The morning light in Singapore was soft and golden, filtering through the floor-to-ceiling windows and casting gentle streaks across the polished wood floor.
Siena blinked awake slowly, realizing she was still wrapped up in the warmth of Alexander. His arm hadn't moved during the night. It was still around her waist, and his breathing was calm and even against her back.
She didn't move for a moment. She just lay there, trying to understand the sudden softness of it all.
This wasn't supposed to feel like this.
They weren't supposed to be like this.
But they were.
She slowly shifted to sit up, and as she did, Alexander stirred.
"You're up early," he murmured, his voice rough with sleep.
"I didn't want to miss the sunrise," she said, even though she hadn't thought about it until now.
He pushed himself up on his elbows, his eyes trailing her face like he was searching for something. "Did you sleep okay?"
"Yeah," she said. "Actually… yeah."
He gave a small nod and got out of bed.
Siena found herself watching him as he walked to the window, standing there shirtless, arms crossed, as the city began to wake behind the glass.
She didn't say anything. But something about the moment settled into her chest. Quiet. Calm. Maybe dangerous too, because it felt real.
---
They had a light breakfast on the terrace. The team from Knight Enterprises will be arriving soon. Meetings were scheduled. Mr. Han had invited them to a formal dinner that evening. It was supposed to be business-focused—but also family-friendly.
Alexander looked at her across the table. "Are you comfortable with today's setup?"
"You mean sitting through hours of company talk while pretending to be your doting wife?"
He smirked. "Exactly."
"I can handle it," she said. "You're not that hard to pretend to care about."
His eyes darkened slightly, amused. "Is that a compliment?"
"Take it however you want."
"I'll take it as a win."
---
Later, dressed in another elegant outfit provided by the stylist—this one a soft cream pantsuit with gold accents—Siena sat beside Alexander in the back of a sleek black car.
The ride to the corporate headquarters was quiet.
She noticed he kept glancing at her.
"What?" she finally asked.
"You're adjusting fast."
She shrugged. "I watch, I learn."
"You're doing more than that," he said. "You're adapting. Fast."
"Maybe I'm more than you expected."
He looked out the window, a smile tugging at the edge of his lips. "You are."
---
The meetings were long. Complicated. There were slides, numbers, future projections, merger terms, silent tension, and bursts of laughter that didn't feel all that genuine.
Siena mostly stayed quiet. But when asked a casual question by one of Mr. Han's associates about what it was like to be married to Alexander, she didn't falter.
"He's organized. Driven. And very annoying when he skips meals to work," she said with a straight face.
The room broke into light laughter.
Alexander, to his credit, didn't react much—just shot her a subtle look that said: You'll pay for that.
---
That evening, they attended the dinner.
It was a private rooftop event at a five-star restaurant. The sunset painted the sky in deep hues of orange and lavender, and the tables were decorated with delicate orchids.
Siena held a glass of sparkling juice as they moved through small circles of guests. Alexander's hand was on the small of her back most of the time—casual, but firm. A silent message.
They're watching. Smile. Stay close. Play the part.
Except it didn't feel like a part anymore.
She was smiling for real.
---
Dinner was served. Mr. Han's wife, a graceful woman in her late fifties, leaned toward Siena during the third course.
"You and your husband… you have a quiet understanding. That's rare in newlyweds."
Siena smiled softly. "We've had a strange journey."
"But you like each other?"
She paused. "Yes. I think we do."
The older woman nodded. "That matters more than most people think."
Siena glanced at Alexander. He was deep in conversation with Mr. Han and two younger execs, his hand still loosely resting against her back.
Yes. They liked each other.
That was dangerous.
---
Back at the hotel suite, she kicked off her heels and collapsed onto the couch, groaning.
"I've never smiled that much in my life."
Alexander loosened his tie. "You were perfect."
"I don't know how you do this all the time."
"You learn to hide exhaustion behind politeness."
"I'd rather sleep for three days."
He walked over and handed her a glass of water.
She took it and looked up at him. "Was today enough to seal the deal?"
"We're close. Very close."
She nodded, then leaned her head back. "I don't know if I'm helping or just… being extra baggage."
"You're not baggage," he said, crouching in front of her. "You're the only reason Han's even considering a deal this personal. You gave him something to trust."
Siena blinked. "How?"
"Because you're honest. And because they believe what they see in you."
She laughed tiredly. "They believe we're in love."
He didn't say anything.
Just looked at her.
The silence hung thick.
"Alexander—" she began.
"Let's not define it tonight," he said softly. "Let's just rest."
---
That night, she didn't go to the guest room.
And neither of them brought it up.
---
The next morning, things felt different.
Not awkward. Not heavy. Just different.
Alexander handed her coffee with a quiet, "Morning."
"Thanks," she said.
And they sat on the balcony again. Watching the city come alive beneath them.
She turned to him suddenly. "Do you ever get tired of pretending?"
His answer was slow. "Sometimes I'm not sure when I stopped pretending."
She held her mug tighter.
He reached over and took her free hand. "Let's just… be. No pressure. No definitions."
"Even if that means getting attached?"
"Especially if it does."
---
And just like that, they crossed a line.
Not physically.
Emotionally.
And there was no going back.
Just going forward and hoping things go as planned .