Ep.3

James' POV

6:00 AM.

I hadn't slept.

Nothing unusual.

The reports on my desk kept growing.

Weapons.

Shipments.

Territories.

Names.

Traitors.

Another knock echoed through my office.

"Come."

Marco entered.

"Boss... breakfast is ready."

"I'll eat later."

He hesitated.

"...Madam is already downstairs."

I looked up.

"She woke up?"

"The maids said... she never slept."

...

So the report was correct.

Severe insomnia.

I closed the file.

"I'll be there."

---

Kate's POV

The dining table was ridiculously long.

Big enough for thirty people.

Only one seat was occupied.

Mine.

A maid placed breakfast in front of me.

Fresh fruit.

Toast.

Coffee.

I smiled politely.

"Thank you."

Before I could take a bite...

Heavy footsteps echoed through the room.

James.

Every servant immediately straightened.

"Boss."

He ignored them and sat at the opposite end of the table.

At least fifteen chairs separated us.

Comfortable.

A servant poured coffee.

James took one sip before speaking.

"You didn't sleep."

I looked at him.

"You investigated me."

"I asked a question."

"I answered it."

Silence.

He continued eating.

So did I.

The room was quiet except for the sound of cutlery.

After a minute...

He spoke again.

"Doctor."

I frowned.

"What?"

"You'll see one."

"No."

It came out immediately.

His eyes narrowed.

"It wasn't a request."

"It wasn't my agreement either."

Another silence.

The servants looked terrified.

I placed my cup down carefully.

"I've had insomnia for years. I manage it myself."

"You call this managing?"

"I still work."

"You don't sleep."

"I survive."

Our eyes locked.

Neither of us looked away.

Finally...

He stood.

"You're stubborn."

I gave a small nod.

"So are you."

Without another word, he left the dining room.

---

James' POV

She argued with me.

Calmly.

No shouting.

No fear.

Just facts.

Most people trembled when I raised my voice.

Kate simply answered back.

Annoying.

...

Interesting.

Marco caught up with me.

"Boss... today's schedule."

"Speak."

"Meeting with the Romano family."

"Cancel."

"They'll be offended."

"I don't care."

"And..."

He hesitated.

"Madam asked if there was a library in the mansion."

I stopped walking.

"A library?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"She finished the novel she brought."

...

She had been here less than twelve hours.

She was already looking for books.

I almost scoffed.

"Take her."

"Personally?"

"No."

He looked relieved.

"But..."

"If anyone disturbs her..."

I looked at him coldly.

"...they answer to me."

"Understood, Boss."

---

Kate's POV

The library stole my breath.

Floor-to-ceiling shelves.

Rolling ladders.

Thousands of books.

Classics.

History.

Psychology.

Business.

Philosophy.

Even rare first editions.

I walked slowly through the shelves, gently running my fingers along the spines.

Whoever built this collection truly loved books.

I reached for a worn copy of The Count of Monte Cristo.

At the exact same moment...

Another hand reached for it.

Warm fingers brushed mine.

I looked up.

James.

For the first time since our wedding...

Surprise flickered across both our faces.

"You read?" I asked before I could stop myself.

He looked at the book.

Then at me.

"I own the library."

I raised an eyebrow.

"Owning books and reading them aren't the same thing."

A long silence followed.

Then, in his usual cold voice, he replied,

"...I read."

For the first time...

The conversation between husband and wife wasn't about marriage.

It was about a book.

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