Chapter 36: The Power of Advice
The morning sun filtered through the heavy curtains of the master bedroom, casting a warm, golden glow across the bed. Clara opened her eyes to find herself still tangled in the sheets, wrapped securely in Min-ho's strong arms.
Min-ho was already awake, looking down at her with a massive, radiant smile that completely transformed his usually stern face. Clara, catching his intense gaze, felt her cheeks instantly flush a deep crimson.
"Good morning," Min-ho murmured, his voice husky from sleep as he tightened his grip around her waist, refusing to let her slide away. "How are you feeling?"
Clara hid her face slightly against his chest, her heart fluttering. "Good morning... I'm doing very well. Though, my knees are still a bit weak."
A soft, deep chuckle vibrated in Min-ho's chest. He leaned down and pressed a tender, lingering kiss to her forehead. "I understand. Next time, I promise I will be a bit more gentle. Last night... I could barely think straight. The thought of losing you drove me entirely crazy."
"Oh, I definitely noticed that," Clara teased, a playful grin tugging at the corners of her lips as she looked up at him.
Min-ho's expression turned a bit more serious, his dark eyes searching hers. "To be completely honest, Ji-soo... I don't know if I could have controlled myself if you had said no again. I am so incredibly happy that you changed your mind. But... what made you change it?"
Clara shrugged her shoulders inside his embrace, completely relaxed. "Well, you know, the boys were over yesterday. They told me I shouldn't torture myself anymore, and that it's completely okay for me to just accept love."
Min-ho's eyebrows shot up in pure astonishment. A look of profound respect crossed his face. "Oh, really? Wow... you know, I've always thought those two were incredibly likeable. Truly sympathetic, wonderful men."
Clara burst out laughing, knowing exactly how jealous he had been just the day before. "Oh, is that so? Well, then I'll be sure to tell them exactly how much you adore them now."
A few hours later, the reality of their busy lives called them back. Since the security at the broadcasting station had been heavily upgraded, Min-ho allowed Clara to return to the set under the strict supervision of his security team.
During a short filming break, Clara practically dragged Lukas and Pascale behind one of the giant trailers, away from prying ears. Her eyes were sparkling.
"Boys, oh my god," Clara whispered, her excitement completely bubbling over. "I did it. I actually did it."
Lukas instantly dropped his script, his eyes widening. "No way! The refrigerator?!"
"No, the shower!" Clara blushed furiously, but she couldn't stop smiling. "He came home in a complete panic because he thought I'd been kidnapped, and then he just stepped into the shower with all his clothes on. It was... guys, it was absolutely incredible. He told me he loves me."
Pascale clapped his hands together, looking like a proud mother. "I knew it! See? What did we tell you? The brooding billionaire just needed a little push."
"But now I'm terrified," Clara admitted, biting her lip. "What if I don't know how to keep that flame alive? I mean, he's a grown man, a powerful CEO, and I'm just..."
"Oh, sweetie, stop right there," Lukas interrupted, waving his hand dismissively. "Keeping a man like that hooked is an art form, and luckily for you, you have two master artists right here. Tip number one: Unexpected dominance. Next time he's sitting at his grand desk looking all professional, you just walk in, lock the door, and take charge. Men like him are exhausted from ruling the world—they love it when you rule them for an hour."
Clara's jaw dropped. "Lukas! In his office?!"
"Why not? Keep it spicy," Pascale chimed in with a wink. "And tip number two: The ice-cube trick. Next time you guys are having a quiet drink together, take a small piece of ice in your mouth right before you kiss him. The contrast of the freezing cold and the heat of your skin will drive him absolutely insane. Trust me, he'll be buying the twins a lifetime supply of Korean barbecue once he experiences that."
Clara stood between them, her face burning hot but her mind racing with ideas. She shook her head, laughing. "You two are absolutely terrible influences. But... I might actually try the ice cube."