The morning didn't begin quietly.
It began with movement.
"Mrs. Alejandro," James Whitmore said as Alicia stepped into the hallway, "Mr. Alejandro has requested your presence in the study."
Alicia paused.
"My presence?"
"Yes, ma'am."
That was new.
The study felt… different from the rest of the house
Darker. More serious.
Michael stood by the desk, already dressed, already focused.
"You called for me?" Alicia asked.
He turned slightly.
"Yes."
A pause.
"We're attending an event tonight."
Alicia blinked.
"An event?"
"A corporate gathering. You'll be there with me."
Her expression shifted.
"This wasn't part of the deal."
"It is now," he said calmly.
Alicia crossed her arms.
"I'm not just going to stand there and pretend."
"You don't have to pretend," Michael replied. "Just be present."
"That is pretending."
A brief silence.
Then
"It's necessary," he said.
Something about his tone made her hesitate.
Not forceful.
Not cold.
Just… certain.
"Fine," she said. "But I'm not changing who I am."
Michael nodded once.
"I'm not asking you to."
Downstairs, Sophie nearly choked on her drink.
"You're going to a WHAT?"
"A corporate event," Alicia repeated.
"With him?"
"Yes, Sophie. With my husband."
Sophie groaned.
"This is how it starts."
"What does that mean?"
"You standing next to him, looking like the perfect wife."
Alicia frowned slightly.
"I'm not doing it for that."
"Then why?"
Alicia hesitated.
"…I don't know."
From across the room
"Because it matters."
Both of them turned.
Adrian leaned against the wall, calm as ever.
Sophie rolled her eyes immediately.
"Why are you always listening?"
"I don't try. You're just loud."
Alicia looked at him.
"What do you mean 'it matters'?"
Adrian's gaze flickered briefly toward the stairs—where Michael had just passed.
"His world runs on perception," Adrian said. "And now, you're part of that world."
Alicia didn't respond immediately.
She didn't like that answer.
But it made sense.
Sophie crossed her arms.
"So basically, she's part of his image now?"
Adrian shrugged slightly.
"If you want to simplify it."
"I don't like that."
"You don't have to."
"I really don't like you."
Adrian smiled faintly.
"I know."
That evening, the mansion felt different again.
More active.
More prepared.
Maria and Lina carefully adjusted Alicia's dress.
"You look beautiful," Maria said.
Alicia stared at her reflection.
Elegant.
Confident.
But unfamiliar.
"I don't feel like myself," she admitted.
Lina smiled softly.
"Maybe you're becoming someone new."
Alicia wasn't sure how to feel about that.
Downstairs, Michael adjusted his cufflinks.
James stood nearby, making final arrangements.
"Everything is ready, sir."
Michael nodded.
Then Alicia appeared at the top of the stairs.
And for a brief moment—
Everything paused.
Michael looked up.
Really looked at her.
And something shifted.
Subtle.
But real.
Alicia walked down slowly.
"Is this good enough?" she asked.
Michael held her gaze for a second longer than usual.
"Yes."
A pause.
Then he added—
"You look… appropriate."
Alicia raised an eyebrow.
"That's your compliment?"
"It's accurate."
She sighed.
"I'll take it."
Behind them, Sophie whispered loudly
"He's terrible at this."
Adrian stood beside her.
"He's trying."
Sophie glanced at him.
"You're defending him?"
"I'm observing."
"You do that too much."
"And you talk too much
The car ride was quiet.
But not uncomfortable.
Just… unfamiliar.
Alicia looked out the window.
Then spoke softly
"What exactly do I have to do tonight?"
Michael answered without looking at her.
"Stay beside me."
A pause.
"That's all?"
"Yes."
For some reason…
That felt heavier than expected.
As the car pulled up to the venue
Lights flashed.
People gathered.
Eyes watching.
And as Michael stepped out
He turned slightly.
Waiting.
For her.
Alicia hesitated for just a second….
Then, she placed her hand in his.
And somewhere between obligation…
And something slowly changing
The distance between them shifted again.