The days that followed their breakfast in the garden were marked by a subtle but noticeable shift in the atmosphere between Serena and Alexander. The formalities that had previously defined their interactions began to soften, replaced by a tentative ease that neither of them had expected.
Serena found herself increasingly intrigued by the man she was now married to, who was slowly revealing layers that contradicted the cold, calculated persona he had shown her before.
This growing connection, however, came with its own set of challenges. While Serena appreciated the newfound openness, she was also acutely aware of the walls that still existed between them—walls built from years of living entirely different lives, with entirely different goals.
These barriers were not easily dismantled, and there was always the unspoken understanding that their relationship, no matter how friendly it became, was ultimately a contract.
One evening, about a week after their breakfast in the garden, Serena found herself wandering the halls of the mansion.
It was late, the kind of hour when the world outside was silent and still, and the only sounds were the soft creaks of the old house settling in for the night. Sleep eluded her, driven away by the thoughts that had been swirling in her mind all day.
She had spent the afternoon meeting with the PR team Alexander had assigned to her.
They had gone over the details of their fabricated love story, rehearsed answers to potential questions from the press, and discussed the upcoming charity gala where she and Alexander would make their first public appearance as husband and wife.
It was overwhelming, the level of detail and precision required to maintain the illusion of their perfect marriage.
As she turned a corner, Serena saw a sliver of light spilling out from beneath the door of Alexander's study. She hesitated for a moment, debating whether to interrupt him, but her curiosity won out.
She had seen so little of him outside their scheduled interactions, and something told her that this was one of those rare moments when he might let down his guard.
She knocked lightly on the door.
"Alexander?''
''Are you still awake?"
There was a brief pause before his voice responded, sounding slightly surprised.
"Yes''
''come in."
Serena pushed the door open and stepped inside, immediately noticing the state of the room. Papers were scattered across the desk, and a nearly empty glass of whiskey sat beside Alexander's laptop.
He was seated behind the desk, his tie loosened and his sleeves rolled up, looking more disheveled than she had ever seen him.
"Couldn't sleep?"
he asked, his tone gentler than usual.
Serena shook her head.
"No, too many thoughts. I was just walking around and saw the light."
Alexander nodded, leaning back in his chair.
"It's been a long day. I thought I'd get some work done, but it seems I'm just staring at numbers now."
Serena moved closer, taking a seat in one of the chairs across from his desk.
"Work troubles?"
He sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"You could say that. There's always something to deal with. But tonight, it's more about… everything.''
''The merger, the marriage, the public image we're trying to maintain—it's a lot to juggle."
Serena watched him carefully, noting the exhaustion etched into his features. For the first time, she saw Alexander not as the composed businessman, but as someone who was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.
"You don't have to do it all alone, you know,"
she said softly.
"I know this marriage started as a business arrangement, but I'm here now. If there's anything I can do to help, you only need to ask."
Alexander looked at her, his expression unreadable.
"I appreciate that, Serena, but this isn't your burden to bear. I've been doing this for a long time. It's just part of the job."
Serena leaned forward slightly, her gaze steady.
"But it's not just the job, is it?''
''It's everything that comes with it. The expectations, the pressure, the need to be perfect all the time. That's not something anyone should have to deal with alone."
For a moment, there was silence between them. Alexander's eyes held hers, and she could see the internal struggle playing out in his mind.
He was a man who had built his life on control and precision, and here she was, offering to share a burden he had always carried by himself.
"I've never been good at letting people in,"
he finally admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Even before all of this, I always kept things… separate. Business and personal. It's easier that way. Less messy."
Serena smiled softly, understanding his reluctance.
"I get that. But sometimes, life is messy, no matter how hard we try to keep it neat. And sometimes, it's better when you have someone to help you through it."
Alexander let out a small, humorless laugh.
"You're wiser than you look, Serena."
She chuckled, the tension in the room easing slightly.
"I'll take that as a compliment."
There was another pause, but this time it was filled with a sense of camaraderie rather than discomfort. Alexander reached for his glass of whiskey, swirling the liquid around before taking a sip.
"Can I ask you something?"
Serena ventured after a moment.
"Of course."
"What made you decide to do this?''
''I mean, the contract marriage. You don't seem like the kind of person who would need to resort to something so… unconventional."
Alexander considered her question, his gaze distant.
"I suppose it's because I've always viewed marriage as a strategic alliance, rather than a romantic endeavor. My parents' marriage was arranged, and they were happy in their own way. It was a partnership that served them both well. When it became clear that I needed to present a more stable image for the business, this seemed like the most practical solution."
"But why me?"
Serena asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
"Out of all the women you could have chosen, why did you pick me?"
Alexander's eyes met hers again, and for a moment, she thought she saw a flicker of something deeper, something he hadn't yet revealed.
"Because you're different, Serena. You're smart, independent, and you don't need me to take care of you. You have your own life, your own goals. And I respected that. I thought… if I had to do this, I'd rather do it with someone I could actually work with."
Serena felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words. It was the closest thing to a compliment she had received from him, and it meant more than she cared to admit.
"I'm glad you feel that way,"
she said softly.
"I want this to work too, Alexander. Whatever 'this' is."
He nodded, a small smile playing on his lips.
"So do I."
The conversation had reached an unexpected level of intimacy, and Serena felt a shift in the dynamic between them.
They were still bound by the terms of their contract, but there was something else now—a mutual understanding, a shared desire to make the best of their situation.
As the clock struck midnight, Serena stood to leave, feeling a sense of calm she hadn't felt in days.
"Goodnight, Alexander,"
she said, pausing at the door.
"Goodnight, Serena,"
he replied, his voice softer than usual.
"And thank you."
She smiled at him one last time before slipping out of the room, the connection between them lingering in the air.
As she made her way back to her bedroom, Serena couldn't help but wonder where this newfound bond would lead them.
The path ahead was still uncertain, but for the first time, she felt that they might just be able to navigate it together.