The next morning, Elena woke up to the sound of rain tapping softly against the window. The sky was gray, and the air smelled fresh. She wrapped a shawl around her shoulders and walked toward the window, watching the drops slide down the glass. For a moment, the world outside looked peaceful — unlike the storm that lived quietly inside her chest.
When she came downstairs, the mansion was quiet as usual. Mrs. Carter was in the kitchen, humming softly while arranging breakfast. "Good morning, Mrs. Knight," she greeted with a kind smile.
"Good morning," Elena replied. "Is Mr. Knight around?"
"He left early, dear. Said he had a meeting."
Elena nodded. It didn't surprise her anymore. Alexander was always busy. His life seemed to revolve around his company, his image, and his endless phone calls. Sometimes she wondered if he ever truly rested.
After breakfast, Elena decided to explore more of the house. There were so many rooms she hadn't seen yet — long hallways, old paintings, closed doors. The mansion felt like a maze built to hide stories.
She passed by the same door she had seen the night she arrived — the one that led to the room with the piano. It was slightly open again. Curiosity tugged at her, and she pushed it gently.
The room smelled faintly of old wood and dust. A grand piano sat at the center, covered with a white sheet. The curtains were half-drawn, letting in soft light that made the air sparkle. Elena stepped closer, running her hand lightly over the piano cover.
When she lifted it, the keys looked untouched — silent and lonely. She pressed one key softly. The sound echoed through the empty room, sweet and haunting.
Then a voice came from behind her. "You shouldn't be in here."
She turned quickly. Alexander stood by the door, his expression unreadable. His shirt sleeves were rolled up, his hair slightly wet from the rain.
"I'm sorry," she said quickly. "The door was open. I didn't mean to—"
"It's fine," he interrupted, his tone calm but distant. He walked closer, his eyes on the piano. "I just don't come here anymore."
"You play?" she asked softly.
He hesitated, then nodded. "I used to."
She smiled gently. "You must have been good."
He gave a small, dry laugh. "That was a long time ago."
There was something in his voice — a heaviness that made her heart tighten. "Why did you stop?"
His eyes stayed fixed on the piano. "Some things lose their meaning when the person you played for is no longer there."
Elena didn't know what to say. She felt a sudden wave of sadness for him, for the man behind all the walls he had built. She wanted to ask who that person was, but his face told her not to.
After a moment, he said quietly, "You should get ready. We have an event tonight."
"An event?"
"Yes. A charity dinner. You'll meet some of my business partners. Dress appropriately — Daniel will bring the details."
And just like that, the moment between them vanished. He turned and walked out, leaving her standing beside the silent piano.
That evening, Elena wore a long silver gown that shimmered softly under the light. Her hair was styled simply, and a pair of diamond earrings completed the look. When she came downstairs, Alexander was waiting near the door, dressed in a black suit.
He looked at her briefly, his gaze calm but unreadable. "You look fine," he said.
"Thank you," she murmured.
They drove together to the event. Cameras flashed as soon as they stepped out. Alexander took her hand — not gently, but firmly — and they walked side by side into the grand hall. To the public, they looked perfect, like a couple deeply in love.
But behind their smiles was silence.
Inside the hall, music played softly. Wealthy guests mingled, champagne glasses in hand. Elena smiled politely as Daniel introduced her to several people. Everyone spoke kindly, but she could feel their eyes studying her — judging, measuring, wondering if she truly belonged beside Alexander Knight.
At one point, a woman with sharp eyes and a perfect smile approached her. "Mrs. Knight," she said sweetly. "You're even more beautiful than the pictures."
"Thank you," Elena said with a polite smile.
"I must say, your husband never mentioned you before. It's surprising how suddenly he decided to marry."
Elena's smile didn't falter, though her heart skipped. "Love doesn't always need time," she said softly.
The woman smiled faintly, clearly not believing her. "Of course. Enjoy your evening, dear."
When the woman left, Elena exhaled quietly. Alexander, who had been standing nearby, leaned closer. "You handled that well."
"I'm learning," she said, her lips curving slightly.
His eyes met hers, and for a brief moment, something warm flickered there — admiration, maybe even respect. But it was gone as soon as it came.
Later in the evening, while Alexander was talking with investors, Elena stepped out to the balcony for some air. The city lights stretched below, endless and beautiful. She closed her eyes, letting the cool breeze touch her skin.
"You don't like crowds," a familiar voice said behind her.
She turned. It was Alexander.
"They make me nervous," she admitted.
He nodded. "You did well tonight."
"Thank you," she said quietly. "But sometimes I wonder how you do it — stay so calm all the time."
He looked at the city below. "You learn to be calm when the world watches your every move."
"Still," she said softly, "it must be lonely."
He didn't reply right away. Then he said, "Loneliness is easier to manage than disappointment."
The way he said it made her chest ache. She wanted to ask what had disappointed him so deeply, but his expression made her stop. Instead, she said gently, "Maybe one day you'll tell me about it."
He gave a faint smile — the first real one she had seen from him. "Maybe."
The drive home was quiet, but not uncomfortable. For the first time, she felt a strange calm sitting beside him.
When they reached the mansion, Alexander walked her to the door. "You did well tonight," he said again, his tone softer this time.
"Thank you," she replied, meeting his eyes.
He hesitated for a second, as if he wanted to say something more, but then he simply said, "Goodnight, Elena."
"Goodnight, Alexander."
As she watched him walk away, her heart fluttered in a way she didn't understand. Maybe it was nothing — or maybe it was the beginning of something she hadn't expected.
When she returned to her room, the rain had stopped. The house was silent again. She stood by her window, touching the ring on her finger.
It still wasn't a ring of love — but slowly, something inside her was beginning to change.