At Victor's house, in his home office, the late afternoon sun filtered through the floor-to-ceiling glass window, casting a warm glow over the large table covered with blueprints.
Kaylee and Victor were wrapping up their discussion about the cultural center design around the sleek monitor on Victor's desk, they had resumed their work on the new project from afternoon today after taking an unplanned break due to the incident at the conference center.
Despite a hint of awkwardness and shyness at the start of their meeting, their professionalism quickly took over. Their mutual passion for the project helped them transition seamlessly into their work mode.
Having confessed their feelings for each other the night before, their connection had deepened. This newfound intimacy significantly boosted their work efficiency and synergy.
As they tidied up and chatted casually about the project, Kaylee's phone rang. Their conversation was abruptly interrupted. Glancing at the caller's ID and feeling a twinge of dread, she thought, Here it comes.
"Xiang Er," she answered with resignation.
And Xiang Er's petulant voice came from the other side of the phone.
After a brief silence, Kaylee resolutely said, "The person I told you I had saved in the cold room, it's President Victor. I'm still recovering at his place," she revealed, but feeling a pang of guilt for extending her stay after last night's conversation with Victor. She quickly reminded her cousin, "Don't screa..."
But before she could finish, Xiang Er's high-pitched "What!" made Kaylee hold the phone away from her ear. Victor, who was nearby, also heard it.
"Wait, wait, wait..." Xiang Er’s voice dropped to a whisper. "Are you together already? Like, did he feed you, did he carry you with his strong arms?" she asked carefully, her voice tinged with gossip. Then she giggled at whatever that she was imagining had happened between her Leely Jie and the handsome President Victor.
"Oh, I know I know! Oh my God, did he bathe you!" Her excited voice grew louder with her wild imagination, clearly audible to Victor.
Victor raised his brows, intrigued by Kaylee’s cousin, who seemed like an interesting character. Might be an interesting friend to introduce to Gavin... he thought of that ever-lonely personal tailor of his, similar to Kaylee's thought last night when she knew about Gavin coming for the Friday dinner.
Kaylee's cheeks flushed. She turned away from Victor and held the phone at a distance, then brought it back to her ear, speechless at her cousin’s vivid imagination, "I have a nurse helping me all the time and staying with me, Corinna. You'll meet her this Friday..."
"Why!" Xiang Er exclaimed again, realizing she was in a public hallway. She returned to whispering, though still complaining, "Is President Victor a real man? Why hasn’t he been moved by you? My Leely Jie is so attractive, okay?" she was frustrated that Kaylee hadn't, in her word, been 'eaten' by President Victor yet. It had been a week, after all. What kind of man would leave someone as beautiful as Kaylee living under the same roof without making a move?
Then she caught something more important, "Oh wait! You said Friday? So I can come to President Victor's house on Friday?"
Kaylee sighed heavily, thinking, What am I going to do with this overexcited cousin? Resignedly, she replied, glancing at Victor helplessly, "Yea, he's invited you over for dinner this Friday."
"OMG, OMG, O...M...G...! Okay, I'll surely be there early," satisfied with how the conversation had turned out, Xiang Er rushed to the lift and pressed the down button, saying into the phone, "The lift is coming. I'll text you again when I'm home. Bye, future Mrs. Victor!"
Kaylee closed her eyes, exhausted from the conversation.
After ending the call, she walked back to Victor’s side. "Now I'm not sure if inviting her for dinner is a good idea," she said, feeling helpless.
Victor smiled, "I think we'll have a great time. She sounded fun."
Kaylee rolled her eyes inwardly, thinking, You don't want to know how 'fun' she can be.
As they left the home office, Victor said warmly, "Get some rest. See you at dinner," he paused and his ears reddened as he continued his most important reminder to Kaylee, "And don't forget our movie night tonight."
He had invited her to their first date, a movie night at his home theater after dinner. So, they agreed to take a break from the worship session together tonight. Kaylee smiled, her eyes appreciative, "Alright. Can I help with anything?"
"Don't worry about that, leave everything to me. You just have to turn up with your most comfortable self." He looked calm, but inside he was nervous. This was his first date ever, and he was determined not to mess it up.
***
Victor had to carefully strategize his time for this crucial evening. Right after finishing work with Kaylee, he didn’t rest. Instead, he rushed to his home theater to set it up for their movie date. His driver had delivered all the materials he had asked Hann to prepare earlier that morning. After working diligently for over half an hour, Victor moved on to the kitchen to prepare the ingredients for an express yet romantic dinner menu: grilled Wagyu steak with steamed French beans.
In about fifteen minutes, a section of the kitchen island was neatly arranged with marinated Wagyu slabs, a bowl of washed and sliced French beans, and a saucer of sliced onions. Meanwhile, Victor was on the other side of the island, struggling with a new popcorn machine he had asked Hann to buy for him earlier that day. He was consulting the manual with an intense look of concentration on his face.
Determined to make the perfect caramel popcorn for their movie night, Victor carefully followed the recipe laid out before him. The countertop was cluttered with popcorn kernels, butter, sugar, and a pinch of sea salt. He poured the kernels into the popper, turned it on, and listened to the comforting sound of them popping. As the popcorn filled the bowl, Victor moved to the stove, where he was heating up a pot of butter and sugar.
He had read that caramel-making was an art, and he was determined to master it.
The butter sizzled as it melted, and he added the sugar, stirring constantly. He watched the mixture closely, aiming for the perfect caramel color. However, his attention was divided between the pot and the growing pile of popcorn.
Just as he thought he had the caramel at the right consistency, he poured it over the popcorn, only to realize he had let it cool too much. The caramel started to harden before he could toss it properly, leaving clumps of sticky sweetness unevenly distributed.
Victor sighed, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "Okay, let’s try this again," he muttered to himself.
He reheated the caramel and tried again, this time with slightly better results. As he poured the warm caramel over the popcorn, he stirred carefully, though his hands trembled with nervousness. The sticky mixture went everywhere, with caramel dripping off the counter and popcorn scattering across the kitchen floor.
Just then, Kaylee, freshly showered, entered the kitchen, drawn by the commotion. She took one look at the scene – Victor covered in caramel, popcorn strewn about – and couldn’t help but laugh.
"Victor, what happened here?" she asked, struggling to contain her giggles.
Victor looked up, his face flushed with embarrassment. "I’m trying to make caramel popcorn, but it’s turning into a disaster. It's supposed to be perfect, but... well, I guess I'm making a mess instead."
Kaylee walked over and gently took the spoon from his hand. "You don't have to be perfect, Victor. The effort you're putting into this means so much more."
Victor's face brightened, and he gave a shy smile.
Kaylee’s eyes softened with affection. "It’s going to be great, I promise. Let me help you clean up and fix this."
Together, they worked to salvage the caramel popcorn. With Kaylee’s reassurance and help, the caramel-coated popcorn turned out better than Victor had hoped. The kitchen remained a bit sticky, but their shared laughter and teamwork made it all worthwhile.
Only after storing the popcorn in a large container did Victor realize he hadn’t grilled the Wagyu slabs or steamed the French beans. His expression hardened with guilt. Kaylee noticed and smiled, saying, "Let me handle dinner tonight. I’ve been wanting to cook for you since I got better. Go take your shower, and I’ll have dinner ready by the time you’re done."
Victor felt disheartened that his plans for a perfect first date had been spoiled and was reluctant to let Kaylee cook for them. His ears reddened, but considering the time, he didn’t want to keep her waiting too long before they started the movie. He clenched his molars and reluctantly, he accepted her help.
"How would you like your steak?" Kaylee asked, thinking that this Victor looked really sweet and cute at that moment.
"Medium rare would be great. I'll be quick," Victor replied before hurrying off.
Kaylee watched as he stormed out of the kitchen gloomily in defeat, she chuckled and turned her sight to the ready dinner ingredients. Reading from Victor's demeanor earlier, she estimated that he would be showering really quickly so she got to work immediately, starting with steaming the French beans.
Sure enough, Victor reappeared in the kitchen ten minutes later, just as Kaylee was plating the medium-rare Wagyu steak with steamed French beans.
As he helped bring the plates to the dining table, he apologized again. "Thanks so much, Kaylee. Sorry for the mess.
Kaylee’s admiring gaze met Victor’s as they sat down. In a serious and appreciative tone, she said, "Victor, I feel so loved by what you’ve done. Really. So please don’t apologize. I should be thanking you for organizing everything tonight. Now, let’s enjoy our steaks while they’re still fresh from the grill."
Victor’s heart was deeply moved by her words. Despite the evening's unplanned imperfections, he had poured his heart into making it special, and Kaylee’s response made it all worthwhile.
***
Dinner was warm and satisfying, and now it was time for the highlight of the evening.
Victor led Kaylee to his home theater, a space she hadn't yet explored during her stay. He walked with a steady gait, looking polished as always, with a container of popcorn tucked under his left arm. However, if Kaylee were to come closer or hold his hand, she would feel the nervousness in his fast-beating heart and sweaty palms. He was eager for the perfect movie date with Kaylee.
As Kaylee pushed open the theater door, guided by Victor, her face lit up at the sight of the romantic setting. Fairy lights were draped tastefully around the room, creating a gentle ambiance. An array of fluffy pillows and soft blankets were meticulously arranged across the plush couch, forming a cozy nest of comfort. Candles flickered softly on the coffee table, casting a warm glow. A playlist of soothing background music played on repeat, setting the perfect mood before the movie.
"Victor, this is absolutely amazing!" she exclaimed, her eyes scanning the room with awe.
Victor beamed with pride but quickly grew serious. "I’m glad you like it. I wanted to make sure you’re comfortable and feel special. I know it’s our first movie night together, and I want it to be perfect."
Victor led Kaylee to the couch, lifted one of the soft blankets, and gestured for her to sit. He handed her the cozy blanket, then took his place beside her where another blanket was initially placed. He deliberately kept a person's width in between them to respect Kaylee's personal space, then he filled a big bowl with their homemade caramel popcorn from the huge container he brought along and placed the popcorn bowl between them on the couch – a subtle divider between them he hoped would be comforting.
Earlier that morning, when Victor gave Hann the list of items to buy and deliver, Hann, who had just learned that his boss was pursuing Miss Stone, had teasingly commented on the movie date. He had joked about how new couples often use movie nights as an opportunity for intimate gestures like holding hands, cuddling, and kissing. Though Hann quickly retreated from his teasing, claiming he was busy and needed to end the call, Victor took his words to heart.
Worried that Kaylee might perceive his intentions as too forward, Victor was extra careful to ensure she felt respected and comfortable. He also puzzled over why people would use a romantic movie date for such acts. Anyway, the naive and first-time-in-love President Victor couldn't figure out an answer to that, so he decided to set aside his confusion and focus on the evening.
Kaylee chuckled softly, understanding that Victor’s intentions were purely respectful. Touched by his thoughtfulness, she thanked him, "You’re so sweet, Victor. Thank you."
As the evening progressed, Victor and Kaylee settled into the plush couch, wrapped in their blankets, and began watching Green Book. The movie's exploration of racial discrimination and the unlikely friendship between its main characters touched them deeply. The powerful performances and the poignant story resonated with both of them, creating a profound backdrop for their growing connection.
Throughout the movie, Victor was attentive to Kaylee’s needs, refilling the popcorn bowl several times with exaggerated care to avoid crossing the invisible divider he had set up.
When he noticed Kaylee's emotional reactions to the movie, he glanced at her occasionally, offering her comforting gestures – a gentle touch on her arm during particularly moving scenes, or passing her a tissue when she needed it. Each time their hands brushed or their eyes met, an unspoken understanding and closeness grew stronger.
Kaylee's heart melted with each of his thoughtful actions.Â
During a particularly intense scene involving racial injustice, Victor’s hand accidentally brushed against Kaylee’s as they both reached for the popcorn. They felt a sudden spark of electricity, their eyes locking in a shared moment of deep empathy. Victor gave her a reassuring smile, his face a mix of concern and admiration.
As the credits rolled, the room was filled with a reflective silence. Kaylee turned to Victor, her eyes glistening with tears. "This movie really makes you think, doesn’t it?" she said softly, her voice choked with emotion. "It’s incredible how much we can still learn about breaking down barriers."
Victor nodded, his expression serious but tender. "It really does. I've been thinking a lot about how we can make a difference, especially in a place like Sarawak where different races and tribes live side by side but still face discrimination."
Kaylee's eyes lit up with a new idea. "What if we used this inspiration to start a meaningful project? Something that focuses on breaking down those barriers and promoting understanding between the different communities here."
Victor's face brightened with enthusiasm. "I love that idea. We could create a corporate social responsibility project that brings people together through community events, educational workshops, and cultural exchanges. Something that helps to build empathy and respect among people from different backgrounds."
As they talked about the project, their conversation grew more animated and hopeful. They brainstormed ways to involve local businesses, community leaders, and educational institutions. Their shared vision for a more inclusive and understanding community was as inspiring as it was ambitious.
In the midst of their planning, Victor reached over and took Kaylee's hand, his touch both tender and purposeful. "I'm really glad we're doing this together. Your passion and insight mean so much to me. I believe we can make a real difference."
Kaylee squeezed his hand, her heart swelling with affection and hope. "I’m excited about this project and hopeful that it will achieve its noble objective. I’d be thrilled to work on something meaningful with you."
Their touch, now more a symbol of their growing partnership than a fleeting spark, conveyed a deep sense of commitment and shared vision. The night had begun with a movie, but it ended with a new dream taking shape – one aimed at addressing the very issues they had been moved by.
As they continued discussing their plans, Victor and Kaylee felt a renewed connection and a sense of purpose. Their movie date had not only brought them closer together but also sparked a meaningful project that aimed to address the racial discrimination that still affected their community. Their shared mission added a new dimension to their relationship, making the night unforgettable and laying the foundation for a future filled with both personal and social impact.
When Victor walked Kaylee back to her room, Corinna had already rested earlier. These days, she assisted less with Kaylee's daily needs, primarily handling heavy items, ensuring Kaylee’s safety in the bathroom, and monitoring her vital signs periodically. To Kaylee, Corinna often felt more like a watchful presence, a reminder of the boundaries that Victor and Kaylee had yet to cross as housemates - at least, that was how Kaylee perceived Corinna’s role at times.
"Thank you for spending time with me tonight, Kaylee," Victor said, his voice soft but laden with genuine emotion. His eyes, usually so composed, were now shimmering with a depth of appreciation. "It’s been one of the most amazing nights I can remember since my mom passed away."
Kaylee’s heart swelled at his words. She reached out her right hand, gently holding his left hand, her fingers brushing against his with a tenderness that conveyed her heartfelt response. "Thank you for making me feel so special. I had an unforgettable night, and I truly appreciate everything you’ve done."
The sincerity in her voice and the warmth of her touch seemed to awaken something deep within Victor. He felt an overwhelming surge of emotion that blurred the line between thought and action. His right hand, almost of its own accord, rose to cradle Kaylee’s left cheek. His thumb brushed softly against her skin, his touch tentative yet filled with a desperate yearning.
Victor’s gaze, intense and focused, traced the delicate curve of her jaw as he leaned in. His eyes locked onto her slightly parted lips, as if drawn by an invisible force. Each inch he moved closer was a deliberate dance of anticipation, his heart pounding so loudly he feared she might hear it. The air between them thickened with electric tension.
Kaylee’s pulse quickened, each heartbeat echoing the growing intensity of the moment. She felt a surge of vulnerability mixed with anticipation. Her breath caught in her throat as Victor’s face drew nearer, the space between them shrinking to an almost unbearable closeness. She could see the flicker of hesitation in his eyes, mingled with an unmistakable desire that seemed to pull them together.
Her own emotions were a whirlwind – excitement, nervousness, and a profound sense of connection that left her feeling both exhilarated and unsure. It was as if time had slowed, the world narrowing down to the two of them and the charged moment they were about to share. The thought of retreating never occurred to her; she was enveloped in the intense, magnetic pull of the moment.
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