For the sake of burning love

il. Every polite smile exchanged with guests felt like a mask hiding the churning anxiety within her. She tried to focus on Alaric, but the moment Vic

herself to maintain her composure. She was here, after all, a well-dressed tr

o the moment. She looked up, meeting his dark, penetrating gaze. He seemed genuinely c

ing on a smile that felt more like a gri

oftening for a brief second. But then, just as quickly, the mask returned, an

caught Victoria's gaze trailing after her, a smirk playing on the woman's lips. The expression made her s

ed for her drink, she caught sight of her reflection in the polished surface of the bar. The perfect dress, the flawle

to see Marcus, Alaric's business partner, approaching with a charming s

ied, forcing her smile wider.

leaning against the bar casually. "Especially with s

nge wasn't just about dealing with his personality-it was navigating the com

to shift the focus away from herself

omplain, it pays the bills." He leaned in closer, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "I must admit, you've man

her surprise with a laugh. "I doubt that," she s

self short. There's something about you-he looks at you differently tha

nto a world of power and privilege, could somehow reach him? Before she could entertain the though

hint of irritation in his tone

s abruptness. "Of course, Alaric. Good to see you, Mel

" Alaric asked, his g

ely, trying to ignore the way his proximity made he

You don't need to be overly friendly with m

not just a part to be played, Alaric!" she retorted, her voice rais

ension. Melisa could see the conflict behind his eyes, the battle between the man he was and the one he pretend

id, his voice low and controlle

a sense of defiance rising within her. She was tired of being his shadow,

nt to understand this-understand us. If we're goin

is eyes narrowing slightly. "What

his marriage together, I want to know you. I want to break down t

ssion-a flicker of surprise, perhaps even consideration. But j

, "this is not the time or place for such di

start a scene in front of the guests. Instead, she nodded curtly, swallowing her

-

ed her role with practiced ease, laughing at the right moments, nodding in agreement durin

edge of the ballroom, watching Alaric as he chatted with a group of his associates. She could see the confidence in hi

ally breaking away from the

sper. She turned to follow him, but the ache in

her, a gesture that felt both courteous and strangely distant. As she slid into the luxurious interi

a stared out the window, watching the city lights blur past, each flicker a r

he engine but made no move to get out. Instead, he leaned back agai

g for a moment, then steeling her

is there to talk about, Melisa? This is how it is. We

with passion. "I didn't want this life, Alaric. I didn't want t

rief moment, Melisa saw the flash of anger in his eyes. But j

u shut me out from the beginning, and I can't keep living like this

charged. She could see the internal stru