Winter Swan

'This is the day I get to finally see you again.'

7 am.

It was still dark outside and the shadow in the penthouse didn't move as he looked out the window at the beautiful New York City. He looked calm yet the darkness in him was very obvious.

Wearing a gray gown, he was sitting on a sofa.

"…"

He walked to the silver bench where the dumbbells were lined up underneath.

"Ha… ahh…"

He twisted his body into a painful position to work out, and it looked like he was doing it on purpose to cause himself pain.

Like he was punishing himself.

He closed his eyes and held the position until the sun started to rise outside. Slowly, he unraveled himself.

He was sweating heavily and panting. The physical discomfort he felt was nothing compared to the emotional agony he endured for the past five years.

But today, it would be all worth it. He was willing to take all the pain if he could have this day.

With the hope of seeing her, Kail smiled bitterly.

***

The Metropolitan Museum was busy during the weekends. Most visitors were families and as Silje saw many kids running around and laughing, it felt strange for her.

She walked around slowly to enjoy the works of Rembrandt and Gogh. There were also modern paintings as well as American native artworks. Silje had been working so much that this was her first time visiting this museum.

It was a shame because she had been living in New York for many years now.

Suddenly, Silje felt a chill. She turned around and as she expected, she found him staring at her.

A tall gorgeous man in a black suit.

It wasn't just her that stared at him. It seemed many people couldn't help but glance at the striking figure with beautiful dark hair and green eyes.

"…"

The women especially were ogling him openly, but as usual, he ignored everyone except for her. Staring at her and only her, he walked towards Silje.

He was wearing a suit again. Sharp suit, shiny cuff links, and deep green tie that matched his eyes… He shocked her with his beauty.

They met in front of the biggest ship model in the totem display area. Looking down at her, Kail smiled coldly.

"So you came."

"Did you think I wouldn't?"

At her challenging tone, his green eyes smiled. She forgot how gorgeous he was, which was a mistake. She frowned unhappily and continued, "There is no reason why I wouldn't show up. You visited me without warning in Milan to threaten me, but I still wouldn't run away from this. I'm not a coward."

Kail smiled again at her angry words. He crossed his arms and looked at her up and down with open admiration.

Silje was wearing a snow-white suit that covered every inch of her body from her neck to her knees. The top buttoned up to the top of her neck and the H-line skirt emphasized her slim legs.

Noticing her conservative outfit, Kail seemed amused.

"Based on your suit, I think you might be mistaken about the purpose of this meeting. I didn't come here to work with you."

At his relaxed tone, Silje bit her lips. She really hated him. Even now, he was looking at her with obvious desire.

"Aren't you curious about what I will do to you today? Don't you want to know?"

"At this point, I don't see the need for asking such questions. Don't you agree?"

When she answered sharply, Kail's eyes darkened. But quickly, he gave her a syrupy smile and asked, "Then would you like me to take you right here right now?"

Silje gasped at his explicit words. When she looked at him angrily, Kail warned her, "Don't make me angry. It won't do you any good, unless you want to be on CNN news for being the couple having sex in the New York Metropolitan Museum in broad daylight."

He wasn't exaggerating, and she knew it. If he said he was going to do it, Kail was the kind of man who wouldn't hesitate. Silje frowned.

"Let's not waste any more time. What is it that you have planned?"

She was nervous so she couldn't help making sharp comments. Kail seemed to understand her as he replied, "There is no need to rush, Silje. We have plenty of time."

When she still looked anxious, Kail continued, "Come here and enjoy the exhibits. Don't try to rush it, just enjoy the museum. Look at this giant ship. Don't you think this reminds you of something?"

Remind her of what? What was he talking about?

Silje stared at the ship model that resembled a Viking ship.

Remind her of…

Oh.

A strong emotion filled her heart. She tried to push it down, but it wouldn't work. The old feelings and memories came rushing in.

She remembered the time when she was looking at a ship just like this.

That winter in Oslo when they visited a museum on their date.

They were looking at a ship just like this one.

She turned to look at Kail, who was studying the ship. He turned around and looked at her and their eyes met.

"You are my everything."

"I will bet my everything to get you. To have you, Silje."

She remembered his words. His green eyes used to look at her earnestly. He used to kiss her like it was the end of the world.

Silje knew that what they felt for each other five years ago was real. Kail truly loved her and gave her all of him.

"Silje…"

Kail said her name gently and placed his hand on hers.

Silje's eyes widened at the feel of his hand. It was hot and heavy, and slowly, he flipped her hand, so their palms touched.

Silje looked shocked and he whispered to her, "Silje, if you scream or run out, you will really be on CNN."

He warned her. Was he really afraid that she was going to run?

People were still glancing at him furtively but Kail seemed oblivious. He slowly and seductively started to caress her palm.

It felt too intimate. He showed how much he desired her with his hand and Silje remembered the times they spent together in Oslo. He stared at her hungrily and Silje bit her lips. She felt cold and hot at the same time.

'Don't look at me like that… Don't…'

He seemed to read her mind because he lowered his head to whisper. He was still holding her hand tightly.

"There is a story in Finland. A frog gets eaten by a snake. The frog laid an egg inside the snake and when the egg hatched and matured, it became a snake-frog. Finland was ruled by other nations for hundreds of years, but it never gave up. Eventually, it became one with its enemy, and just like that, I can wait for you for hundreds of years. You are the only woman for me. You are my destiny."