The next morning, Serena awoke with a lightness she hadn't felt in days. The weight that had been pressing on her chest seemed to have lifted, if only slightly. Last night's conversation with Alexander played in her mind like a sweet melody, a small reassurance that their marriage wasn't just a facade, that there was a real chance for something deeper to blossom between them.
The warmth of Alexander's body beside her was comforting. His steady breathing indicated that he was still asleep, a rare moment of peace in his otherwise hectic life. Serena turned her head slightly to look at him, taking in the way his dark hair fell across his forehead, his features softened in sleep. He looked so different from the composed, business-minded man she had grown accustomed to seeing every day. In sleep, he seemed vulnerable, approachable—almost like the man she had hoped he could be.
Serena's heart fluttered with a mixture of hope and apprehension. Last night had been a step forward, but she knew that their relationship was still fragile, like a delicate flower struggling to bloom amidst harsh conditions. It would take more than just one conversation to make things work between them. But she was willing to try—if Alexander was too.
Careful not to wake him, Serena slipped out of bed and padded softly to the bathroom. She turned on the shower, letting the warm water soothe her tense muscles as she mulled over the day ahead. There was so much to consider, so much to figure out about their future together. But for now, she decided to focus on the small things—like making breakfast for the two of them.
As she wrapped herself in a fluffy towel and headed back to the bedroom, Serena was surprised to find Alexander sitting up in bed, rubbing his eyes. He looked over at her and smiled—a sleepy, genuine smile that made her heart skip a beat.
"Good morning," he said, his voice husky with sleep.
"Morning," Serena replied, returning his smile. "I didn't mean to wake you."
Alexander shook his head. "You didn't. I was already waking up. Besides, I wouldn't mind waking up like this more often."
Serena felt her cheeks warm at his words, a blush creeping up her neck. It was rare for Alexander to be so openly affectionate, and she wasn't sure how to respond. Instead, she opted for a lighthearted approach.
"Well, if you're up, how about I make us some breakfast?" she suggested, trying to keep her tone casual.
Alexander raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes. "You cook?"
Serena laughed. "I do, actually. You just haven't had the pleasure of experiencing my culinary skills yet."
He chuckled, the sound deep and rich. "Then I'm looking forward to it. Surprise me."
Serena grinned and quickly got dressed before heading downstairs to the kitchen. As she moved around the kitchen, gathering ingredients for a simple breakfast of scrambled eggs, toast, and fresh fruit, she couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. It was a far cry from the usual tension that filled the air between them. Today felt different, as if they had turned a corner and were finally starting to build something real together.
As she whisked the eggs, Serena found herself humming a tune under her breath, her mood light and carefree. She hadn't felt this way in a long time—not since before her father's passing, when life had been simpler and less complicated. It felt good to be doing something normal, something that made her feel grounded.
The smell of cooking soon filled the kitchen, and just as she was plating the food, she heard footsteps behind her. She turned to see Alexander standing in the doorway, freshly showered and dressed casually in a t-shirt and jeans. He looked more relaxed than she'd ever seen him, and it made her smile even wider.
"That smells amazing," he said, walking over to the counter where Serena was setting the table.
"Thank you," she replied, feeling a swell of pride. "I hope it tastes as good as it smells."
Alexander pulled out a chair and sat down, looking genuinely excited to try her cooking. Serena served the food and took a seat across from him, watching as he took his first bite.
His eyes widened slightly, and he nodded appreciatively. "This is really good, Serena. You weren't kidding about your culinary skills."
Serena laughed, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "I'm glad you like it."
They ate in comfortable silence for a while, the clinking of cutlery against plates the only sound in the room. It was a simple moment, but it felt significant—like they were sharing more than just a meal. They were sharing a piece of their lives, something real and unpretentious.
As they finished their breakfast, Alexander leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I've been thinking," he began slowly, his gaze fixed on the table. "About what you said last night… about wanting us to be more than just business partners."
Serena's heart skipped a beat. She set down her fork, giving him her full attention. "What about it?"
Alexander looked up at her, his eyes earnest. "I want that too, Serena. I know I've been distant, and I'm sorry for that. But I want us to work—to really work. I don't want this to just be a contract marriage anymore."
Serena's breath caught in her throat. She had hoped for this, but hearing it from him made it feel more real, more tangible. "I want that too," she said softly, her voice laced with emotion. "I want us to be there for each other, to support each other… to be a real couple."
Alexander reached across the table and took her hand in his, his grip warm and reassuring. "Then let's make a promise—to try, to really try and make this work. No more just going through the motions."
Serena squeezed his hand, her heart swelling with hope. "I promise."
They sat there for a moment, their hands clasped together, the weight of their unspoken agreement settling over them. It felt like a new beginning, a chance to redefine what their marriage could be. The doubts and uncertainties that had plagued Serena's mind seemed to fade away, replaced by a sense of purpose.
Alexander gave her hand one last squeeze before letting go. "I have to head to the office soon, but… how about dinner tonight? Just the two of us. We can talk more, figure things out."
Serena smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "I'd like that."
As Alexander stood to leave, he paused and turned back to her. "Serena… thank you. For breakfast, for last night… for everything. I really do want this to work."
Serena nodded, her eyes shining with sincerity. "So do I, Alexander. So do I."
He gave her one last smile before heading out the door, leaving Serena alone in the kitchen. But for the first time in a long time, she didn't feel lonely. Instead, she felt hopeful—hopeful that this marriage, this life they were building together, could become something more than either of them had ever imagined.
As she cleared the table and washed the dishes, Serena allowed herself to daydream about the future—about the possibilities that lay ahead for her and Alexander. There would still be challenges, she knew, but with this newfound understanding between them, she felt ready to face whatever came their way.
And as the morning sun streamed through the windows, filling the kitchen with light, Serena couldn't help but feel that this was just the beginning of something truly beautiful.