The next morning dawned bright and clear, but the air between Diana and Alejandro was unusually stiff. As the household stirred to life, Alejandro carried himself with a distant, almost stoic demeanor. He greeted everyone politely but avoided meeting Diana's eyes for longer than necessary.
In the dining room, Diana sat at the table with her parents and Antonio, the weight of Alejandro's behavior gnawing at her. She tried to catch his gaze when he came in briefly to inform Mr. Castillo of his schedule at the plantation, but he kept his tone professional and his eyes neutral.
"Good morning, Miss Castillo," Alejandro said evenly, bowing his head slightly as he addressed her. His formality stung, and for a moment, she couldn't find her voice.
"Good morning," she replied softly, her confusion evident, but Alejandro had already turned his attention back to her father.
