In reality, an important company meeting loomed at 10 o'clock, but right now, he savored the warmth of being beside her in bed a little longer. Precisely at 9 o'clock, his phone rang, interrupting their tranquil morning. It was Cassidy, his secretary.

The ring not only stirred Luis awake but also brought Elva out of her slumber.

Nestled in his arms, her voice thick with sleep, she murmured, “Luis? Why are you in my bed?"

Balancing the phone against his ear with practiced ease, Luis gently cradled Elva's slender shoulders. "I'll be at the company shortly,” he said to Cassidy over the phone.

Elva, still nestled close, pleaded softly, "Stay here with me while you still have business to handle? Will the Mendez Group soon go bankrupt with an irresponsible boss like you?"

Cassidy was shocked at Elva's comment.

Luis chuckled softly, his hand drifting to caress Elva's tousled hair before swiftly giving Cassidy instructions over the phone.

Ending the call, he locked eyes with Elva. "Will you come with me to the company?”

Elva, draped comfortably over his arm, replied playfully but resolutely, “I don't want to! I'm not a dog you groomed! I'm not at your beck and call. Besides, I have my own things to take care of."

She added the last part with a teasing grin.

Luis knew her work schedule was light, maybe seven days a month at most.

Acting in movies wasn't her primary focus; commercials, some runway shows and occasional TV appearances sufficed. Financially, she was comfortable, driven more by whim than necessity.

Luis gently pinched her nose. “Who said anything about being at my beck and call? We're engaged, remember?"

“We're not officially engaged yet! And even if we were, we would be contractual husband and wife."

Elva's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Luis, you're still being observed."

He smiled warmly and drew her closer, his fingers threading through her silky hair as he leaned in to kiss her deeply.

Luis kissed Elva passionately but refrained from going further, respecting the sanctity of her home.

His desire apparent, he suggested, "How about coming to my place tonight?"

Elva hesitated, uneasy at the thought of visiting his apartment.

Observing her discomfort, Luis quickly clarified, "I mean my villa."