At the sleek K.A.J. Group headquarters, Ava sat in her office, reviewing a stack of documents on her desk. The hum of the city buzzed faintly through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Her brows furrowed as she came across a section requiring Kayden's direct approval.
She grabbed her phone and dialed Kayden's number. It rang several times before going to voicemail.
"Typical," Ava muttered, irritation creeping into her voice. She tapped her fingers against the desk, considering her options, before dialing another number.
It didn't even ring twice before Calvin's cheerful voice answered.
"Ava! To what do I owe this rare and delightful call?"
"Where's Kayden?" Ava asked briskly, ignoring his tone.
Calvin paused for dramatic effect. "Busy."
Ava frowned. "Doing what?"
"Oh, you know," Calvin replied teasingly, "helping Jia in the kitchen. Chopping vegetables, bonding over spices, maybe reenacting a cooking show."
Ava's grip on the phone tightened. "Really?" she said, her voice cool but strained.
"Yep!" Calvin said, clearly enjoying himself. "You should see him with an apron—domestic bliss."
Ava rolled her eyes, pushing away the twinge of jealousy. It's just business, she told herself firmly. "Tell him to call me when he's done. I need his approval on some documents, and there are urgent matters to discuss."
"Will do," Calvin said, his grin practically audible. "Oh, and Ava? Don't worry. I'll keep him away from the oven. He's a disaster waiting to happen."
"Goodbye, Calvin," Ava said curtly, hanging up.
As she set her phone down, she let out a small sigh. "Focus, Ava. You don't have time for this."
The warm, inviting aroma of spices filled the Walker hacienda's kitchen as Jia struggled to chop an onion on the cutting board. Her technique was slow and awkward, and the pieces were anything but uniform.
"You're going to hurt yourself if you keep holding the knife like that," Kayden remarked from the other side of the counter, his arms crossed as he observed her efforts.
Jia shot him a glare. "I've been cooking since I was a teenager, you know."
Kayden raised an eyebrow. "Doesn't look like it."
Jia huffed. "Fine, Mr. CEO. Show me how it's done."
Kayden smirked and stepped forward, gently taking the knife from her hand. "First, hold the knife properly—like this." He demonstrated, his hand firmly gripping the handle. "Then, curl your fingers like this so you don't chop them off."
"Wow," Jia said sarcastically, watching as Kayden chopped the onion into neat, even pieces with impressive speed. "You're a regular Gordon Ramsay."
Kayden chuckled. "It's just basic survival skills. Calvin's cooking is a hazard, and takeout gets boring."
Jia laughed, leaning against the counter. "I never imagined you in the kitchen. You seem more like the type to bark orders and have a chef appear out of nowhere."
Kayden shrugged. "I like to handle things myself when I can."
"Well, look at you. Multitalented," Jia teased.
As Kayden transferred the onions into a sizzling pan, Jia stepped closer to stir. "So, what's next, Chef Hayes?"
"You can handle this," Kayden said, gesturing to the pan. "I'll deal with the chicken."
Jia worked quietly, a comfortable rhythm settling between them. "This is nice," she said after a while.
Kayden glanced at her. "What is?"
"This. Cooking. It's... normal. No drama, no danger, no scheming."
Kayden nodded thoughtfully. "I suppose it is."
"See? You're even smiling," Jia teased, nudging him lightly.
Kayden smirked. "Get used to it."
After their meal, Jia suggested exploring the area. "There are some beautiful places nearby. It would be a shame to stay cooped up here."
Kayden hesitated for a moment. "Alright. Let's go."
The late morning sun cast a golden glow over the Walker hacienda as the convoy of black SUVs prepared to leave. Bodyguards moved efficiently, checking vehicles and securing the perimeter.
Jia stood near the lead car, her excitement barely contained. She turned to Kayden, who leaned casually against the car, scrolling through his phone.
"Ready?" Jia asked, her voice tinged with enthusiasm.
Kayden glanced up, his expression calm. "You're unusually energetic today."
Jia rolled her eyes. "Because we're not stuck indoors. Trust me, you'll enjoy this."
Calvin strolled up, his camera hanging around his neck. "I'm here for the drama, the history, and the churros. Let's roll."
Kayden raised an eyebrow. "I don't recall inviting you."
"Where you go, I go," Calvin said, sliding into the front passenger seat. "Besides, someone has to document this bonding experience."
Kayden sighed, gesturing for Jia to get in the car. "Let's go before he says anything else."
Their first stop was Teotihuacán, the ancient city of pyramids located about an hour outside Mexico City. As they approached, the grand pyramids of the Sun and Moon loomed in the distance, their majesty captivating even the ever-stoic Kayden.
Jia practically bounced out of the car. "This is the Pyramid of the Sun," she said, pointing. "It's one of the largest pyramids in the world."
Kayden stepped out, shielding his eyes from the sun as he studied the structure. "Impressive," he murmured, his tone genuine.
Jia smiled. "Come on. Let's climb it!"
Kayden gave her a skeptical look. "You want to climb that?"
"Scared?" Jia teased, already heading toward the stairs.
Kayden sighed and followed her. "Not scared. Just practical. This is... steep."
Calvin jogged after them, snapping pictures. "Look at you two, climbing history together. Love it."
Halfway up, Kayden paused, catching his breath. Jia turned to him, grinning. "Need a break, CEO Hayes?"
Kayden smirked. "Just pacing myself. You'll be winded by the top."
When they finally reached the summit, the view took their breath away. The sprawling ancient city stretched out below, surrounded by green fields and distant mountains.
"This is incredible," Jia said softly, her voice filled with awe.
Kayden nodded, his gaze sweeping across the horizon. "It's humbling."
Calvin, panting as he reached the top, flopped onto the stone surface. "Totally worth it. Now, smile for the camera."
Kayden ignored him, but Jia posed dramatically, earning a chuckle from Kayden.
"See? Even he thinks it's funny," Calvin said, snapping a photo.
Their next destination was Xochimilco, famous for its vibrant canals and colorful trajineras. The group boarded a bright pink and yellow boat decorated with flowers and banners.
"This is so charming," Jia said, taking a seat near the edge. "And so different from anything else."
Kayden sat beside her, observing the mariachi band playing on a nearby boat. "It's... lively."
Calvin, already taking pictures, grinned. "Boss, this is gold. You're blending in perfectly."
"Not the word I'd use," Kayden muttered, leaning back.
As the boat moved through the canals, vendors approached in smaller boats, selling everything from food to souvenirs. Jia leaned over to buy a brightly colored bracelet.
"Look," she said, holding it up. "Isn't it cute?"
Kayden glanced at it. "It's... vibrant."
Jia laughed. "That's not a compliment, is it?"
"It's an observation," Kayden replied with a slight smirk.
The mariachi band started playing a lively tune, and Jia swayed to the music. Calvin clapped along enthusiastically. "Come on, Kayden! Dance!"
Kayden shook his head. "I don't dance."
"Yet," Jia teased, poking his arm.
Their final stop was Cenote Ik Kil, a stunning natural sinkhole with cascading vines and crystal-clear water. Jia's excitement was palpable as they walked down the winding staircase leading to the cenote.
"This is a dream come true," Jia said, peering over the edge at the water below.
Kayden hesitated, watching her step closer. "Be careful."
"Relax," Jia said with a grin. She took off her sandals and dove gracefully into the water.
Kayden watched her resurface, her laughter echoing in the enclosed space. With a resigned sigh, he removed his shoes and joined her.
The cool water was a welcome relief from the heat. Jia floated on her back, gazing up at the vines and sunlight streaming through the opening above. "Isn't this magical?"
Kayden nodded, his usually guarded expression softening. "It's peaceful."
Calvin, perched on a rock with his camera, grinned. "This is going on the highlight reel. 'CEO Goes Wild in the Wild.'"
Kayden splashed him, earning a yelp. "Hey! This equipment isn't waterproof!"
"Then stop taking pictures," Kayden said, his tone teasing.
"Never," Calvin replied dramatically, snapping another shot.
As they drove back to the hacienda, Jia leaned back in her seat, a serene smile on her face. "Today was perfect. Thank you, Kayden."
Kayden glanced at her. "You're welcome."
Calvin turned around in the front seat, his grin as wide as ever. "And thank *me* for the best documentation of your life. I've captured everything: pyramids, boats, romantic swims."
Kayden sighed. "Calvin, remind me to send you on a long assignment. Far away."
"You'd miss me," Calvin quipped. "Admit it."
Jia laughed, shaking her head. "You two are impossible."
As the convoy pulled into the Walker estate, Jia glanced at Kayden. "You know, you're not so bad at this 'relaxing' thing."
Kayden smirked. "Get used to it."
It was late in the evening when Kayden returned to his room. He removed his shirt and set it aside, leaning against the desk in his guest room at the Walker estate. The day's explorations had been unexpectedly pleasant, but now his focus shifted back to work. As he powered up his laptop, his phone buzzed on the desk.
The screen displayed Ava's name.
Kayden sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose before answering. "Ava."
"Took you long enough," Ava's voice came through, sharp and filled with frustration.
"I've been busy," Kayden replied evenly, his tone measured.
"Busy?" Ava echoed, her irritation unmistakable. "Yes, I know. Calvin gave me the entire lowdown—'cooking adventures' and a 'whirlwind tour of Mexico.'"
Kayden leaned back in his chair, unbothered by her tone. "Is there a reason you're calling, Ava? Or are you just checking on my itinerary?"
"Yes, there's a reason," Ava snapped. "The documents I sent earlier need your approval. There's also the merger with Global Tech and the investor meeting prep for next week. I've been holding things together while you're... playing tourist."
Kayden's brows furrowed. "I trust you to handle those matters in my absence. If you needed my input, you should have called earlier."
Ava's voice tightened. "I did. You didn't answer. And I'm not your assistant, Kayden—I'm your partner in this company. I shouldn't have to chase you down for critical decisions."
There was a pause as Kayden processed her words. "You're right. I'll review the documents tonight. Send me a summary of the most urgent items."
"I already did," Ava said briskly. "And there's another issue. We received a legal notice from Graceful Holdings regarding a contract dispute. I need your final decision on how to respond."
Kayden rubbed his temple, exhaustion creeping into his voice. "I'll review it and call you back within the hour."
Ava hesitated, and when she spoke again, her voice was softer. "Kayden... this isn't just about work."
He leaned forward, sensing the shift in her tone. "Then what is it?"
Ava let out a quiet sigh. "Look, I know you're dealing with a lot. But it's not like you to leave things unresolved. Are you sure you're okay?"
Kayden's jaw tightened. "I'm fine, Ava. Focus on the documents. I'll handle everything else."
"Fine," Ava said, her tone sharp again. "But Kayden... you're not the only one who's juggling things. I need you to show up. For the company. For the team. Not just when it's convenient."
"I'll show up," he said firmly. "I always do."
There was another pause before Ava spoke, her voice calmer now. "Good. Call me when you're ready to discuss. Don't make me wait again."
"Understood," Kayden replied before the call ended.
On the other end of the call, Ava stared at her phone, her emotions swirling. She set it down on her desk and leaned back in her chair, gazing out the large window overlooking the city skyline.
"Why does he always have to be so composed? So... distant?" she thought, her fingers drumming against the desk.
Calvin's earlier comments replayed in her mind, fueling her frustration. "Cooking with Jia? Exploring Mexico?"
She pushed the thought away, reminding herself it wasn't her business.
"This isn't personal," she muttered under her breath, shaking her head. "It's just work."
But the way her chest tightened told her otherwise.