Catherine Zeta-Jones slowly opened her eyes and woke from a deep sleep.
She felt a long-lost sense of full-body comfort. Her muscles were slightly sore, but the cells in her body felt as if they had been reactivated, brimming with fresh vitality.
She couldn't remember the last time she had woken up feeling so physically and mentally satisfied and refreshed.
The corners of her mouth curled into an involuntary smile of satisfaction. She rolled over to embrace the warmth beside her, but her arms met only empty space.
Her fingertips touched only the slightly cool silk sheets.
Catherine froze for a moment. Opening her still-hazy eyes, she turned her head to look. The pillow beside her was indented, still retaining some warmth and a hint of a fresh scent, but the bed was indeed empty.
Landon Williams was gone.
A wave of disappointment suddenly surged in her heart, quickly dampening the wonderful feeling she had upon waking.
Memories of last night's fiery passion instantly flooded back. His tenderness and strength, his focus and passion—all of it had left a deep impression on her, even leaving her intoxicated.
She had thought... there would at least be a morning kiss, or a simple goodbye.
She hadn't expected that the young man who had boldly kissed her on set and made her experience long-lost passion and compatibility last night would be so "heartless" as to leave without saying a word in the morning.
Even worse, they hadn't even exchanged private contact information, as if everything last night had just been a fleeting fling.
Catherine sat up, letting the silk duvet slide off her smooth shoulders, revealing a large expanse of beautiful skin and curves.
The cool morning air brushed over her body, but there was no one to appreciate the sight.
Looking at the empty bedroom, a strange sense of frustration and self-mockery enveloped her.
When had she, Catherine Zeta-Jones, become so... anxious about gains and losses?
This wasn't like her.
Just as her mood hit rock bottom and she was preparing to get out of bed to pour a glass of water—
"Heh!" A clear, forceful sound of exhaling came from the direction of the living room.
Catherine's movements froze.
She listened intently. There were a few more short, rhythmic sounds of "heh" and "hah," accompanied by the rustle of clothes and the slight sound of wind generated by body movements.
Surprise instantly exploded in her heart! He hadn't left!
The disappointment and frustration from a moment ago vanished instantly, replaced by an indescribable sense of joy.
Just like that, completely naked and barefoot, she walked straight over and pulled open the bedroom door with eager anticipation.
In the living room, the morning light had grown a bit brighter.
Landon Williams was facing away from the bedroom, wearing a simple athletic tank top and shorts, practicing a set of Fist Techniques she didn't understand at all.
Landon's movements were fluid and graceful, yet fierce and swift. His breathing and movements were perfectly synchronized in a rhythmic flow, and his body lines displayed a powerful aesthetic as he moved.
Sweat had soaked parts of his tank top, outlining the broad contours of his back muscles.
Catherine leaned against the doorframe, watching him quietly and somewhat infatuatedly.
Her heart beat happily in her chest. The teenage-like swing from disappointment to surprise she had just experienced felt a bit unbelievable even to her.
Logically, at her age, she shouldn't have such girlish thoughts, yet this morning, these emotions had surged up with such intensity.
Landon seemed immersed in the rhythm of his morning exercise and didn't notice her immediately. After finishing the set, he slowly brought his movements to a close, lowering his arms to his Dantian and exhaling a long breath of turbid air, his overall aura settling down.
He turned around, about to grab a towel, when his gaze met Catherine's, who was leaning against the door, bathed in the morning light.
Her long hair was slightly disheveled and draped over her shoulders. Her skin glowed white in the light, her perfect body completely exposed, and her eyes were fixed on him without blinking.
Landon was stunned for a moment, then a slightly mischievous smile curled his lips.
He picked up the towel draped over the back of the sofa, wiping the sweat from his forehead as he walked toward her.
"Morning." He naturally lowered his head and planted a soft kiss on her smooth forehead.
This simple, natural gesture dissipated the last trace of uncertainty in Catherine's heart.
She wasn't just some casually treated "one-night stand."
She stood on her tiptoes, wrapped her arms around his neck, and gave him a passionate, deep kiss, as if pouring in all the momentary loss she felt upon waking and the overflowing joy she felt now.
Landon was caught up in her passion and responded by wrapping his arms around her waist. Until—
"Gurgle..." A clear stomach growl came very inopportunely from Catherine's flat belly.
The passionate kiss was interrupted.
Catherine's face instantly flushed. She glared at her uncooperative stomach with a mix of embarrassment and annoyance, her shy expression making her look exceptionally lovely.
Landon couldn't help but chuckle. "It seems someone is really hungry. I'll go order breakfast. Why don't you go freshen up first?"
He suggested, his fingers affectionately brushing her reddened cheek.
"Mm-hmm," Catherine answered softly, turning and quickly walking toward the bathroom as if trying to escape the embarrassing scene.
Landon watched her slightly flustered back, finding it amusing.
He looked at his own tank top, which was slightly damp with sweat, and simply took it off, following her into the spacious bathroom.
"Together? It'll save time."
Soon, the sound of water and faint laughter came from the bathroom.
By the time Catherine finally sat in the suite's dining area facing a sumptuous American breakfast, another hour had passed. She was truly starving; last night had been exhausting, and this morning... Forget about elegance; she picked up a piece of toast spread with butter and jam, eating in small but rapid bites, while her other hand used a fork to poke at the scrambled eggs on the plate.
Landon sat beside her, his arm naturally wrapped around her waist, finding her rare "eager" eating manner exceptionally amusing.
"Slow down, no one's going to steal it from you," he said with a laugh, earning a glare from Catherine as her mouth was stuffed with food. She nudged him lightly with her elbow, signaling him not to disturb her as she refueled.
Breakfast ended in a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.
When Landon began putting back on yesterday's shirt and suit trousers, Catherine leaned against the dining table, a clear look of reluctance in her eyes.
She knew he had to go; she also had a tight schedule today, and her assistant had already sent a text message politely urging her along.
As Landon finished dressing and prepared to leave, Catherine still couldn't hold back.
She stepped forward and kissed him deeply again. When they parted, both were breathing a bit unevenly.
"Phone," Catherine said succinctly, reaching out her hand.
Landon understood and took out his phone, handing it to her.
Catherine skillfully entered her private number, saved her name, and dialed her own phone.
Hearing her ringtone go off in the bedroom, she satisfiedly returned his phone. Then, she went into the bedroom to get her own phone and handed it to him, signaling for him to save his number.
"Keep in touch, Landon Williams." She looked at him, her eyes regaining some of their usual brilliance.
"Yeah." Landon nodded, gave her hand a final squeeze, and turned to leave the suite.
After the door closed, Catherine stood there for a moment.
Soon, her assistant and Makeup Artist arrived with their equipment, knocking and hurrying in to prepare her for her next event.
"Good morning, Catherine! We're a bit short on time..."
The assistant's words caught in her throat the moment she saw Catherine.
The Makeup Artist's eyes also widened.