The media attention was intense for about two weeks, then gradually died down as other scandals captured the public's attention. Maya's work spoke for itself—the campaigns she'd developed since joining Sinclair Enterprises had been hugely successful, and even the most cynical reporters couldn't argue with results.
She and Alexander developed a routine of sorts. Professional during business hours, but no longer hiding their relationship. Alexander would pick her up for lunch, or they'd leave the office together at the end of the day. Simple things that felt revolutionary after weeks of secrecy.
"I have a confession," Alexander said one evening as they walked through Pike Place Market.
"Oh?"
"I've never done this before."
Maya looked at him curiously. "Done what?"
"This. Dating. Being in a relationship where I actually care about the other person's opinion."
Maya stopped walking. "Never?"
Alexander looked embarrassed. "I've had relationships, obviously. But they were always... transactional, I suppose. Convenient. I never had to consider anyone else's needs or feelings."
"And now?"
"Now I worry about whether you're happy. Whether I'm doing this right. Whether I deserve you."
Maya reached up to cup his face in her hands. "You deserve to be happy, Alexander. And you make me happy."
"Even with all the complications?"
"Especially with all the complications."