Falling For Her contracted Husband

Third Person POV

Ocean sat at his desk, his fingers drumming absently against the polished surface. The room was silent, save for the faint hum of the air conditioning, but his mind was anything but quiet. He couldn't shake the image of Sky from earlier—her laughter, her light touch on the arm of a man he didn't recognize. Who was he? A colleague? A friend? Something more? The questions clawed at him. She hadn't mentioned anything about meeting someone. Not that she had to, of course. 

It wasn't his place to demand answers. It was her life, and he had no claim over it. Yet, the thought of her with someone else gnawed at him, relentless and unforgiving. 

"Damn it," he muttered under his breath, shoving the stack of papers in front of him to the side. He leaned back in his chair, pressing his fingers to his temples. He needed to focus—there were contracts to review, decisions to make—but his thoughts refused to align. 

The door burst open without warning, slamming against the wall with a thud. "What the—" Ocean snapped, his head shooting up as irritation flared. 

"Does knocking not exist anymore?" He was halfway through his reprimand when his words caught in his throat. 

Standing in the doorway, grinning like he didn't have a care in the world, was none other than Theo, Ray Logan Frank. 

"Well, hello to you too, Mr. Grumpy," Ray said, strolling into the room as if he owned the place. 

"Is that really you?" 

He turned, his eyes widening as they met Ray's. "Ray? No way!" A grin broke out on Ocean's face as he strode forward, pulling his old friend into a bear hug. 

"Man, it's been ages!" 

"Too long, my friend," Ray said, stepping back and holding Ocean at arm's length as if to confirm he was real. "You haven't changed much, except for the fancier clothes." 

Ocean chuckled. "I'd say the same about you, but you look like you've been living the high life. What's it been, five years?" 

"Closer to six, but who's counting?" Ray said with a laugh. "I've missed you, Ocean. I can't believe how much time has passed. Life just keeps pulling us in different directions, doesn't it?" 

Ocean nodded, his smile softening. "Yeah, it does. It's good to see you, though. Feels like old times." 

Ray's expression turned playful. "Speaking of old times, I heard some news about you—news I still can't wrap my head around." 

"Oh?" Ocean raised an eyebrow, already sensing where this was going. 

"You got married, didn't you?" Ray's tone was half incredulous, half teasing. "And you didn't even invite me! I mean, come on, Ocean, how could you do that to your oldest friend?" 

Ocean sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's a long story, Ray." 

Ray wasn't having it. "I've got time. Besides, I want to meet this wife I've heard so much about. Everyone says she's amazing." 

Ocean hesitated for a moment before replying, "I'll introduce you to her when the time is right. Things are... complicated." 

Ray frowned but didn't push further. "Alright, I'll hold you to that. But don't think you're off the hook. You owe me a proper explanation someday." 

The two continued catching up, talking about everything from old friends to the places they had traveled. Laughter filled the air as they reminisced, their bond picking up as if no time had passed. 

---

Back at Ocean's home, Sky was in the kitchen, tying her apron as the smell of spices wafted through the air. She stirred a pot on the stove, her hands moving with practiced ease. Beside her, one of the maids, Clara, handed her a cutting board with freshly chopped vegetables. 

"You're getting really good at this, Clara," Sky said with a smile, her tone warm. 

Clara blushed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Thank you, ma'am. It's all thanks to your guidance. I never thought I'd enjoy cooking this much." 

Sky chuckled. "It's therapeutic, isn't it? Sometimes I think I'd rather spend all day in the kitchen than deal with... well, everything else." 

Clara gave her a knowing look. "You've been through a lot, haven't you? But you always seem so calm and composed. It's inspiring, really." 

Sky paused for a moment, then shrugged lightly. "You just learn to keep going, Clara. Life doesn't stop, so neither can we." 

The two continued their conversation, the atmosphere in the kitchen warm and comforting. Sky found herself growing more fond of Clara's company, appreciating the lightness the young woman brought into her often complicated life. 

Ocean had been drawn to the kitchen by the rich aroma wafting through the house, the savory smell tugging at his senses with an irresistible pull. His steps were unhurried but deliberate, curiosity leading him to the source. When he entered, his gaze landed on Sky, who was standing by the counter, immersed in her task. She was stirring a pot, a contented smile lighting up her face as she spoke animatedly to herself, her voice carrying a melodic rhythm that seemed to harmonize with the clinking of utensils. 

Ocean froze in the doorway, his eyes fixated on her. There was something different about her tonight—a glow, a vibrancy that caught him off guard and held him captive.

He stood there, entranced, as his gaze traced the curve of her neck, following the subtle line to her shoulder before settling on her lips, which moved with effortless charm as she ranted about something trivial. She hadn't noticed him yet, too lost in her cooking and chatter. A maid working nearby paused when she caught sight of him, her eyes widening as if she were about to alert Sky. Ocean held up a hand, a quiet command in his gesture and expression. The maid hesitated, then nodded silently, returning to her work without a word. He didn't want the moment broken, not yet.

The scene felt surreal to him—Sky, carefree and glowing, exuding warmth and joy that seemed to fill the entire room. It was a side of her he hadn't seen before, and it left him rooted to the spot, unable to look away. 

But then Sky turned, her hand still holding the ladle, and her gaze met his. A sharp gasp escaped her lips, her eyes widening in surprise. 

"Ocean!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with shock as the spell of the moment shattered.