Mira stared at the photo for several seconds too long.
Alexander and Victoria looked comfortable together.
Close.
Real.
Far more real than the carefully staged engagement the media obsessed over.
A strange heaviness settled in her chest.
And she hated it immediately.
“This is why you disappeared that morning, isn’t it?” she asked quietly, handing the phone back to him.
Alexander’s expression remained unreadable. “It was a business meeting.”
“With your ex-girlfriend?”
“Yes.”
Mira laughed softly, though there was no humor in it. “Of course.”
Alexander studied her carefully. “You’re upset.”
“I’m not upset.”
“You’re lying.”
“That’s bold coming from someone whose entire relationship is fake.”
The words came out sharper than intended.
For the first time in days, tension settled
