The next morning was calm, almost too calm. The air felt heavy, like the silence before a storm. Rina woke early, her body still tired but her mind sharp as ever. She got dressed in a soft white shirt and jeans, tied her hair into a bun, and made herself a quiet breakfast.
Luis didn't come out of his room. Bianca had left early, pretending to have another hospital checkup. The house was finally peaceful, and for the first time in a long while, Rina enjoyed the quiet. She sat by the window with her coffee, watching the sun rise. It looked like freedom bright and endless.
But freedom always came with a taste of something else. Bitterness.
Her phone buzzed. A message from Alex.
You at work yet?
She smiled softly. Not yet. Just thinking.
About me? he teased.
She laughed to herself and typed back, Maybe.
He sent a heart emoji. Something so simple, but it warmed her chest.
That afternoon, she went to the company her company dressed in a pale pink suit that hugged her figure just right. She spent hours in meetings, reviewing contracts, planning new expansions. Her employees looked up to her, respected her, even without knowing her true identity.
In the evening, she got a call from Luis. His voice was low, tired. "Rina, can we talk?"
She hesitated for a moment. "About what?"
"I just… I don't know what's happening anymore."
She sighed softly. "You made your choices, Luis."
There was silence on the line. She could almost hear the regret in his breathing. "I miss how things used to be."
Rina looked out the window at the glowing skyline. "Things used to be lies," she said quietly. "I don't miss that."
He didn't answer. She ended the call before he could say more.
Later that night, she sat on her balcony, sipping wine, thinking about how far she'd come. Revenge had brought her satisfaction, but it also left her heart heavy. She thought of Alex the warmth of his arms, the way he looked at her like she was something precious.
Maybe, she thought, rebirth wasn't just about revenge. Maybe it was also about finding what real love felt like.
The night breeze brushed against her skin as she smiled faintly, whispering to herself, "Bittersweet… just like freedom."
Rina tossed and turned all night. The bed felt too big, the house too quiet. No matter how many times she changed positions, sleep wouldn't come. Her mind kept drifting to Alex his warm eyes, his gentle voice, the way he had kissed her without hesitation, like he had always known she belonged with him.
Her phone buzzed softly beside her. It was Alex.
Can't sleep either, his message read. You okay?
She smiled a little, typing back, No. I've been staring at the ceiling for an hour.
A moment later, he replied, Maybe because I've been thinking about you too much.
Her heart skipped. That's your excuse? she teased.
It's not an excuse, he sent back. It's a confession.
Before she could even type another word, her phone rang. His voice came through, low and smooth. "Rina, get dressed. I'm outside."
Her eyes widened. "Alex, it's midnight."
"I know," he said, and she could hear the smirk in his voice. "But if you can't sleep, then come stay with me. You'll rest better in my arms."
She paused for a heartbeat, then got out of bed.
She picked out a fitted cream top, a short silk skirt, and packed a small bag with what she'd wear to work the next morning a simple but elegant beige dress. She brushed her hair, put on a soft nude lip gloss, and looked at herself in the mirror. Her reflection smiled back, glowing in the dim light.
When she stepped outside, his car was waiting at the gate. The headlights washed over her, and she saw him step out hair slightly messy, shirt half-buttoned, looking effortlessly good.
"You really came," she said quietly.
"I told you I would," he replied, opening the door for her.
In the car, the air was thick with silence not awkward, just charged. He glanced at her hand resting on her thigh, and for a second, his fingers brushed hers. She didn't pull away.
When they got to his mansion, he turned off the engine but didn't move. They sat there for a moment, eyes locked. Then slowly, he leaned closer, his breath warm against her cheek. "You're dangerous, Rina," he whispered.
"Why?" she asked softly.
"Because every time I look at you, I forget how to think."
Her pulse raced, but she smiled faintly. "Then stop thinking."
He kissed her slow, deep, unhurried, the kind of kiss that made her forget everything else. By the time they pulled apart, she was breathless.
He led her inside, his hand resting gently on the small of her back. That night, she lay beside him again, her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat.
For the first time in days, she finally slept peacefully, completely, and without fear.
The morning light slipped softly through the curtains, painting gold lines across the sheets. Rina blinked her eyes open slowly, her cheek pressed against Alex's chest. He was still asleep, his arm draped over her waist, holding her like she might vanish if he let go.
She watched him for a moment, studying the quiet strength in his face the relaxed lines, the soft breathing. He looked nothing like the powerful CEO everyone feared. Here, he looked gentle. Safe.
When she tried to move, his arm tightened slightly. "Don't," he murmured, half-asleep. "Stay a little longer."
She smiled and whispered, "I have work, remember?"
His eyes opened, still heavy with sleep, but filled with that familiar spark. "I could make you quit," he teased, his voice low and rough.
She laughed softly. "You wouldn't dare."
"I might," he said, leaning closer, his lips brushing her ear. "If it meant keeping you here."
Her cheeks warmed, and she playfully pushed his chest. "Alex, stop talking like that. I'll be late."
He sighed, finally letting her go. "Fine. But breakfast first."
He got up, shirtless, and walked out of the room. She took a deep breath, steadying herself, then got dressed in the beige dress she packed last night elegant, fitted, with a soft neckline that framed her collarbone. She tied her hair in a sleek ponytail, slipped into her nude heels, and added light makeup.
When she walked downstairs, Alex was already waiting at the dining table, wearing a crisp white shirt, sleeves rolled up, a cup of coffee in hand. He looked up, eyes following her every step.
"You're staring," she said, pretending not to notice the way his gaze lingered.
"I'm allowed to," he said, smiling. "You look beautiful."
She sat down across from him, sipping from the glass of orange juice he poured for her. They ate together quietly, a mix of warmth and teasing glances filling the air.
After breakfast, he drove her to work himself. When they got to her building, he leaned toward her, brushing a kiss against her temple. "Text me if you need anything," he said.
"I will," she whispered.
As she stepped out of the car, she could feel his eyes still on her, that same protective pull between them.
Upstairs, as she entered her office, her assistant greeted her with news about an upcoming meeting one that involved Luis's company.
Rina smiled slowly.
The day had only just begun, and she already knew it was going to be a very interesting one.