I shook my head. "It still gives me a headache if I look too long. Is something going on at the company?"

"No," Alexander replied, lowering his gaze for a fraction of a second before looking back at me. "Just rest for a few more days."

I looked around the restaurant. "This place has a nice atmosphere. The pianist plays beautifully... though I can’t tell what piece it is."

"It’s Kiss the Rain by Yiruma," he said.

I looked at him in surprise. "You know this?"

"I’ve heard it played before and remembered it."

The waiter brought over the desserts, steak, foie gras, and red wine, carefully pouring a glass for both of us. I had asked for something non-intoxicating because of the baby—I think Alexander assumed it was for my stomach, and didn’t comment.

Alexander picked up his glass, and I noticed his fingers brushing mine for the briefest moment as he handed it to me. My heart fluttered, though he didn’t meet my eyes.

I raised my glass to clink with his, took a small sip, and placed it back. I noticed his brow furrow slightly, just for a moment, as if he were thinking about something else.

"Why don’t you take a little more?" he asked softly.

"I’m scared it might upset my stomach again."

"Shouldn’t we talk to a specialist about it?"

"No, the doctor already prescribed another medicine, and I’m taking it."

Alexander’s gaze lingered on me for a moment longer than usual. I felt a flicker of unease, but he simply nodded and shifted his attention back to his plate.

He moved the steak in front of me to his side, cut it into pieces, then placed it back. His hand brushed mine again, subtly, as if checking I was steady.

"Thank you."

"You’re welcome," he said softly, his gaze warm as it met mine, which shimmered like clear autumn waters.

After dinner, we walked out of the restaurant hand in hand.

The cool breeze brushed against my face, carrying away the tension I hadn’t realized I was holding. Alexander subtly positioned himself on the outside of the sidewalk as we walked, shielding me from the throng of people. I smiled, thinking it was instinctive, but the faint glint in his eyes suggested he was more aware than he let on.

"Shall we head home?" he asked.

"Let’s walk around nearby. It’ll help with digestion," I suggested, a playful glint in my eyes.

"Alright."

We strolled down the street, hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder. This was the bustling part of the city, full of people and noise—but it suddenly felt as if we weren’t the couple who had been on the brink of divorce just a few days ago.

We moved through the crowd quietly, blending in like any other couple, laughing and chatting.

In the middle of the throng, I felt a strange sense of peace.

How I wished we could walk like this forever—hand in hand.

As we walked, I spotted a musical theater across the street. "Alexander, can we check it out?" I asked.

"Sure," he said, his Adam’s apple shifting as he smiled.

We entered the theater. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

The hall was filled with relaxing music, and couples danced the waltz across the floor. Small booths were scattered around, where people sat together, chatting and sipping drinks.

Noticing me watching the dancers, Alexander’s lips curved into a faint smile. "Would you like to dance?"

I pressed my lips together, hesitant. "I... don’t know how."

"I can teach you."

My eyes lit up.

Alexander bowed slightly before me, extending his hand. I placed my hand gently in his.

With a charming smile, he led me to the dance floor. "Place your hand on my shoulder, and follow my steps slowly."

As the soothing music played, we began to dance, moving slowly, our steps deliberate and restrained. Alexander leaned in slightly, counting the beats softly in my ear. His breath brushed against my skin, and I instinctively pulled back a little.

I stumbled, struggling to keep up, and accidentally stepped on his leather shoe, leaving a small imprint.

"I’m sorry," I murmured, looking up at him, embarrassment flashing in my eyes.

Alexander smiled and whispered, "It’s okay."

For a moment, I froze.

The lights on the dance floor flickered, reflecting off his strong features—sculpted like an ancient Greek statue, sharp and defined. His lips curled into the slightest smile, and his eyes, sparkling like jewels, locked onto mine, pulling me in completely.

"What? Are you mesmerized?" he teased.

"What—" I quickly lowered my head, almost tripping over my own feet.

Alexander chuckled softly. My ears flushed bright red.

After a moment, I gathered my confidence. The hem of my dress swirled as I moved, light and graceful, like a gentle breeze.

Alexander placed his hand lightly on my waist, allowing me to dance freely.

"Got the hang of it?" he asked softly.

"Mm."

Suddenly, someone bumped into me. I lost my balance and stumbled into Alexander’s chest.

Without hesitation, he wrapped his arm around my waist. "Are you alright?"

"I’m fine."

"I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bump into you," the person apologized sheepishly.

"It’s okay," I said with a faint smile.

"Let’s sit for a while," Alexander suggested, noticing the beads of sweat on my forehead. He guided me off the dance floor.

We found a booth and sat down. Alexander excused himself to the restroom.

A man with honey-colored hair approached our booth, holding a glass of wine. He tried to sound casual. "Miss, would you do me the honor of dancing?"

I shook my head. "Sorry, I’m a bit tired."

But he sat down across from me anyway, signaling the waiter and taking a glass of wine from the tray. He placed it in front of me. "How about a drink?"

"I don’t drink," I said firmly.

He leaned back, smirking. "I noticed you’re sitting alone. How about I keep you company for a bit? Let me introduce myself. I am Daniel Caldwell, heir to Echelon Industries. And you are—" He raised an eyebrow, clearly expecting a reaction.

I could tell exactly what he was doing—acting like he owned the room. The title was bait; women often flocked to it.

"I’m..."

"Daniel Caldwell"

Daniel looked pleased, but before I could finish my sentence, someone tapped him on the shoulder from behind.

He turned, his confident attitude shifting instantly. He stood up quickly. "CEO Blackwood, you’re here too?"

"What’s going on here?" Alexander asked, his tone calm and indifferent.

"Oh, nothing," Daniel stammered. "Just introducing myself to this lovely lady."

Alexander sat beside me. "Let me introduce you. This is my sister, Alicia Sinclair."

Daniel’s smile faltered just slightly as he turned to me, offering a sheepish grin. "Ah, Miss Alicia, my apologies."

"Let’s go. It’s time to head back," Alexander said, taking my hand.

"Okay." I stood with him. "It’s nice meeting you," I added with a smile.

"The same here, Miss Alicia," Daniel replied, his tone careful now.

Hand in hand, we exited the ballroom. As we stepped outside, Alexander’s voice dropped to a low warning. "That Daniel Caldwell isn’t someone to trust. Keep your distance."

I chuckled softly and glanced at him. "He seemed like a nice guy, though. Why don’t you like him?"

Alexander’s expression darkened. "You can never tell what someone’s really like just by looking at them. A bad person doesn’t wear a label on their face. You’ve met him once—how much do you really know about him?"

"I understand," I murmured, lowering my gaze, not daring to argue.

We walked to the parking lot in front of the restaurant.

Alexander opened the passenger door for me, waiting patiently as I slid in. When I struggled with the seatbelt, I felt his hands gently guide it for me.

I froze the moment I realized how close he was. Our gazes met, and I felt a jolt I couldn’t name. His eyes drifted slowly from mine to my lips, and I noticed the subtle movement of his Adam’s apple as he swallowed.

Then his gaze returned to mine. Slowly, deliberately, he leaned in. My breath caught, and I couldn’t move, my heartbeat racing.

His warm breath brushed against my face. I closed my eyes instinctively, the world narrowing to him—just him—so close I could feel the faintest heat from his skin.