The Tycoon's Odyssey

Evan and Suri strolled side by side through the bustling streets of the Pink City. For once, there were no labs, experiments, or pressing agendas—just the two of them exploring a beautiful city together.

Their first stop was the Wind Palace. Suri admired its intricate latticework, her eyes lighting up as her fingers traced the delicate designs. Evan couldn't help but watch her instead, captivated by her soft and genuine smile. For a moment, the world around them seemed to fade.

"Do you like it?" he asked.

She nodded, her gaze fixed on the palace. "It's beautiful. It feels like the walls are alive with stories."

Evan chuckled. "I guess no one can resist the curiosity about history."

From there, they wandered through the vibrant markets. Suri marveled at the colorful textiles and glittering jewelry displayed by enthusiastic vendors. She picked up a silver anklet and held it out to Evan.

"What do you think? Does it suit me?" she asked, tilting her head with a playful grin.

Evan smiled. "It suits you, but you don't need it to stand out."

Suri laughed, her laughter ringing like music to his ears. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Evan."

They shared snacks from a street vendor, Suri insisting on trying everything that caught her eye. Evan watched as she ate, her expressions shifting from delighted to surprised at the different flavors. Her joy was infectious, and for the first time in what felt like forever, Evan found himself completely at ease.

Later, they visited the City Citadel, where Suri insisted on taking the steep climb to the top. Upon reaching it, they were greeted by a stunning view of the city. As they stood there, the cool breeze brushed against them, but Evan caught her gazing at him. Her eyes held a quiet warmth that made his heart skip a beat.

"Why are you staring?" she teased, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Just… enjoying the moment," he replied, feeling a bit embarrassed.

As the sun began to set, they reached a serene lake where Evan rented a small boat and rowed them across the calm waters. Suri sat at the front, her gaze fixed on the shimmering surface, seemingly lost in thought, her usual playful energy replaced by a peaceful stillness.

"You know," she said suddenly, turning to him, "this is the first time we've done something like this."

Evan paused, meeting her eyes. "Like what?"

"Gone out without any prior meetings, no work. Just us," she said softly.

He nodded. "It's nice, isn't it?"

She smiled—a smile so radiant that it made everything else around them fade away. "It is."

The night settled in slowly, the sky deepening into darkness as the stars began to appear. The gentle splashes of the oars against the water punctuated the silence between them. Suri leaned back, her eyes reflecting the starlight as she gazed around, taking in the serene view.

Evan watched her, feeling something he couldn't quite put into words. She was radiant, her presence an irresistible blend of beauty and charm. For the first time in a long while, he felt completely at ease.

As Evan rowed the small boat steadily across the lake, the gentle rhythmic motion of the oars against the water calmed his mind. The stars reflected on the lake's surface, creating an illusion as though they were gliding through a sea of light. Suddenly, something caught his attention.

"Huh! What's that?" Evan stopped rowing, his eyes squinting as he looked up in the sky. Above them, tiny twinkling lights danced across the expanse.

He turned to Suri, only to find her grinning from ear to ear, her expression full of mischief.

'Why do I feel she had a hand in this?' Evan thought, his suspicion growing.

Before he could say anything, the lights began to align, forming clear words that sparkled brightly against the dark canvas of the sky:

East or West, my man is the best.

Evan's jaw dropped. "WHAAATT!" he couldn't help but exclaim as he lost his grip on the oars and they slipped into the water with a splash.

Suri burst into laughter, her bright voice echoing across the lake. She looked delighted.

"W…Why did you do that? And when did you even pull this off?" Evan stammered, his cheeks flushing a shade of red.

Suri tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Why? You didn't like it?"

Evan shook his head hurriedly, his emotions a swirl of chaos. "No…it's just… too much! It's embarrassing!"

His heart raced as if trying to leap out of his chest. His mind couldn't help but swirl with a mix of emotions—flustered, overwhelmed, yet oddly touched. He couldn't meet her gaze, afraid that she might notice the whirlwind inside him.

Suri, however, wasn't done. She leaned back slightly, her laughter fading into a soft smile. "Evan, you're so easy to tease. Your reactions are priceless."

Evan groaned, turning his face to the side. "Suri, you're impossible!"

But she wasn't finished. She gently reached out, pulling his face towards her, her gaze softening as she looked at him. Her voice was calm, but her words carried a weight that struck him deeply.

"You don't realize how amazing you are, do you?" Suri said. "You're brilliant, kind, and stronger than you think. I wanted to show you how much you mean to me, even if it's a little over the top."

Evan blinked, unsure how to respond. He couldn't deny that her words warmed him, but he didn't know what to do with the emotions threatening to spill over.

Suri's expression grew more thoughtful as she watched him silently for a moment, her eyes taking in his flustered demeanor. In her heart, she admired him deeply—a man who carried so much yet remained humble. He might not realize it, but to her, he was extraordinary, someone she couldn't help but love.

"I have always wanted to do something grand for someone I care about," she said softly.

Evan finally looked up, his initial flustered expression softening. "It's too much…"

Though it may not look like it, he was very much pleased since this was the first time someone had done something so thoughtful for him.

Growing up in an orphanage, he didn't know when his real birthday was so he had never had the birthday cakes cut nor did he get many gifts to be appreciated so it was a novel experience, unlike anything he had ever known.

Before he could finish, Suri leaned in. Her fingers brushed against his cheek as she cupped his face and closed the gap between them before kissing him gently, her warm and soft lips pressed against his.

Evan froze, his thoughts scattering like leaves in the wind. Slowly, his hands found their way to her waist, holding her as if afraid that she might disappear.

When she pulled back, her arms were wrapped around his neck, and she was resting her forehead against his. Her breath was warm against his skin, and her voice was barely above a whisper.

"You might think it's showy," she said, her tone light but filled with emotion, "but I've always wanted to stand at the top of a skyscraper and announce to the world that my man is the best in the world."
Your next read is at empire

Evan's heart swelled, and he couldn't help but smile.