The camera flashed.
Allesandro grinned, standing tall next to Ever, his arm around her waist. The kids fidgeted beside them, and he couldn't help but feel a warmth spread through him. They looked perfect, like a family, like everything was fine.
"Say cheese!" the photographer called.
"Cheese!" the kids shouted, with their bright smiles lighting up the room.
Eve barely smiled, her lips tight as she adjusted her daughter's dress, avoiding his eyes.
"You look amazing tonight," he whispered to her, his voice low, a little softer than usual.
She didn't respond immediately, still focused on the children. "Mm-hmm," she murmured, adjusting her son's tie.
Alessandro chuckled lightly. "It's just us now. Can't we at least pretend to enjoy this?"
She finally glanced up at him, her smile tight, but her eyes were distant. "This is fine," she said, her tone flat. "It's just a picture."
He didn't let the tension show, keeping his smile in place. "I'm happy we're here together, Ever. It's been a long time since we had a moment like this."
Ever's eyes flickered to the kids as they tugged at her dress. "Yeah," she said quietly. "A moment like this…"
The photographer snapped a few more pictures before nodding. "Thank you. That's perfect."
As the photographer moved on, Allesandro leaned closer to Ever, his hand brushing against hers. "Let's stay like this for a while. I like it. Just... us."
Ever stepped back, pulling her hand away. "We've got other things to do, Allesandro."
He paused, watching her, his face softening. "I just want us to be okay. I really do."
She didn't meet his eyes, but her voice was quieter now. "We're fine. For tonight."
"Is that all you'll give me? Just tonight?" His words were low, almost hurt.
Ever glanced up at him then, her eyes betraying something unspoken. "I can only give what I can, Allesandro."
He wanted to reach for her again, but something held him back. "I'm just... happy, you know? That we're here, together. The kids... they deserve this, and so do we."
She didn't say anything for a long moment. Instead, she motioned toward the kids, already bouncing off toward the next part of the event. "Come on. They want to see the animals."
Alessandro followed, the smile still lingering on his face. But this time, it didn't feel as real.
He glanced at her again, wondering if he would ever truly fix what had been broken between them.
The kids were already running ahead, excited to see the next part of the event. Her thoughts still swirling, followed them with a forced smile, but Allesandro couldn't help but enjoy the moment he was still savoring the picture-perfect family image they'd just created.
Suddenly, the host's voice rang out over the crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our sponsors for the school, Mr. and Mrs. Wales!"
Ever stopped moving. The crowd clapped, but she just stood there, her face not showing any feelings. Allesandro smiled, thinking he could go to her, but then Ever turned a little bit and said in a quiet voice, "No." She looked at two other people and said, "I'm going with Mr. Wales and Mrs. Miller."
Alessandro blinked, taken aback by her correction. For a moment, there was only the sound of the applause surrounding them, as everyone seemed to wait for what would happen, of course. Mr. Wales and Mrs. Miller."
The host didn't seem to catch that.
Ever walked ahead of him, her back straight, not waiting for him to follow. Alessandro stood for a moment, his chest tightening, before he followed, keeping a careful distance between them.
He glanced at Ever, who had her eyes fixed on the crowd, her lips in a tight smile.As they reached the stage, the host, an older man with a friendly smile, greeted them warmly.
"Mr. and Mrs. Wales, a big thank you for your generous sponsorship," the host began, his voice warm. "It's so wonderful to have you both here. I'd like to ask you a few questions, if you don't mind."
Alessandro gave a small nod, his smile still present but strained. Ever stood next to him, her arms crossed, her posture rigid, her eyes scanning the crowd.
"Of course, please," Ever said, her voice polite but distant.
The host turned to her first, still smiling broadly. "Mrs. Wales, I know you've been basically involved with this charity for several years. What inspired you to support such a fantastic cause?"
Ever looked at him for a second before responding, There is only one thing… "No one made me go to school, take a shower or eat well, so I have always loved helping out and especially children who don't get those lucky chances."
The host modded appreciatively before shifting his focus to Allesandro. "And Mr. Wales, how did you become involved in this charity, and what inspired you to start your business?"
The lights in Alessandro's eyes flickered slightly when he heard someone mention his job. Well, let me tell you the story, it is quite simple actually; we wanted to build a successful business, but at the same time give back to the people.
Had shot him short and teeths bared but did not utter a single word. The host then smiled, looking between them with a bit more curiosity.
However, there are some stories that have an incredibly fascinating history." They may be asking, how did you two meet? And... the question on everyone's mind, "What's the reason for your divorce?"
Alessandro's smile disappeared for just a moment. Ever's jaw tightened, but she didn't back down.
"Well," she began, her voice measured, "sometimes life doesn't go as planned. Sometimes life has brought you through very much, and some of these relationships may be a dream or do not end as you expect them to.
Alessandro squirmed a little in his chair. His voice was deeper when he muttered, "It's complicated."
The host perceived the awkwardness but continued; she only smiled as though she knew what was up. "I see.So, are there any plans to remarry, then? A lot of people are curious if that's in the cards for the two of you."
For a moment, Ever didn't answer. She looked at Alessandro, her eyes cold and distant. Alessandro's breath caught in his chest, but he kept his composure.
"Let's just say," Ever finally said, her voice even, "that we're concentrating on what's directly ahead of us right now ,the charity, our family... everything else will fall into place at the right time."
The host raised an eyebrow but didn't pursue it. "Well, there you have it, folks! A truly inspiring couple who are passionate about making a difference."
Ever's eyes flicked to Allesandro again, her lips pressing into a thin line. The applause that followed seemed hollow, as the crowd's approval fell just short of reaching the stage.
As they descended the stage, the spotlight fading, Ever's heel caught the edge of the platform. Time froze for a moment as she stumbled right away; her arms flailed, trying to balance herself.
"Ever!" Alessandro's voice was sharp, his hand shooting out instinctively even as the distance between them was too great.