Awake

ZHAN POV

I slowly opened my eyes, and then sat up. Ichuckled without humour noting that I was a little sore from last night. Yibo wasn't kidding when he said he was going crazy from wanting me and missing me too much. I absently started fingering a strand of my hair, smiling delightfully and remembering our intense intimacy. We went way too long without it; we both needed it. Badly.

Just then Yibo walked out of my bathroomwith one of my pink towels around his lean hips. Only he can wear that and still look terribly sexy yet manly. My eyes raked over his body, he still looked as breathtaking as the first day I laid eyes on him. I was not ashamed to admit I was obsessed and addicted to him, the fact that he felt the same way-if not-more-riveted me in ways I could never put into words.

He looked at me then just as I licked my dry lips, a devilish smile graced his lips

"Keep looking at me like that, I won't helpbut hold you up in there for a few more hours." He said; his tone teasing but I registered the threat in there.

"Please by all means my love, I'd like to beable to walk today." I said and he chuckled throatily.

I went to the bathroom for a quick shower, after I got dressed I went back into the suite and Yibo stood up from the bed.

"Ready to go?" he asked and I looked at him incredulously

"What about my things?' I asked and he sighed

"Leave them, everything of yours is back at the estate," he said and I folded my arms, sparing him a 'are you kidding me?' look.

"Alright, take what you need, we'll come back for the rest later." He said,

"Do you have an important meeting?" I asked, noticing his urgency. I started taking all my essentials, I guess I'll have to come back later for the rest.

"Yes, with Danny." He said and I tensed,turning to face him

"Yibo..."

"Don't worry, I'm not going to kill him...tempting thought." He said and I breathed a little easier, whatever he was meeting Danny for didn't involve any lifethreatening conflicts.

"We're going to teach Danny what we do to people who mess with us." He said taking my hand and we headed out.My hand entwined with Yibo's on the whiteleather armrest of his Maybach. He and I sat at the back of the sleek black luxury sedan on our way to G-Industries.

We went back to the estate after checking out of my hotel suite; it felt wonderful to be back there. Even more so after seeing the look on my kids' faces when they saw me, they didn't let me go until I promised I'd never leave them again. It was a promise I intended to keep, not just to them but also to the incredible man sitting next to me.

Yibo sent Lee and Zela back to my suiteto get the rest of my things, I could've done it myself but he insisted in me accompanying him.

I didn't see the reason why but I didn'targue, I was also curious about what he said before we left my suite. And I certainly didn't miss the menace in his voice. Had it been anyone else, I would've been frightened for them but Danny deserves whatever he has coming for him.

I glanced at my ring on my left hand andsmiled, I'd missed the weight of it.

Yibo had apologized and even got down on one knee, proposing again before slipping it back on my finger. I knew he was tying to erase the pain and memory of having taken it off in the first place.

The gesture brought me to tears. He also suggested that we renew our vows onour anniversary a week from now, an idea I was more than happy to agree to. Even through the euphoria I couldn't help but feel guilty, I'm the one who broke us, yet he was the one making amends.

I quickly put those feelings and thoughts aside after a strong command from him to do so.

I felt him trace the inside of my palm and Imet his searching gaze

"What are you thinking about?" he asked and I spared him a smile.

"Our anniversary." I said, I already hadgreat ideas on how our vow renewal ceremony was going to be like and I couldn't wait to start planning it. He smiled

"I know you miss your family too." He saidtaking me by surprise. I wondered if Bin had told him about my plan to run away to Chongqing for a while. I nodded

"But that was also coupled with missing you, terribly." I said, glancing at Jeffery; who did a very good job at pretending to be deaf.

"I could have them flown in for thefestivities." He said and my smile grew

"You'd do that?" I asked, stupid questionbecause he sounded decisive.

"I'd do anything for you." He said giving my hand a squeeze. He smiled,

"I was also thinking we go to them for theholidays this year. I think the kids miss their grandma." He said and I chuckled.

"And she adores them because she can't stop spoiling them with her famous chocolate chip cookies." I said.

The car pulled up next to the awe-inspiring G-Industries building, Yibo got out to open the door for me and offer his hand. I let him help me out of the car;

I took that time to admire what his body did to the three-piece black tailored Marc Jacobs suit he wore. Not wanting to lack, I smoothed my champagne-colored sheath wear; glad it matched his stripped tie.

"You look stunning." He said reading mythoughts, and smiled at him going up the small steps and through the huge glass automatic doors, with the company's name on them.

I walked slightly behind Yibo, letting himtake lead forward. I loved to let him assume power over everything, it was in his nature, but I knew he wouldn't think twice about giving it up for me . I couldn't help but notice almost every head turn to watch us, a few years ago that would've made me feel uncomfortable. It didn't anymore because I learned to accept, even embrace my position.

Yibo was a man out to conquer the world, and where I belonged was right by his side helping him do it.

I spent my whole life being Xiao Zhan from Chongqing, with nothing extraordinary about me or with no real purpose until Yibo came into my life. I found my true self in him, found my true purpose through him. He is the mirror that covered my flaws and insecurities, and the sun that made me shine in ways I never thought I could.

For that I'll forever be grateful to God forsending him my way. The elevator doors opened and we stepped into the modernly decorated executive lobby. The woman behind the light grey colored reception desk quickly stood up when she saw Yibo's approach.

"Morning Mr. Wang." She said with a widesmile

"Mr. Zhan Wang." she added to me withless enthusiasm then she turned her gaze back to Yibo.

"We were not expecting you today." She added and Yibo paid her no attention as he checked his messages.

"I arranged a meeting at the last minute, Itrust the boardroom is ready?" he asked and she agreed.

"See to Danny Wang when he arrives and I want to be notified when that happens." He added.

"Of course Mr. Wang. Anything else?" sheasked

"Call Bi Cao, tell her to have Mr. Kang and his men ready."

He said,

"I'll be in my office." He added then held out his hand to me and I took it as he led the way to his office."Tell me again why I have to be present?" Iasked Yibo as we made our way to the boardroom. Besides being anywhere near Danny made me sick, I haven't seen him since I stormed out of his car that fateful day. He glanced at me as we came around the corner

"You're going to want to hear this." Hesaid.

We went through the two large wooden doors into the large boardroom; Danny was seated facing away from theentrance.

"It's about damn time." He said withoutturning around

Yibo walked to the head of the table and Ifollowed him

"Patience Danny, some of us have a life."

He said and I saw Danny tense as he saw me with him. He knew something wasup.

"You two together again, the surprises justkeep on coming." He said with an uneasy smile.

Yibo chuckled nonchalantly taking his seat, and I sat on his right.

"Hopefully they don't have to stop." Hesaid.

Danny kept eyeing me but I kept my gazeaverted, not trusting myself not to do or say anything rash.

"And stop looking at my Zhan like that." Yibo added.

"Wasn't lying about sleeping with him pathetic enough?"

Danny's mouth twitched in irritation

"I knew you'd run back to him sooner or later, but we both know the ramifications of that." He said to me and I glared at him.

"And what are those?" Yibo asked, withamusement in his tone. I watched him, for someone who was about to lose the company, he looked extremely at ease, and I wondered if he had something up his sleeve all along.

Danny smiled

"You're getting demoted cousin, and I'm taking over." He said, Danny continued to rattle and gloat about how he was able to do all of that.

Just listening to it over again made me sick. Yibo just watched him in quiet patience and amusement. That confused me more and irritated Danny.

"You think this is a joke?" he asked

"But of course, I heard about your feebleattempt at taking me down." Yibo said,

"I also orchestrated the whole damn thing." He added and my gaze snapped to him and Danny frowned.

"You're bluffing." He said.

"Am I? I like to think you at leased know me better than that." Yibo replied,

"There was never a proxy fight, I made it up and boy did you and the rest of them fall for it. You thought you were on the money, it was quite amusing." He added.

Both Danny and I could only stare at him inshock,

"Those 'loopholes' you were talking about,yeah I created them too. If there was ever a real chance don't you think Chou, Sisi and Beng would've taken it to overthrow my father too?" he said,

"You're a smart guy Danny, surely you didn't think it would be that easy, did you?"

Danny smirked

"Say what you want Yibo, I have a team the likes you've never seen and we'll make sure you go down." He said.

Just then the doors opened and a small group of well-suited men came into the room. There were about five of themand they all stood up, I guessed they were the company's lawyers and financial directors.

"You mean this team?" Yibo asked and Danny anxiously looked at every one of them.

"You see they are under my payroll." He said

"You're nothing but a narcissistic sociopath Danny, what do they gain by helping you?" he added and my eyes widened.

You'll be surprised at how many people want your precious husband out. I remembered Danny's words. Back then he thought everyone was on his side whenYibo himself sent them.

Yibo's eyes glazed over as he leaned intothe table

"I see everything Danny, I have eyes everywhere. Whose to say your most trusted friend is not my ally."

Danny looked around the room in disgust

"You narrow minded bastards!" he shouted at them, and I flinched as his voice echoed through the room. All the men just looked at him with blank expressions.

"You think he wouldn't screw any of you up if given the chance?" He added pointing at Yibo

"Then you cowards deserve to be pushed around by a self-centered jackass!"

I shook my head, Danny didn't get it and heprobably never will. The decision to stick by Yibo was not driven by fear but loyalty. Not because Yibo was the kindest but because he was a man of his word, he was trustworthy. He might not be thesweetest boss, but he always puts his employees' best interests first.

I saw that first hand at the estate went Ifirst arrived there; everyone treated him with love, respect and loyalty, not because they had to but because they wanted to.

"Now, now Danny. Calm down, let's talk."

Yibo said then he looked at one of the men

"Mr. Kang." He said and the man took out some papers and gave them to Danny.

I watched Danny page through them and the further he went the paler he became.

"I think those support what I've been telling you." Yibo said then turned his gaze to the men nodding.

Then they all went out of the room.

"And if you turn to the last remaining twopages they'll state that you're effectively stripped of your share of G-Industries. Foolishly you authorized it, thinking it was my share of the company." He said,

"And if you turn over it states that your shares will now be transferred to Zhan." He added.

"What!" Danny and I both exclaimed,

"That's impossible, this is a private family business." Danny hissed while I kept staring at Yibi wide-eyed.

"And he's legally a Wang which make himeligible." He intercepted then paused

"Would you believe me if I said this was not the original plan? I was willing to fight you Danny, man to man. But you had to stoop lower than dirt and involve Zhan. Now you have a royally pissed off self-centered jackass." He added.

"You can't do this!" Danny barked throwingthe papers onto the table

"Oh don't fret, I'm not that cold. You stillget to keep your other assets and benefits from us but you no longer have power over the running of this company." He said.

And I do? I thought incredulously, looking between the two men.

"Nicholas will assume control over the Tokyo branch effective immediately, you on the other hand are done for good."

Yibo added then he looked at me.

"You have anything to add?" he asked and I looked at Danny's livid face and shook my head.

All the hate I thought I had for him was gone, but as I remembered the many daysYibo and I had to spend apart,heartbroken and hurting. I couldn't bring myself to sympathize either. Yibo stood up, and I followed suit as he took my hand and started towards the doors.

"I want you out of my building in an hour, or security will escort you out." He said,

"Have a nice life Danny."

He added and we went out of the room.

* * *

I sat in the patio, loving the cool summerbreeze on my face.

The past three months passed in a blur and I loved every minute of it. I thought back to Yibo and I's beautiful vow renewal ceremony, almost everyone was here; it felt like my wedding day all over again.

Then again that shouldn't be a surpriseto me, I fell deeper in love with Yibo everyday.

I was sadly mistaken when I hoped Jesse was joking about me having shares in G-Industries. They were in my nameweather I chose to use them or not. So I became a silent member instead, I still left the running of the company to the rest of them. And I kept working at my present job; it still felt weird when they ran some of the big decisions by me as well.

Either than that everything was right in myworld, after what seemed like a long time we settled into a slow, quiet and peaceful life. I hoped that wouldn't change at leased for a long time. I smiled to myself, with the crazy people in my life; there was no shortage of excitement and mischief.I looked towards the golf course where Yibo and the kids were playing ball; I smiled at the scene. I loved to watch Yibo be a father to my children, it was a gift I cherished everyday.

I gently rubbed at my growing belly, lookslike he's going to have another munchkin in his hands. I shook my head in amusement; I thought it wouldn't be that easy but as soon as I am free with all the stress for the past few weeks I suddenly I fell pregnant.

I'm never wrong love, Yibo had said to me.

I stood up and walked out of the patio, Ileaned against the post of its large canopy, watching them smile and laugh. Fan Xing stopped to wave at me and I returned the gesture with a smile.

Just then Yibo looked at me and I blew him a slow kiss, he stood watching me, seemingly oblivious to everything around him but me. I grinned; glad I have that effect on him too.

Zhen Xin and Fan Xing took advantage of his momentary distraction and theyboth ran towards him and tackled him down.

I laughed as they stood up and high-fivedeach other, Yibo sat up with a smile on his handsome face while he shook his head. Knowing very well that I distracted him on purpose, he shot me an

'I'll get you' look before standing up.

I smiled innocently and mouthed

'I love you' to him.

"Soon my baby, you'll join our littleadventure." I whispered to my belly as I cradled it.

The End