Morning came softly over the Alejandro estate.
For once… it didn't feel as cold.
Sunlight slipped through the tall windows, resting gently on the marble floors.
Alicia stood in her studio, already awake, already working.
Her pencil moved carefully across the page.
Focused. Calm.
Free.
A soft knock came at the door.
"Come in," she said without looking up.
Maria stepped in, carrying a tray.
"I brought you breakfast, ma'am."
Alicia looked up, surprised.
"You didn't have to do that."
Maria smiled gently. "Mr. Whitmore said you might forget to eat."
Alicia let out a small laugh.
"That sounds like me."
She set her pencil down and walked over.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Maria hesitated for a moment… and then added softly,
"It's nice to see this room full again."
Alicia paused. "Full?"
"It used to be empty," Maria said. "Now it feels alive."
Alicia glanced around her studio.
For the first time…
It felt like something here belonged to her.
Downstairs, James Whitmore stood near the entrance as Michael Alejandro adjusted his watch.
"Your car is ready, sir."
Michael nodded.
But before he could leave—
"Leaving already?"
Adrian Kade walked in, casual as ever.
"You're still here?" Michael asked.
"I decided to stay a little longer," Adrian replied. "Your house is… interesting."
Michael didn't respond.
Adrian's gaze shifted briefly upstairs.
"Especially the people in it."
"Don't interfere."
Adrian smirked. "I'm just observing."
At that moment, Alicia stepped into the hallway.
She paused when she saw them.
Michael noticed her instantly.
For a brief second… neither of them spoke.
Then—
"You're up early," he said.
Alicia blinked slightly.
"I could say the same."
A small pause followed.
Not uncomfortable… just unfamiliar.
"I was working," she added.
Michael nodded once.
"Good."
That was it.
But somehow
It didn't feel as cold as before.
Adrian watched the interaction closely.
Then glanced at Michael.
Interesting.
Later that afternoon, the house felt different again.
Sophie sat on the couch, scrolling through her phone.
"I still don't like him," she muttered.
"You keep saying that," Alicia replied, flipping through her sketchbook.
"And I mean it every time."
As if on cue—
"You talk about me a lot."
Sophie looked up.
Adrian stood nearby.
Of course.
"I wasn't talking about you," she said quickly.
"Of course not."
He sat down across from her, calm as ever.
Sophie narrowed her eyes.
"Why are you always around?"
"I could ask you the same thing."
"I'm visiting my best friend."
"And I'm visiting mine."
A pause.
Then Sophie crossed her arms.
"You're annoying."
Adrian smiled slightly.
"You're honest."
Across the room, Alicia watched them.
Then glanced at Michael, who had just entered quietly.
"They argue a lot," she said.
"They're similar," Michael replied.
Alicia looked at him.
"That's your observation?"
"It's accurate."
Alicia shook her head slightly, amused.
"You're very straightforward."
"I don't waste words."
A small smile slipped onto her lips.
"I noticed."
Michael paused.
Just for a second.
Because that…
Was the first time she smiled like that around him.
That evening, dinner felt… different.
Still quiet.
But not empty.
Alicia sat across from Michael again.
James stood nearby, while Maria and Lina served as usual.
Sophie and Adrian were also there now.
Which meant—
Less silence.
More tension.
"So," Sophie said, breaking it, "how long are you staying?"
Adrian glanced at her.
"Does it bother you?"
"Yes."
"Then I might stay longer."
Sophie rolled her eyes.
Alicia tried not to laugh.
Michael noticed.
And for the first time…
The corner of his lips almost moved.
Later that night, Alicia stepped out onto the balcony.
The city lights stretched endlessly before her.
Quiet. Beautiful.
"You come here often?"
She turned.
Michael.
"No," she said. "Just needed some air."
He stepped beside her, keeping a small distance.
They stood in silence for a moment.
Then—
"You're serious about your designs," he said.
Alicia looked at him, slightly surprised.
"Yes."
A pause.
Then she added,
"I want to build something of my own."
Michael nodded slowly.
"That's not easy."
"I know."
Silence again.
But this time…
It felt calm.
Not cold.
For a brief moment…
They weren't two strangers forced together.
They were just two people…
Standing side by side.
And somewhere behind them…
Things were already beginning to change.