Emily barely slept.
Not because of fear.
Not because of uncertainty.
But because Alexander's words kept replaying in her mind.
This is real.
By sunrise, pale gold light spilled across the Geneva silk curtains of their Milan bedroom.
She woke to find Alexander already dressed for work, standing near the window in a charcoal suit, reading messages on his phone.
He looked exactly as he always did—
Controlled.
Sharp.
Untouchable.
As if he had not shattered the foundation of their arrangement the night before.
Emily sat up slowly.
"You're acting very normal."
Alexander glanced at her.
"I have a board meeting at nine."
Emily stared at him in disbelief.
"That's all you have to say after destroying our marriage contract?"
He put down his phone and walked toward the bed.
Then sat beside her.
For once, there was no distance between them.
"No," he said quietly.
"That is not all."
He touched her hand—
Simple.
Warm.
Intentional.
Emily's breath caught.
Alexander looked directly into her eyes.
"I meant every word."
Before she could respond, his assistant called through the secure line.
Another crisis.
Another emergency.
The moment broke.
But this time, Emily did not feel abandoned.
Because now she knew—
He had chosen her.