Collide Into Ruin

The airport buzzed with the usual symphony of arrivals and departures, but for Emilia, the only sound that truly mattered was the rich, honeyed voice of the man standing before her.

"Missed me, darling?" Henry's lips curled into a smirk, his hazel eyes gleaming as he held her gaze.

Emilia's face burned with warmth, her lips still tingling from the kiss he had just stolen—one that left her breathless and flushed. She playfully shoved at his chest, though her heart felt lighter than ever. "You are too much."

Henry laughed, the sound deep and full of warmth, as he reached over and buckled her seatbelt before securing his own. "I didn't expect you to come pick me up with Cayden," he teased, a mischievous glint in his eye. "I gotta say, my three hearts are floating right now."

Emilia rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile tugging at her lips. "Oh please, don't get used to it."

Cayden snorted from the front seat, throwing a glance back at them in the rearview mirror. "You two need a room."

Henry only grinned wider, his hand casually reaching for Emilia's, lacing their fingers together. "We have a whole house for that, but for now, the back seat will have to do."

"Henry!" Emilia gasped, smacking his arm as Cayden groaned.

Henry chuckled, bringing her knuckles to his lips. "Alright, alright, I'll behave. For now."

The drive from the airport was nothing short of sweet. Henry, still holding her hand, talked about his trip to Hong Kong, his voice animated as he recounted both the business deals and the stunning cityscape. "I'll admit," he said, squeezing her fingers lightly, "Hong Kong was breathtaking. The lights, the energy—it's something else. But, I missed home. I missed my family."

Emilia gave him a sideways glance, her heart swelling. "Oh?" she teased. "And I suppose I fall into that category?"

Henry smirked. "You are home, darling."

Emilia felt her breath hitch, her stomach flipping at his words. The warmth in his voice made her heart swell, and she had to look away to compose herself.

"Anyway," Henry continued, oblivious to the way he had just made her melt, "I was thinking—since I'm back, I'd love to take you to brunch at my parent's place this weekend."

Emilia straightened, blinking. "Your parent's place? Like... family brunch?"

Henry chuckled. "Yes, Em. My parent's place. Where people gather and eat and talk and—"

"Henry!" She lightly smacked his arm again, making him laugh. "I just... I didn't expect that."

"What, are you nervous?" he teased, his grin widening.

She bit her lip. "I mean... maybe?" Of course Em was nervous about meeting Henry's family. It's a big step for them despite him already calling her his wife. Emilia wanted to meet his family but she was worried they wouldn't like her.

Henry leaned in, his beard brushing against her cheek as he lowered his voice. "Don't be. They're going to love you. My mom has been dying to meet you—she's practically been nagging me about it for months. The whole family just wants me happy, and, well, you make me happy."

Emilia's breath caught in her throat, her heart doing an embarrassing little flip. "Henry..."

Before she could say anything else, he playfully pressed a kiss to her temple. "And if anyone gives you a hard time, just stick close to me. I'll protect you."

"Oh please," she scoffed. "Like I need your protection."

Henry chuckled. "True. But I like having an excuse to keep you close."