The night had ended softly.
But the morning…
Felt different.
Sunlight slipped through the curtains of the master bedroom
A room Alicia had never truly stepped into before.
Not like this.
She stirred slightly, her eyes opening slowly.
For a moment, she forgot where she was.
Then she felt it
Warmth beside her.
Michael.
He was still asleep, his arm loosely resting near hers, his breathing calm, steady.
Alicia's heart fluttered.
This was new.
Not forced.
Not arranged.
Chosen.
She studied his face quietly, a small smile forming.
"…Good morning," she whispered, even though he couldn't hear her.
But he did.
Michael's eyes opened slowly, meeting hers.
"And here I thought I was dreaming," he murmured.
Alicia laughed softly.
"You're not."
He shifted slightly closer.
"Good," he said.
For a moment, neither of them rushed to move.
They simply stayed there
Close. Comfortable.
Real.
Downstairs, the atmosphere was noticeably different.
Suitcases stood near the entrance.
Sophie crossed her arms.
"I still think we should stay a little longer," she said.
Adrian shook his head.
"They don't need us hovering."
Sophie sighed.
"…You're right."
James stood nearby, overseeing everything as usual.
"Transportation is ready," he informed them calmly.
Maria smiled gently.
"Visit often," she said.
Lina nodded in agreement.
Sophie turned back toward the staircase one last time.
"They'll be fine, right?" she asked quietly.
Adrian glanced up too.
"They will," he said.
A pause.
"And so will we."
Sophie looked at him.
Something unspoken passed between them.
Then she smiled.
"…Let's go."
And just like that
They left.
Upstairs, Alicia stood by the window, watching the car disappear.
"They're gone," she said softly.
Michael stepped beside her.
"Now it's just us."
Her heart skipped again.
Later that morning
Michael adjusted his suit in front of the mirror.
Back to business.
Back to control.
"You're leaving already?" Alicia asked.
He nodded.
"I have meetings."
Then, softer
"I'll be back early."
Alicia smiled faintly.
"I'll be waiting."
He stepped closer, brushing his fingers gently against her cheek.
"Try not to miss me too much."
She smirked slightly.
"No promises."
But when he left…
The mansion felt quieter again.
Alicia stood still for a moment.
Then suddenly
An idea formed.
Later That Day
A cab pulled to a stop in front of a towering glass building.
Alicia stepped out, adjusting her outfit, holding a carefully packed lunch.
She looked up.
The name gleamed boldly across the building:
ALEJANDRO GROUP INTERNATIONAL
Her heart raced.
"This is it…" she whispered.
Inside
The lobby was elegant, busy, and intimidating.
Employees moved quickly, focused, and professional.
Alicia approached the reception desk.
"Hi, I'm here to see Michael Alejandro," she said politely.
The receptionist barely looked up.
"Do you have an appointment?"
Alicia hesitated.
"…No."
Now, the receptionist looked at her.
A slow, unimpressed glance.
"I'm sorry, but the CEO does not accept walk-ins."
Alicia smiled nervously.
"It's okay, I'm his wife."
Silence.
Then
The receptionist laughed.
"I've heard that one before," she said dryly.
Alicia blinked.
"No, I'm serious."
The receptionist's expression hardened.
"Look, miss, we get women like you all the time."
Alicia froze.
"Women like me?"
"Trying to get close to the CEO," the receptionist said bluntly.
Alicia's grip tightened on the lunch bag.
"I'm not"
"Security," the receptionist called.
Two guards approached immediately.
"Please escort her out," she said.
Alicia's heart dropped.
"This is a misunderstanding"
"Ma'am, you need to leave," one guard said firmly.
"I'm telling the truth!" Alicia insisted, her voice shaking slightly now.
"Of course you are," the receptionist replied coldly.
The guards reached for her
"Stop."
The voice cut through the lobby sharply.
Everyone turned.
Daniel Reyes stood there.
Calm. Controlled.
But his eyes were not.
"What exactly is going on here?" he asked.
The receptionist straightened immediately.
"Mr. Reyes, this woman is claiming to be the CEO's wife"
Daniel didn't let her finish.
He stepped forward.
Looked directly at Alicia.
Then bowed his head slightly.
"Mrs. Alejandro."
Silence fell.
The receptionist's face went pale.
Daniel turned slowly toward her.
"Would you like to repeat what you just said?"
The guards stepped back immediately.
Alicia stood frozen, still holding the lunch.
Daniel's tone dropped dangerously calm.
"No one lays a hand on her. Ever."
The entire lobby went still.
And upstairs
Unaware of the scene unfolding
Michael continued his meeting.
For now.