed her forehead before getting out of bed and heading to the bathroom, leaving his blushing wife to her bashful thoughts as he prepares himself for the day ahead.

The eerily quiet room of the meeting was tensed with heavy tension lingering in the air as Leonardo clasped his fingers, resting his elbows on large rectangular glass table in the room.

"It seems there have been some behind-the-scenes discussions about a potential change in leadership. Shouldn't I be involved in such critical decisions too?" The room fell quiet as everyone processed Leonardo's words, unsure of how to react to his unexpected question, marking a shift in the atmosphere. 

The tension in the room was thick to the point they began to regret having the meeting as they sensed his intense gaze in them.

"I wasn't aware of the board meeting until recently. Would you mind explaining what's going on?" Everyone gulped a lump hearing his calm yet harsh tone, while Andrew was entertained by the faces they were creating. 

Andrew smirked, enjoying the discomfort that filled the room.

"Leonardo, you've been involved in a number of controversies, including the current international case. It's terrible enough that you're not handling your affairs, allowing those reporters to fabricate conspiracies about you and tarnishing our company's reputation!"

Leonardo looked at the person who had just spoken. A man in his late 50s with salt and paper hair, his beer belly concealed by his suit, but the buttons were going to explode unless he sucked his tummy in.

"What affairs are you talking about, Mr. Brown?" Leonardo raised his eyebrow in question, asking for a detailed explanation of the alleged affair being accused to him.

Mr. Brown shifted uncomfortably in his chair, avoiding Leonardo's gaze.

"Well, there have been messy rumors circulating about your involvement with the daughter of Gilberto Enterprise and the recent scandal that showed you went to Bali with the COO of Yovetto Entertainment, which has caught the attention of the media," he admitted reluctantly.

 Leonardo's mind raced as he tried to recall any instances that could have led to such speculations.

He was sure the relationship of him and Suzy's were already cleared during her birthday as for the Bali, Fiona booked the tickets under her name and no one has spotted him in Bali except one.

Lizzy.

" Your relationship is going to affect the company and it's reputation! " He informed trying not to be intimidated by the young man but his tone betrayed the appearance he was trying to make.

The room soon filled with whispers as the members felt a course of courage that they could stand their ground and remove him from the CEO position.

Such naïve thoughts.

" Everyone agreeing with him, raise your hands." Leonardo spoke making them silent as confusion took over their feautre.

They expected him to rage out but he was calm and collected which was making them more nervous.

" If majority of you agreed with what he said, I will step down from my position." He added making them shock and Andrew looked at him with bewilderment.

Mr.Brown looked at his partners as he whisper signals at them to raise their hand. Most of them was reluctant even though they were part of the decision to remove Leonardo as the CEO.

Leonardo observed each and everyone understanding their hesitance but he have to remove such disloyal members from his company.

He need not for such human to be working with him . His company can still run with two or three members removed.

Slowly a hand was seen raised and seconds later two--- three..... five in total raised their hands including Mr. Brown

" Five againts six. What do you think Andrew?" Leonardo asked as his eyes narrowed at every person in the room

Beads of sweats trickled down Mr. Brown's forhead at the losing side and anxiousness was seen on those who raised their hands.

" Andrew." Leonardo guestered him to come closer and he stepped forward as he leaned low enough for his cousin to whisper at his ear.

He whispered something to Andrew while curiosity was evident on every board member's face.

A thrilled smirk appeared on Andrew as he nodded and left the room.

" Mr. Brown, Mrs. Oliver, Mr. Jospeh, Mr. Fedrick and Mrs. Blake " Leonardo called out the people who raised their hands making them alert.

" Thank you for working with Henz Corp. for all these years. I hope we don't run into each other ever again." He concluded.

Next moment everyone's phone buzzed with notification and on seeing the message everyone's faces paled in fear.

" Leonardo! how dare you do this to us!!" Mr. Joseph slammed on the table as he stood up, his face red with anger.

Leonardo simply glared at Mr. Jospeh and that one look was enough to warn him about his tone with him.

" CH Empire was my grandfather's work. He built it with his sweat and blood and my dad continued the legacy bringing it to where it is now." Leonardo told, his tone harsh and cold as he spoke.

He was making a point that no one can snatch the company from him. The company that was started by his family.

" How dare you extras try to remove me from my rightful position as the heir just because of some petty news article." He said with a hard glare.

" I worked my fucking ass off to keep this empire working even while I am away!"

Even when Leonardo doesn't comes to the office, he knows of everything that's going on. He so wanted to fire these useless couch potatoes that calls themselves board members when all they do is bring loss and disadvantage to the company.

But he waited for the right time to completely wipe them off .

And this was the right time.

" LEONARDO HOW DARE YOU SAY WE DON'T DO OUR WORK!" Mrs. Blake fumed as she too stood up. Her eyes bulging out in anger behind her rectangular specs.

" YES!" This time Mr. Fedrick spoke up with the same anger.

" Oh-- am I wrong?" Leonardo pointed, his tone sarcastic.

" Must I remind you Mrs. Blake of the low quality materials you bought for the production of our new furniture that was to be given to the Specialized school for charity?" Leonardo reminded and that kept her mouth zipped as low whispers rose at the revelation.

Leonardo remembered how a student got injured because of it and he was not happy at all.

" Do anyone of you need me to reveal of your greedy acts?" He inquired at the rest who were gulping down their anxious nerves.

" Tomorrow, new members will be appointed taking their places." Leonardo informed as he glances at the five ex-board members .

Regrets soon swapped on their faces at their reckless act while the rest mentally sighed a relief .

" Henz corp. Is under the CH Empire and removing me will only crumble the empire. Don't start a war you can't win." Leonardo glared at Mr. Brown before he stood and walked away.

Andrew joined his cousin, a triumphant smile on his face as he admires his cousin.

" Serves them right!" He commented remembering their faces .

" But how did you get all those pictures and sent them to the media?" Andrew asked, his eyebrows pulled into a confusion .

"I told Alec to dig all their shits that will blow up in the media. " Leonardo replied and that was enough for Andrew to understand.

Since only five voted for Leonardo to be removed, he told Andrew to pass their names to Alec and he did.

Alec soon sent the dirty secrets of those members to the media and also their phone.

" That was Awesome!" Andrew complimented as he laughed at the thrill tingling in him imagining it.

Walking out of the company as they entered the car, Leonardo looked at his Armani watch that was hugging his wrist as he reads the time.

12:10 pm

" Let's go meet Jack . " He announced and Andrew nodded as he started the car engine, roaring it to life.

He leaned his head in his seat, a sigh of tiredness escaped his symmetrical lips. Leonardo felt to burn those traitors back there but he knew that sharing those picture with the media was enough to ruin their life.

After all.. sharing is caring.

Leonardo wasn't sure why he is feeling tired already when his day just began. He just wants to go home right away after everything is done.

Strange. He never felt this tired before after a meeting nor he wants to return home after his work.

Hell he never goes back home after the day ends.

It always was too empty and silent to call the place home, so he never bothered to return.

Fuck he was even jealous from the sun because it had a place to return after it's working hours, unlike him.

But now he wants. Every minute.

Is it because he has someone waiting for him at home now unlike in the past?

Is it because he finally has a place of his own called home again. 

Yes.

He has someone that made him the place like home. He has someone who loves him and he loves her too.

His wife.
Noor.

A warm smile unknowingly made its presence known while Leonardo was lost in his thoughts, thinking of his dear wife.

The car came into a stop and he looked at the window recognizing they have reached their next meeting place.

"Let's get this over with--" He mumbled to himself as he composed his appearance and get off the car.

"The meeting is taking place in the same place like before and we have brought him out so no one witness the meeting." Andrew informed to which Leonardo nodded in response as he followed where Andrew is walking.

With the prison having a strong connection with them, it was easy for Andrew to set up the meeting.

After a few turns of lefts and rights, they finally descended down a basement like ground floor and stood infront of a metal door.

"He is waiting here." Andrew told as he opened the door and looked at the only person who was sitting in the room.

"John Michael." Leonardo called out as the person turned his head at the hard voice calling him.

"Richard, cancel your plans for a week." Gwen told her nephew, who was busy looking at some documents to familiarize himself with the company.

Even though he didn't want to rush taking the head position of the building, Gwen didn't want to delay it either and want to guide him through everything. 

"Why?" He asked while his eyes still focused at the documents .

"It's your parents death anniversary in two days and it takes two days to reach the place. " she informed and he knows his aunt won't take a no as an answer regarding this matter.

He have to make a visit to them anyways but he was going to start his plan to take Noor away within this week. He can't wait any longer or else he will lose her. 

"Ok." he agreed while thinking of a backup plan until he returns.

"Ah- I am glad at least I have you to spend the time with. My kids and husbands are always busy to be around me every time." Fiona exasperated, disappointment in her tone but Noor knows how much she loves her family so instead she simply gave a warm smile in respond. 

"Well-- what did you buy from the mall? Michelle seemed to have overspent again." Fiona sighed as she shook her head helplessly knowing the men in her family was spoiling her too much, when she saw a whole mall of shopping bag being brought to the house yesterday.

"Nothing much. Just a few casual dress. I didn't need anything when I already have everything." Noor said remembering how Michelle insisted her to buy some clothes. so she ended up buying some casual clothes to wear at home. 

"Oh goody, I think you aren't used to overdo when you go shopping?" Fiona asked and Noor meekly nodded as she fiddled with her fingers.

Being in the household, where she have to limit her budget in everything and save, she only buys what is necessary.

And honestly she finds it pointless buying thigs she already has, especially when she doesn't use or wear much.

Not that she complains for being poor but she was satisfied with what she has even if she wasn't rich.

And then now, she got herself a rich husband and in-laws who could literally buy the whole mall and still not go broke. 

Noor couldn't help but chuckle at her transformation from rags to riches. 

"But I think your husband takes care of the overspent part." Fiona said knowing her nephew, he must be.

By the loving smile dancing on her merry expression, Fiona knew she was right as a low chuckle vibrated in her; her mind in relief that the two are finally happy in their marriage unlike in the past .

"Well- aren't you happy getting a doting husband like him? I guess it wouldn't be long until there will be some little devils running around." She added, her tone and face beaming in happiness while Noor bite her lips nervously hearing the exact same thing Michelle said.

"We-... haven't consummated our marriage yet." Noor spoke, her tone going from normal to a whisper as she shared.

Fiona choked on her breath hearing it. She didn't expect her to share something really.. personal, not that she minds. 

"What do you mean by that dear?" worry washed over her face hearing the shocking news. Why haven't they consummated yet? 

"Does Leo or you have any pro-" before Fiona could ask, Noor instantly nodded her head in rejection "No! we d-don't have any health problem."

A sigh of relief escaped from Fiona as she placed a comforting hand over hers, "Noor-- you are like a daughter to me. If you want to share anything like this... I am here for you."

Noor wasn't sure why she even said this to her, but she guess she wanted to share it with someone because wasn't really taught anything about it.

Sure she does have some knowledge but she felt herself not--- knowledgeable enough for Leonardo.

"U-um... I- want to consummate our marriage but... I am nervous. I feel like.... I wouldn't be able to-... satisfy him?" Noor said unsure what word she should use to describe but Fiona simply just smiled understanding what she was trying to say.

"OH Noor, you really are so pure." Fiona chuckle at her naiveness. She wasn't sure if she should be worried or scold her for being oblivious while Noor looked at her with a scrunched up confused expression.

"I am sure, whatever it is, he will be happy with it. He loves you a lot more than you think. " Fiona assured her trying to ease her insecurities that girls would have when its their first time doing sex.

She has been there but let's just say... Fiona was a lot more bold than petite. 

"And even if you can't satisfy him, I am sure Leonardo wouldn't mind teaching you different ways to please him." She added with a wink and Noor averted her gaze out of shyness .

"I am surprised Leonardo held himself this long though. He must be really pent up." Fiona teased, her smile widening like a Cheshire cat as her playful eyes looked at Noor who was turning into a tomato .

"Just don't stress on it sweetheart and enjoy. Its a time where you express your feelings with each other and where you become one bringing your love to the next level." Fiona spoke and her words really gave Noor the courage and erased her insecurities. 

Noor was grateful and glad that she was able to share this with Fiona. She felt confident enough to do. She must prepare something... maybe a surprise for him?

But .... what surprise?

The day was soon retiring as the sun slowly made its way for the moon to appear and let it do its fair share of the work. Noor was stirring the food she made for dinner while lost in her thoughts.

She still couldn't get anything to surprise her husband with. She tried to think and even search and watch romance movies and dramas for ideas but all of it was mostly best suit for high school couples who are in love. 

She is already married though, she can't possibly send him hand-written letters when they could basically just use their phone. But the thought did sound romantic to do. 

She doubts he would have time to read or write a reply for her letter.

Noor froze as her hand stopped whatever it was doing when an idea strike her and she realized.

Candlelight dinner!

It's quite romantic and the perfect setting!

" Yes! I could do that!" She cheered excited at the idea .

" Do what?~" Noor flinched hearing the deep whisper near her ear as she felt a hand on her waist and the familiar scent hit her.

" W-when did you came?" She asked, acknowledging her husband's sudden presence. 

" Just now. You were too busy to even notice me." He said as he rested his chin on her shoulder and hugged her feeling relaxed after coming from work.

" What got you thinking?" He asked while feeling her body and peppered her delectable neck with kisses.

" N-nothing. You came early though." she said as she felt tingles under his sloppy kisses.

" I missed you." He stated his reason of being late to which Noor just smiled as her heart danced in joy.

Honestly, he cancelled the last two meetings he was suppose to attend but the urge to see her was strong.

And he was glad he cancelled those meeting. The moment he returned home, he felt strange.

There was this kind of warm feeling on his chest he couldn't decipher and the sight of her in the kitchen, cooking dinner was lovely to his sight.

"Did you have dinner?" She interrupted, receiving a hum from him.

" Go and freshen up and l-lets have dinner together. " she voiced as she tried to push him to stop and she was swiftly turned to face him.

" Your really heartless and always have to ruin the mood " he said, his lips slightly put out into a pout with a slight frown on his displeased face. Sulking like a kid.

" I was just saying because I am hungry and I wanted us to eat together." She said innocently and Leonardo simply just sighed nodded.

" Ok I will be down in five minutes. " he said, his expression still down and Noor was feeling bad because she always pushes him away when he was just expressing his love for her.

Noor just wasn't used to it yet.

Before Leonardo turn to walk away, he felt a sudden jerk and and his lips was sealed with a soft ones.

It was so quick and he couldn't react the peck he received from her, " I-I will brin-"

Noor's words got stuck in her throat as she was crashed into a sudden kiss,  her ash orbs looked at his gentle ones that were staring at her as she felt his mischievous grin against her lips.

"You still don't know how to kiss do you." Leonardo mumbled as he drew her in closer and licked her lips. 

Noor did not resist or push him away; she knew she couldn't keep pushing him, so why not try herself to get used to it now and then?

Noor paved her mouth to permit him in, encircling her hand around his shoulder and clasping his neck. Leonardo bent down, intensifying the kiss, causing her to bend back in time with his movement, as his tongue swirled with hers. 

Small whimpers of moans escaped from her lips, a mixture of pleasure and uncertainty. Leonardo's touch was electric, sending shivers down her spine, making her question if she had been missing out on this sensation all along. 

With Leonardo.... she doubts it.

As Leonardo continued to explore her lips, Noor felt that urge bubble up again. Every touch and every caress from him was awakening something within her, just like the time in the changing room yesterday.

 All the doubts and insecurities she had regarding her inexperience were slowly fading away. Noor finds herself completely intoxicated to the dance of their lips as her mind went blank with desire.

She can't help but admit that her body is never in control whenever Leonardo touches her .It obeys his every command giving him the result he wants, leaving her battling with her thoughts.

She couldn't help but think what would happen when they finally have sex together. Would it be as incredible as their kisses? Will her body respond to him in the same way, surrendering to his touch and desires?.

Leonardo's hand traveled down to her butt as he gave it a squeeze receiving a gasp of moan while his other hand held her neck as he continued to ravish her little mouth.

In a swift she was lifted by him as her legs automatically hugged his torso and she gasped in surprise breaking the kiss , feeling a rush of adrenaline course through her. Leonardo held her tight and firm, making sure she won't fall, before reconnecting their lips and continued to ravish her lips with his passionate kiss

He walked to the kitchen counter , refusing to break their embrace and placed her gently on the surface , his hand gripping her waist possessively as their lips finally parted. Noor looked up at his obsidian orbs filled with desire and love , her heart pounding in her chest as they both pant heavily from the intensity of their kiss.

"Oh fuck" Leonardo muttered as he leaned again to kiss but Noor placed her palm as a barrier between them, her breath ragged. "Wait,"

"D-dinner" she managed to say, her voice barely a whisper as she heard a whine escape from his lips. He reluctantly pulled away, his eyes still filled with the same intensity of desire and affection as his sulky expression returned.

"Come on din-" Leonardo whispered, his voice filled with longing as he moved away her hand but Noor instead placed it over his mouth to silence him.

"Nope. I am hungry so let's eat!" She insisted and Leonardo sighed in resignation as he reluctantly nodded and kissed her forehead before walking away to freshen up and then come down for dinner.

Noor released a breath seeing him walk away as she hide her face in her hands, trying to suppress the overwhelming emotions that threatened to spill over. She felt terrible seeing him walk away with slumped shoulders. 

But she promise to make it up to him tomorrow.

Will he like the surprise?.

◇  ◇  ◇  ◇  ◇

Enjoy ;)

Another chapter coming up!