Jesslyn sat on the couch in their living room, scrolling aimlessly through her phone. Joseph was nearby, tapping away on his laptop, his blank expression as unreadable as always.

She glanced at him, taking in the way his lean, toned frame casually leaned back as he worked. He looked so relaxed, as if he had the weight of the world handled, yet never showed an ounce of emotion on his face. She admired that about him-how calm and collected he always seemed, even when she had no idea what was going on behind those blue eyes.

Feeling playful, Jesslyn broke the silence.

"You know, I still don't think you could lift me. I mean, look at me,"

she said, motioning to her curvy frame.

"I'm like, 280 pounds. I don't think anyone could lift me, honestly."

Joseph's eyes flicked over to her, his face impassive as ever, but there was something there-something in the way his lips curved slightly upward. He closed his laptop without a word and stood, walking over to her.

"What are you doing?"

Jesslyn asked, half-laughing, but there was a nervous edge to her voice. Joseph didn't answer. Instead, he pulled her up from the couch, his hand sliding to her waist with a gentle but firm grip.

"Joseph-"

she started, but her words were cut off when, in one smooth motion, he lifted her. Effortlessly. As if her weight meant nothing to him. He pinned her against the wall, his body pressing close to hers, his strength radiating through the contact.