Husband With Benefits

So, Lily," Cai began, leaning back with an exaggerated stretch as if he’d just completed a monumental task, "now that I’m finally dressed..." He paused dramatically, giving a pointed glance down at his neatly buttoned shirt, acting as though it had taken sheer willpower to accomplish it.

Lily nearly choked on her water, fighting back a laugh as she shot him a side-eye. The waitress, who had been walking past, clearly wasn’t amused either, casting him a look of mild disapproval. There was definitely no need to talk about nudity in public.

Completely unfazed, Cai grinned mischievously and continued. "And considering this is officially a date now—because, you know, we’re out here dining in public—" he emphasized, lifting his eyebrows at her with playful drama, "how about you tell me what you’ve been up to all these years? And more importantly, what in the world brings you to Petrovia? Don’t tell me you came all this way to become a housekeeping staff at a hotel?"

Lily smiled, grateful he wasn’t steering the conversation in a more awkward direction. She had been half-expecting him to bring up Jasmine or dredge up some old memories that would have them spending the evening in a somber mood. Instead, she found herself relaxing, ready to engage in the playful banter Cai always seemed to encourage.

"Well, Petrovia has one of the best hospitality management programs, and with tourism growing, it’s the perfect place to gain experience. More people are flocking here every year, and I want to learn from the best. I plan to run a BnB back home someday," she said, sounding both confident and hopeful.

"A bed and breakfast, huh?" Cai cocked his head, visibly intrigued. It wasn’t exactly a plan he’d expected from her, and he tried to picture it. "Wow... I don’t think I know anyone with such a dream."

Lily shot him a mock glare. "What, are you looking down on me because it’s a simple dream?" she teased.

"Absolutely not," he said, raising his hands in defense, eyes widening dramatically. "I’m just trying to wrap my head around why a young woman like you would want to spend her life running a BnB when you could be out partying, living it up, you know?"

Lily leaned forward, laughing and poking his arm. "Hey, I’m all about partying and living it up—for now. I said it’s a future plan, not something I’m jumping into right away."

Cai chuckled, picking up his glass and raising it in a mock toast. "Touché! So, you’re here to build experience and prepare for your BnB empire... fair enough."

She clinked her glass against his. "Exactly."