""Haven’t you and Lilian been photographed together countless times already?"I asked him

"The situation is different."

"How?"

"I’m a public figure," Alexander replied calmly. "You’re not. If you’re exposed, everything about you will be dragged into the spotlight. Your past, your actions—everything will be judged. Aiden’s fans may not accept you. Beyond online backlash, there could even be extreme fans who act out. Are you sure you can handle that?"

I stayed quiet.

He wasn’t wrong.

I had always kept a low profile. I avoided cameras, avoided attention. Even at Èclat Beauty’s product launches, I stayed behind the scenes while a spokesperson handled the spotlight.

Being with Aiden would mean constant exposure... constant scrutiny.

Exhausting.

I already knew what he was implying was that Aiden is not suitable for me."

" you should think carefully about this Alicia, think about What happens to his career if you’re seen together?,With his current status," Alexander continued, "it could affect him too."

I understood his reasoning.

But I wasn’t about to give in.

"Thank you for your concern," I said, my tone firm. "But if I truly like someone, none of that matters. Obstacles can be dealt with."

His expression stiffened instantly, his jaw tightening. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

The displeasure in his eyes was no longer hidden.

I almost laughed.

He was overreacting to something that barely existed.

"I don’t owe you an explanation about my life anymore," I added coldly.

Alexander frowned, rubbing his forehead as if restraining himself. "Alicia, don’t act impulsively."

"How am I being impulsive?" I shot back, my voice steady despite the anger rising inside me.

"I’m worried about you," he said, his tone heavier now. "Aiden may not be the right person for you. I don’t want you doing something you’ll regret."

"Something I’ll regret?" I repeated, raising an eyebrow. "Are you talking about cheating?"

He fell silent.

That silence said everything.

"Don’t worry," I continued, a bitter smile forming. "Until we’re officially divorced, I won’t be sleeping in another man’s bed."

The words came out sharper than I intended—but I didn’t take them back.

"I have my principles."

My grandparents were simple farmers. My father was an honest journalist. No matter where I ended up in life, there were lines I would never cross.

Cheating was one of them.

Even if...

I clenched my hands slightly.

Even if he already had.

After a brief silence, he finally spoke.

"Where do you want to go? I’ll have you dropped off."

I gave him the address.

He called Jim back into the car and instructed him to drive.

A few minutes into the ride, his phone rang.

He hesitated before answering.

"...Hello. Okay, I understand. I’ll be right there."

I didn’t need to ask who it was.

"Stop the car, Jim," I said immediately.

Jim hesitated, glancing at me through the rearview mirror before looking at Alexander.

"Stop," Alexander said quietly.

The car came to a halt.

"Alicia, I’m sorry," he said, his expression conflicted. "I have to go."

"It’s fine," I replied, already opening the door.

But before I could step out, his hand caught my wrist.

I paused, my gaze dropping to his hand before lifting to his face.

"Jim will take you to the mall," he said. "I’ll get another car."

"It’s not necessary," I said flatly, pulling my hand free. "You can take the car."

I stepped out and shut the door without looking back.

Luckily, a taxi was passing by.

I raised my hand, stopping it, and got in immediately—

Before Alexander could say anything else.

Alexander’s POV

The car rolled into the hospital parking lot, and I stepped out, my expression unreadable. Without wasting a second, I made my way toward the psychologist’s office. I knocked once before pushing the door open.

"Mr. Alexander Blackwood, Miss Summer’s session is over. Her condition hasn’t improved—in fact, it’s worsened.