(Amelia Carter's POV)
The morning felt… quieter than usual.
Amelia noticed it while standing by the window, her fingers lightly touching the edge of the curtain. Her thoughts weren't as scattered as before, but they weren't settled either.
Last night still lingered.
The things he had said and those he hadn't.
She heard his footsteps before she turned.
"You're awake early," Ethan said.
She glanced at him briefly. "I couldn't sleep much."
He didn't as why. He rarely did.
"You're coming with me today," he said.
Amelia frowned slightly. "Where?"
"Work."
That caught her off guard. "Why?"
Ethan's gaze held hers. "Because I don't want you here alone."
Amelia studied him for a moment before nodding slowly. "Alright."
Amelia stood in front of the mirror for longer than she expected.
She wasn't sure why she was thinking this much about what to wear. It wasn't like she was going anywhere special.
Just his office.
Still, something about it made her pause.
She finally reached for a dress she hadn't paid much attention to before. It was simple at first glance, but when she held it up, she noticed the way it was cut. Soft fabric, fitted just enough to follow her shape without being too obvious about it. The color was deep– somewhere between charcoal and midnight blue– and it made her skin stand out more than she expected.
When she put it on, she noticed the difference immediately.
It sat well on her. Not tight, not loose.
Just right.
The fabric rested smoothly along her waist, tracing her curves in a quiet, effortless way. The neckline was modest, but it framed her collarbone nicely, and the length fell just below her knees, giving her a balance of elegance and simplicity.
She adjusted it slightly, smoothing her hands over the sides.
For a second, she just looked at herself.
Then she let out a small breath, like she was done overthinking it.
"It's just an office," she muttered under her breath.
When she stepped out, Ethan was already waiting.
He didn't say anything immediately.
His gaze moved over her in a quiet, assessing way before settling back on her face.
Amelia noticed it.
And for some reason, it made her more aware of herself than she had been a moment ago.
"What?" she asked, brushing a hand lightly against the side of her dress.
Ethan's expression didn't change much.
But something in his eyes did.
"Nothing," he said.
A brief pause.
Then, suddenly – "You look good"
Amelia looked at him for a second longer than necessary before looking away slightly.
"Let's go," she said.
But her voice wasn't as unaffected as she wanted it to be.
His office was nothing like the house.
It was bigger, busier and alive in a way that felt controlled but intense at the same time.
People moved quickly, voices low, footsteps steady. The moment Ethan walked in conversations softened, people straightened and eyes followed him.
"This way," Ethan said, guiding her toward a quieter part of the building.
They hadn't gone far when a woman approached.
Tall, polished and confident in the way she carries herself.
Her hair's short caramel–brown bob with fringes scattered around her well defined face.
Her heels clicked softly against the floor as she stopped in front of them.
"Ethan," she said, her voice smooth.
There was familiarity in it. More than just professional.
Amelia noticed that immediately.
"I didn't know you were coming in today."
Ethan's expression didn't change. "I had something to handle."
Her gaze shifted to Amelia.
And lingered.
Just a second longer than necessary.
"And who is this?" she asked.
The question sounded casual. But it wasn't.
Amelia felt it.
Ethan didn't hesitate. "My wife."
The word settled in the space between them.
The woman blinked, just once.
A small reaction.
Quickly hidden.
"I see," she said.
But something about the way she said it didn't quite match the words.
Amelia held her gaze this time.
The woman's lips curved slightly, but it didn't reach her eyes.
"You didn't mention you were married," she said, her attention returning to Ethan.
"I didn't think it was necessary."
"Of course," she replied lightly. "You tend to keep things to yourself."
There was a pause.
Then she extended her hand toward Amelia.
"I'm Victoria."
Amelia took it.
"Amelia."
Victoria's grip was firm. Confident. But her gaze didn't soften.Not even a little.
The rest of the interaction was brief. At least on the surface.
Victoria stayed for a moment longer, speaking mostly to Ethan, but her attention never fully left Amelia.
And when she finally left, the air felt different.
Amelia didn't speak immediately as they continued walking.
But her thoughts had shifted.
"She doesn't like me," she said finally.
Ethan glanced at her.
"No," he replied. No hesitation.
No attempt to soften it.
Amelia raised a brow slightly. "You're just going to say it like that?"
"Yes."
She let out a quiet breath, almost amused.
"At least you're honest."
Ethan didn't respond to that.
Later, when they were alone in his office, Amelia sat near the window, her gaze drifting over the city below.
"She knows you well," she said.
Ethan looked up from his desk. "She works with me."
"That's not what I meant."
He studied her for a moment.
Amelia turned slightly to face him.
"There's history there," she said.
It wasn't an accusation.
Just an observation.
Ethan didn't look away.
"Yes."
The answer came easily.
Amelia nodded slowly, her expression unreadable.
"Okay."
That was all she said.
But something about the quietness of it made Ethan pause.
"You don't have anything else to say?" he asked.
Amelia shrugged slightly, turning her gaze back to the window.
"Should I?"
Ethan leaned back slightly, watching her now.
"That depends."
"On what?"
"On what you're thinking."
Amelia was quiet for a moment.
Then–
"I think she doesn't like that I'm here," she said.
Ethan didn't deny it.
"She'll adjust."
Amelia let out a soft breath.
"I don't think she plans to."
That made him look at her differently.
More closely.
Later, as they left the office, Amelia felt it again. Like someone was watching.
She turned instinctively.
But saw nothing.
Just people moving.
Something didn't sit right.
Amelia looked forward again, her steps slowing just slightly.
Ethan noticed.
But didn't say anything.