Phillip stood at his desk, his back to the room's door, the decor mirrored his persona - a blend of emotionless monochrome, shades of black, white, and gray painting his world.

Tina, without a second thought, kicked off her shoes and sprawled out on the bed in a casual, kneeling position.

At 1:20 AM, she had boldly made her way into a man's bed without any reservation.

Phillip could never forget their first encounter two years back, her clear-cut rules of engagement - essentially, post-marriage, live as you please.

Such pre-engagement demands were rare, from women and men alike. If it stemmed from her personal desires, then it all made sense.

She was indeed a free spirit, adventurous and capable of bold moves, unafraid to make advances, yet equally quick to move on to another man if rejected, not returning home until the early hours. Phillip had no intentions of rushing into intimacy, despite their engagement.

But if she had any desires, he'd prefer to be the one who satisfies them.

Tina, unaware of his gaze, opened a folder on her laptop. "I just finished editing these photos; they're unpublished, and you're the first to see them," she said.

Phillip sat beside her, listening intently as she animatedly shared the stories behind each photo - the dark rivers and poisonous creatures of the Amazon, the challenges and triumphs of climbing Everest, swimming with dolphins in the Red Sea, the turmoil in Syria...

tales were filled with human emotions against a

true explorer, not a caged

vast landscapes and colorful worlds,

an excellent listener, his occasional pointed questions steering Tina into revealing more

turned to him, suspicion in her eyes, she asked, "What, trying to get secrets out of

Phillip answered honestly and in a steady voice. "I just want to know you

deep gaze fell on her, the light reflecting in his

vel

was just a facade for family alliances. "Knowing my family should be enough for you.

than your family," Phillip

though Tina couldn't recall who initiated the kiss, the timing

remember was checking her phone afterward and seeing

keeping Phillip up until dawn, looking at her

must've been just

day, but that night marked the beginning of their more frequent

rules, valuing freedom above all.

she'd find herself sitting

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