The Alejandro estate was even more intimidating in daylight.
Sunlight poured through the tall windows, reflecting off marble floors so polished Alicia could see her own reflection in them.
Everything was perfect.
Everything was silent.
Too silent.
Alicia walked slowly down the grand staircase, her fingers lightly brushing the railing.
This was her home now.
"Good morning, Mrs. Alejandro."
She looked up to see James Whitmore, the butler, standing at the bottom with his usual calm expression.
"Good morning, James," Alicia said, trying to sound more at ease than she felt.
"Breakfast has been prepared in the dining room."
"Thank you."
As she stepped into the dining room, the size of it made her pause again.
The long table stretched endlessly… yet only one seat was set.
Her seat.
Alicia sat down quietly.
A moment later, Maria entered, placing a fresh plate in front of her.
Behind her, another maid followed—slightly younger, with a gentle smile.
"This is Lina," Maria said softly. "She'll also assist you, ma'am."
Lina gave a small bow. "It's nice to meet you."
Alicia nodded. "You too."
"Mr. Alejandro has already left," Maria added.
Of course he had.
Alicia picked at her food, and her appetite gone again.
After breakfast, Alicia wandered through the mansion.
Every room looked like it belonged in a magazine.
Perfect… but lifeless.
Until she found it.
A bright room filled with sunlight.
Large windows. Open space. Quiet.
Her heart lifted slightly.
"This could be it…" she whispered.
She stepped inside, turning slowly as ideas filled her mind.
Sketches.
Fabrics.
Designs everywhere.
Her dream finally had a place again.
"I'll use this room."
"You don't need permission."
Alicia turned quickly.
Michael Alejandro stood at the doorway, his presence immediately shifting the atmosphere.
"I thought you left," she said.
"I did. I came back."
His eyes moved around the room before settling on her.
"You plan to work here?"
"Yes. This will be my studio."
A short silence followed.
Then he said, "Fine."
Alicia blinked. "That's it?"
"As long as it doesn't interfere with anything."
There it was again.
Distance. Control.
"Don't worry," Alicia said. "Your world and mine are completely different."
Michael looked at her for a moment longer.
"We'll see."
Later, boxes began arriving.
James directed the staff with quiet authority.
"Careful with those," he instructed.
"Yes, Mr. Whitmore," Lina responded as she carried a box inside.
Maria followed behind her.
Alicia smiled faintly. "Thank you."
"It's no trouble," Maria said warmly.
Piece by piece, the empty room began to transform.
Fabric rolled across tables.
Sketchbooks stacked neatly.
Life slowly returned to the space.
By evening, Alicia sat at her desk, pencil in hand.
She hesitated… then began to draw.
Lines flowed naturally.
Elegant. Confident. Free.
For the first time since the wedding…
She felt like herself again.
"Focused."
Alicia jumped slightly and turned.
Michael stood behind her. Again.
"Do you ever knock?" she asked.
"Do you ever stop working?"
She rolled her eyes. "It's called passion."
He stepped closer, looking down at her sketch.
For a moment, he said nothing.
"You drew this?"
"Yes."
Another pause.
"It's… precise."
Alicia smirked slightly. "That's your version of a compliment?"
"I don't give compliments."
"Clearly."
A faint flicker crossed his face. Almost a reaction.
Then gone.
"Dinner is at eight," he said.
"There it is," Alicia muttered.
"What?"
"The reminder that this is all just a deal."
Michael didn't answer immediately.
"You knew that from the beginning."
Alicia looked up at him, her voice quieter now.
"I know. Doesn't mean it doesn't feel… empty."
For a second, something shifted in the air.
Something neither of them spoke about.
Then Michael stepped back.
"Be on time," he said.
And just like that…
The distance between them returned.