As December approached, the company became unusually busy. It wasn't until a reminder popped up that Stephen remembered that he owed Joshua an anniversary gift.

After work, he drove to the store and when he got the same bracelet again, he suddenly changed his mind. It didn't feel right to give his husband a gift that was originally meant for the lover, so he asked the salesperson for another recommendation.

Necklaces, bracelets, rings, cufflinks... Stephen searched through them all but couldn't find anything suitable.

He thought about Joshua's appearance thoroughly, realizing that besides their wedding ring, he didn't wear any accessories and even his clothes were never in bright colors.

When they first met, Stephen was attracted by Joshua's elegant and serene demeanor. But as time passed, he couldn't help but find it plain and lacking in sophistication.

He went to more shops, browsing and selecting, and unconsciously, it was already getting late.

Passing by a jewelry store, he was suddenly drawn to the earrings displayed in the glass showcase. He vaguely remembered that Joshua had pierced ears, although he had never seen him wear earrings. For some reason, Stephen imagined how beautiful his rounded earlobes would look with earrings.

However, the earrings on the counter were all for women, so he had to find another shop that made diamond earrings for men and ordered two of them. By the time he finished this task, it was already dark.

On that day, Stephen postponed some less urgent work and left the office early in the afternoon. He drove to the jewelry store to pick up the custom-made earrings.

Since it was their anniversary, and he had already arranged a gift, it would be strange not to dine out. He called his assistant to reserve a restaurant.

Opening the door at home, Stephen first saw the hired housekeeper sitting idly on the sofa. It was working hours, and as soon as the housekeeper saw the employer return, she nervously stood up, at a loss for what to do. Stephen glanced at the brightly lit kitchen, hung his coat on the hanger, and asked the housekeeper to leave.

He went into the kitchen door and saw Joshua wearing an apron, busy cutting vegetables.

Seeing his husband at an unexpected time, he appeared a little surprised and said, "You're back early today. The food still needs some time."

"Don't cook. I've reserved a table at a restaurant."

Joshua glanced at the well-prepared cooking station and murmured, "It will be ready soon."

"Have you forgotten what day it is today?"

The man lowered his head as if he had done something wrong, "I haven't forgotten."

Stephen took a look at the cooking station, which was more abundant than usual, and all the dishes were ones he liked to eat. His heart suddenly softened.

Over the years, although he had never felt the passion and romance with lovers from his husband, Joshua had given him everything else. Perhaps some people were just like that, tepid and lacking that fiery passion.

Even though he was considered a successful person, not everything could be achieved, and he couldn't reconcile two conflicting traits in one person. He couldn't find any faults with his husband, and the only mistake might be his own dissatisfaction. How could one expect to have everything they wanted? At his age, he should have understood these things.

Since he had now cut ties with those outside relationships, he didn't plan on seeking anymore. He realized that he had neglected and owed his husband a lot. It was best not to torment themselves any further in the future.

He made this decision in an instant, and even the way he looked at Joshua became gentler. He pulled the man by the waist and said, "Wash your hands and go change clothes. It has been a while since we had a meal together outside."

"But these dishes..."

"It doesn't matter. They don't cost much." Stephen became slightly impatient at the thought of his own determination, and softened his tone, "I'll clean up. We can put them in the fridge and have them tomorrow."

Seeing that he was about to lose his temper, Joshua quickly washed his hands and went to change clothes.

Soon, Joshua came out wearing a black high-neck cashmere sweater with dark blue jeans. He wore a camel-colored wool coat and a pair of soft brown leather ankle boots. His hair was styled back with some hair gel, casually tousled, reaching his ears with natural curls at the ends, complementing his slender neck and fair skin.

Under the coat, the man appeared tall and reserved, and between his slightly furrowed brows, there emitted a gentle and subdued aura. At this moment, the three small moles on his face became particularly eye-catching, adding a playful and teasing charm.

Although Stephen knew this side of Joshua very well, he couldn't help but be amazed once again. Perhaps no one could understand why he would cheat on such a partner by his side, not even himself.

"Steve, let's go."

"Wait for me to take a shower."

He had been wearing the same clothes all day, and they were already wrinkled. Going in and out of the meeting room, they had absorbed various smells.

After taking a shower, shaving his face, changing out of his daytime suit, he chose a short coat and sprayed some cologne.

It had been a long time since Stephen had taken such care of himself during a date with Joshua, or rather, they hadn't gone on a date in a long time.

Dates like these were generally done with a lover.

This outfit made him appear a bit younger, but it couldn't hide his arrogant, elite temperament. With this arrogance combined with his upright cold face, he looked sexy.

Stephen was well aware of his physical advantages and understood that this sexiness was his capital for extramarital affairs.

He had looked down upon love obtained through money, nor did he need it. As long as he was willing to display this side of himself, there would be people willing to be the third party, even after knowing that he was married.

Human beings were fragile creatures, easily deceived by the love of attractive individuals of the same kind.

Joshua had always been patient, waiting for him for nearly an hour without any objections.

As Stephen walked out, Joshua quietly followed behind him. When Stephen paused for a moment, Joshua approached, and he held his hand.

At the moment their fingers intertwined, Joshua was noticeably surprised. It was an action that Stephen rarely did. But Stephen pretended not to notice anything and walked downstairs.

The touching of their fingers caused their wedding rings to touch, and Stephen inexplicably felt a sense of reassurance. It was a unique reassurance that existed only between him and Joshua, and it wouldn't be present with any other lover.

When they arrived at the restaurant, Stephen made all the decisions.

After the meal, it was still early, so Stephen suggested they do some more window shopping.

The two of them descended from the restaurant and casually entered a men's clothing store. "Since we're here, let's pick out a few pieces of clothing."

As soon as they entered, a salesperson approached them enthusiastically. Joshua calmly leaned to the side, standing behind Stephen.

Stephen glanced at him and told the salesperson, "You can go back to your work, we'll look around by ourselves."

Turning his head, Stephen chuckled softly, "You're so grown up now, how can you still be shy?"

Whether it was shyness or embarrassment, Joshua blushed. Understanding that he was sensitive, Stephen didn't tease him further and affectionately took hold of his waist. "Go and take a look, pick what you like."

Joshua silently looked at the clothes racks and accessory displays, while Stephen followed behind, observing his husband's tall figure. He was only two years younger than himself, now in his early thirties. But it seemed as though time had stopped on him, not only in terms of physique and appearance, but even in that youthful naivety and reserve.

These traits appearing in a middle-aged man could sometimes be vexing, but at other times, they exuded a unique charm that entirely depended on his mood.

"Do you like this shirt?" Stephen pointed to a silk shirt in a striking gemstone blue color on a model. The smooth silk material radiated a shimmering brilliance under the lights.

A nearby salesperson, upon hearing this, immediately approached and introduced, "This one is made of natural silk, and the pattern is hand-embroidered. The buttons are made of genuine mother-of-pearl. If you like it, you can try it on."

"It's for him." Stephen glanced at Joshua.

The salesperson turned to Joshua, "This color will definitely suit you. The one on the model is slightly bigger. What size do you wear? I'll arrange for it to be restocked."

"No need, thank you." Joshua looked a bit embarrassed as he said to Stephen, "Trying on clothes is troublesome, let's forget about it."

It was indeed a bit troublesome for Joshua to try on clothes in the middle of winter, so Stephen told the salesperson, "He wears size 37. Just pack it up once you have restocked it."

The salesperson was surprised that a sale could be made so easily and assured them that they offered a home delivery service and exchanges if the size didn't fit.

As they continued shopping, Stephen picked out various clothing items for Joshua. He had no objections to Stephen's decisive choices, nor did he find anything he particularly liked. After browsing around, he only selected a scarf.

When it came time to pay, Stephen handed out his card, but Joshua picked out the scarf and insisted on paying for it himself.

They had a little standoff, an unusual moment of stubbornness from Joshua, until Stephen finally gave in.

With bags in hand, they got into the car. Joshua handed the scarf which he had been holding to Stephen, and hesitantly said, "It's an anniversary gift... I don't know if you'll like it, and I didn't know what to get..."

Stephen realized that Joshua insisting on paying was his way of sending a gift.

The scarf cost almost one thousand. Although it was the lowest-priced item among the things they bought, if it was converted into the income from Joshua's piano lessons, it was several months' worth of salary.

Stephen took the scarf and immediately unwrapped it, draping it around his neck. "It's great, very comfortable."

Hearing his words, Joshua seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.