Kairo sat upright in his chair, shoulders squared, the screen in front of him glowing with the face of one of the most influential men in the Middle East.
His Highness Aamir Al-Rahman was a client from the Middle East, one of the wealthiest and most influential rulers of a Middle Eastern kingdom. A man renowned for his kindness, wisdom, and razor-sharp business instincts. His presence alone shifted the atmosphere of a room: calm, dignified, and quietly intimidating.
During one of his recent visits to Europe, he had come across Novacore, whose elegant designs, quality fabric, and surprisingly affordable prices had left a strong impression on him. Wanting to bring refined European fashion into his country, he expressed interest in collaborating.
And thus, this meeting was arranged.
And right now, he was smiling warmly at Kairo from the other side of the video call.
"Mr. Kairo Valen," His Highness began, adjusting his cufflinks, "I must say, our people are leaning more towards modern European fashion, especially styles that balance modesty and elegance, with an affordable range. And Novacore's designs really caught my attention when I visited Europe recently."
Kairo nodded, composed. "Thank you, Your Highness. We've always believed fashion should be inclusive, modern yet respectful of tradition. That's the foundation of Novacore."
His Highness leaned back in his grand gold-trimmed chair.
"I've also been observing Belvana; their designs are vibrant, and their prices are very accessible, which is appealing for a growing market. Still, I want to give Novacore a chance. Tell me, how do you plan to stay competitive?"
A small smirk tugged at Kairo's lips.
"We don't compete through shortcuts, Your Highness. Novacore stays timeless because of its quality. Affordable, yes, but never cheap. Our customers trust us because we never compromise with the fabric, stitching, or ethical production."
He added, voice calm yet firm, "We don't believe in copying trends… we set them."
His Highness's eyes gleamed with approval.
"I admire that confidence. Good. Our country needs brands with consistency and integrity. If we move forward, Novacore will be the first major European fashion house to launch with full royal approval."
"That would be an honor," Kairo replied.
They discussed the contract, rollout strategies, cultural guidelines, and distribution logistics, Kairo answering each question with sharp clarity. Not a stutter. Not a slip. He was composed, impressive, and charismatic.
After nearly an hour, the meeting approached its end.
His Highness smiled, though a tiny warning lingered behind the warmth.
"Well, Mr. Kairo Valen… I am impressed with the proposal. I like the vision. But just make sure you are not double-gaming with our people once Novacore enters my country."His tone softened, yet the message was clear.
Kairo held his gaze calmly.
"Of course, Your Highness. Novacore never compromises with its quality or the trust of its customers. That is why we have been so deeply established in Belvaria for more than a decade now."
His Highness nodded, pleased.
"Good. Very good." He paused, then added casually, "I will be visiting Belvaria next week. I'm hosting a private party there… high-profile guests, close business partners. It would be wonderful if you could attend with your family. It helps strengthen relationships."
Kairo's lips curled into a polite smile.
"Certainly, Your Highness. I will be there with my family. Thank you for the invitation."
"Excellent." The ruler smiled. "I look forward to meeting the Valen family."
And just like that, the call ended.
The screen went black.
Kairo immediately let out a long breath, falling back in his chair. He loosened his tie dramatically, rubbing his forehead.
"Finally," he muttered to himself with a grin, "saved from Dad's long lecture."
He leaned back, letting the tension drain from his shoulders. The deal was practically sealed, and he had handled it flawlessly.
This wasn't just a business meeting. This was an opportunity that could reshape Novacore's global presence.
Evening
Vector stepped inside his house, blazer in hand, tie loosened, looking exhausted from the day. The moment he entered, his eyes instinctively searched for Liana. She hadn't gone to the office today, and Kael was busy with his schoolwork.
"Honey, I'm home," he called out.
No response.
His brows pulled together as he scanned the living room. Empty.
He walked to Kael's door and knocked.
"Yes, Dad?" Kael opened the door halfway, headphones still hanging around his neck.
"Where's Mom?" Vector asked immediately.
"She should be in the room," Kael replied casually.
"Is she okay?" Vector's tone dropped, concern, subtle but clear.
Kael chuckled, a teasing smirk forming. "Dad… why are you so worried? You didn't do anything stupid today, right? By the way, she's not angry."
Vector huffed a soft laugh and squeezed his son's cheeks. "You talk too much, kid."
Kael squirmed away dramatically. "She's either in her room… or on the rooftop. She goes there when she's bored."
Vector smiled, relaxing a little. "How was your day?" he asked.
"Good, as usual," Kael replied with a bright grin.
"Did you adjust to your new school?" Vector asked.
"Yes, Dad... It's been months! And I made friends too, stop asking the same question!" Kael said, his green eyes sparkling with that excited teenage gleam.
Vector's heart softened. He gently patted Kael's cheek. "Good."
Kael smirked. "Now go to Mom quickly. She's probably waiting for you," he said, giving his father a playful wink.
Vector chuckled, already reaching out to flick his forehead, but Kael quickly shut the door while laughing. Vector stood there for a moment, smiling to himself, a wave of warmth and peace settling in his chest. This house… these two people… this was his real kingdom.
He walked toward the bedroom, still smiling. He pushed open the bedroom door quietly.
There she was.
Liana, standing in front of the mirror, leaned close, poking the skin near her eyes as she frowned.
Vector paused at the doorway, just looking at her. A soft smile tugged at his lips. Simply watching her with a soft smile, the woman he had chased, fought for, married… the woman who still took his breath away.
He could still see the same young Liana he had fallen for the first time.
"What happened, honey?" he asked, walking toward her.
She glanced at him through the mirror. "Nothing… Just checking how many new wrinkles I got today," she said, squinting her eyes and furrowing her forehead to examine her reflection.
Vector chuckled softly.
He slipped his hands around her arms and gently pulled her back toward him. She stumbled lightly into his chest, looking up at him.
Without a single word, he leaned down and kissed her, the same old spark, the same warmth, the same love that never faded.
She grabbed the front of his shirt and kissed him back, slow and familiar.
When they finally pulled away, his eyes lingered on her, full of a love that felt endless.
"You still look like the same Liana I fell in love with," he whispered. "Beautiful, elegant… stunning."
Her green eyes softened, a faint blush blooming across her cheeks.
He dipped closer, his voice warm and low, "And even with those invisible wrinkles, you still make me feel things… deep… hard."
She gasped, lightly smacking his chest. "Are you drunk?"
"Of course," he murmured. "Drunk on you. Floating in your love and charm."
She pushed him away, face red. "Oh god, you're sure you're sober?"
Vector only smiled, stepping closer again, and pulled her back into his arms. "I missed my Liana so much today."
She hugged him tightly, voice gentle. "I'm right here."
"How was your day?" she asked softly.
"Good, as usual… just my wife wasn't there," he murmured.
She laughed.
"I'm hungry," he suddenly pouted. "Feed me."
She began untying his half-loosened tie. "What do you want to eat?"
"You," he whispered, leaning in dangerously close.
She shoved him back immediately. "Vector! Kael is home!"
"He's busy in his own world," he said, unbothered, tossing his blazer onto the bed.
She smiled despite herself. "First food. Then me."
Vector smirked, eyes darkening as she tugged his shirt open.
"Thank you for blessing me, honey," he whispered dramatically.
She rolled her eyes lovingly, fingers brushing his skin. The middle-aged couple stood there, tangled in warmth, teasing, and old, unshakable love, still just as obsessed with each other as the day they met.