82

82
  After dinner, Miya stayed in the study, sketching the new designs. She felt motivated after listening to Alex's advice. As she lay down in bed later that night, she thought about her plans for the future. 
  I need to make good use of this opportunity. With the support of The Uba Corporation, I shall build my reputation, become financially independent as soon as possible, buy my own house, have my own studio and take mum home.
  The next morning, Miya got up early and gave Xenon a quick call, asking if he would like her to cook breakfast for him. Xenon muttered a sound like a brief and cold 'hmm' and hung up.
  Hmm? What does that mean? He doesn't change. Miya thought and rolled her eyes. Then, she went down to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. 
  Just as it was ready, Xenon came into the dining room. Miya took a glance at him, and without a word, she dug in. Xenon frowned and asked, "Didn't you prepare it for me? And you are not even sharing now?"
  "Well, you didn't say 'yes' on the phone." Miya shrugged her shoulders. 
  "Why are you still wearing the apron? Can't you wear something nicer? It spoils my appetite." Xenon said as he grabbed Miya off the chair and pushed her towards the stairs, while he quickly sat down and had a big bite of the sandwich.
  Miya pouted her lips and tried to snatch the sandwich off Xenon's hand, but Xenon grabbed her wrist swiftly and held it still. "You want to have a bite?" He asked cheekily. 
  Miya nodded, "Of course. I made it." 
  Xenon lifted his chin up and offered his lips. "Kiss me first." 
  Miya hesitated, then instead of pecking a kiss on his lips, she bit them, though gently. Xenon responded with a cheeky smile and whispered into her ear, "I bet you fantasized me in bed last night." 
  Miya opened her eyes wide and blushed bashfully. Xenon released her. He sliced the sandwich into halves and gave Miya half. 
  After breakfast, Xenon went for a shower, and Miya got changed for work. Just as she got ready and walked out of her room, Xenon was just about to walk past her room. The two looked at each other and were both surprised to see that they had chosen their attire of the same color. 
  Xenon lifted his brows and winked at her. "Nice choice."
  "I don't really like..." Miya was thinking of changing her clothes, then she recalled what Alex had said and went on, "Right. Well, I'm Mrs. Uba. I'm learning from my wonderful husband." She smiled at him. 
  To her surprise, Xenon responded with a gentle smile. 
  Hmm. He seems to be in a good mood today. Well, that's good for me. Alex is right. If I rebel, I won't gain anything. Why don't I go on pleasing him at least till I gain my own independence? Miya thought to herself.
  On the way to work, Xenon sat in the car with his eyes closed. He seemed tired. 
  He was probably out drinking at the club all night last night. Miya guessed. She moved over closer to him and massaged his neck and shoulder gently. 
  Xenon took out a new iPhone from his pocket and handed it to Miya. It was only till then did Miya recall that she didn't have her phone anymore. "Thanks." She said softly. 
  Xenon wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her over on his l.a.p. He gazed at Miya, intending to kiss her, but then, he didn't. Miya met his gaze and understood what he was thinking. Proud as usual! She thought, then she kissed him gently. She wanted to play it slowly. Let's see who has more patience. 
  However, before long, Xenon was tired of her less passionate kiss, and he put a hand behind her head while holding her waist with the other hand, he started kissing her with intensity and eagerness. He didn't release her till he realized that he was about to lose control. 
  Miya sat up and breathed heavily. Xenon tapped his shoulder. "Huh?" Miya was confused. 
  Xenon gave her an impatient look and said nothing. Tentatively, Miya rested her head on his shoulder. Pleased, Xenon put his arm around her waist, and so Miya moved closer to him. Feeling secure and content, Miya soon dozed off. 
  Xenon watched her quietly and stroked her pointed nose gently. He took a look at the corner of her left eye again, but this time he didn't feel disappointed. She's not my little angel, but I feel good with her around me now. He thought. 
  When they got to the office building, Miya was about to walk to the lift for the staff, but Xenon beckoned her. 
  "Yes?" Miya asked. 
  "Come with me," Xenon said. "In the same lift." 
  "Huh? But I thought you wanted to keep it a secret..." 
  "Who doesn't know you are Mrs. Uba now?" 
  "True. But, I..." 
  Xenon knitted his brows, and Miya said nothing more but followed him into the lift. 
  The staff greeted them courteously, "Good morning, Mr. Uba. Good morning, Mrs. Uba." 
  As usual, Xenon marched by with his distinct air of authority without taking a look at anyone. Miya followed him anxiously, finding it awkward to be addressed as Mrs. Uba with such courtesy. 
  S.e.n.s.i.t.i.v.e as she was, she could hear some girls murmuring. "Cinderella has finally found her shoe!" 
  "She's too lucky. She got Rare Gem to apologize to her publicly." 
  "I heard that Sally Streep of Streep Crystal is her client now!" 
  There was obvious sarcasm, bitterness, and jealousy in their comments. Miya realized that even if Xenon and Sally acknowledged her talent in design, she still needed to work harder to win people's trust with her artwork. 
  Since the Rare Gem copycat incident, Miya had gained some reputation in City X, which would help her get more clients. Moreover, she had gained the trust and support of Sally Streep, one of the best known and most successful women in the jewelry design industry. Surely, she had had a good start. And she understood that it was all because of Xenon and The Uba Corporation.