Chapter Three: Cracks in the Ice
755 Words
Alina hummed quietly as she folded fresh laundry in the guest room. The soft scent of lavender clung to the sheets, bringing a small comfort. She’d started finding little ways to make the mansion feel like a home at least to her.Why are you doing that Damian’s voice startled her. He stood by the door, hands in his pockets, watching her with a puzzled frown.
I… I like to keep busy she replied, placing another folded shirt in the drawer.
We have staff for that. I know. But it calms me, she said simply. He didn’t respond immediately. Instead, his gaze lingered on her, as if trying to understand something that didn’t quite add up. You don’t behave like someone who’s been forced into marriage he finally said. Alina looked up. “What does someone like that behave like? Bitter. Angry. Distant. She gave a soft shrug. “I’m used to being unwanted. I suppose I’ve learned how to stay quiet and blend in.”
For a second, something like guilt flickered in his eyes.
That night, Damian stood at the doorway to Alina’s room. He watched through the slight crack as she sat on the edge of her bed, reading. The lamp beside her bathed her face in warm light, and for the first time, he noticed how peaceful she looked when she wasn’t trying so hard.
He didn’t knock. He just stood there for a moment, then turned away before she could see him.
The next morning, something changed.
At breakfast, Alina sat quietly as usual, sipping her tea. But this time, Damian broke the silence......,.m,,mm
“There’s a charity event this weekend. My mother insists we attend.” She blinked. “Oh. Okay.” You’ll need a dress he added.
“I can find something simple.”
“No,” he said, standing. “You’ll go with me to get one. I’ll have the driver take us this afternoon.” Her eyes widened slightly. “Together?”
“Yes. You are my wife, after all. At least, in the public eye.”
The words stung, but there was no cruelty in his tone. Just formality. Still, it was the first time he’d invited her to be seen by his side. It was progress… wasn’t it?
At the boutique, Alina felt out of place. The dresses were extravagant—designed for women used to glamour and attention. She didn’t belong in a world like this. Later that evening, Alina wandered outside to the garden. The sun was setting, painting the sky in warm hues of pink and orange. She loved this time of day—it reminded her that even the coldest days had a soft ending.
Lucas found her there, seated on the bench near the fountain.You’re hiding,he said with a grin.
“Resting,” she corrected playfully.
He sat beside her. “You’ve been here what—two weeks now. “Fourteen days,” she said. “But who’s counting.
Lucas chuckled. “You’ve changed things around here. The house feels… different.”
“Worse''
“No. Warmer.”
They sat in silence for a while. Then Lucas glanced at her with a gentle smile. “You know, if it had been me, I wouldn’t have waited for my parents to choose someone. I would’ve picked you on my own.” She turned to him, startled. “What?” He laughed lightly. “Don’t worry. I’m not trying to make things awkward. Just being honest.”She blushed. “Thank you.” Just… don’t let Damian make you feel invisible. He notices you more than he admits.” Damian sat in a leather chair near the fitting rooms, arms crossed, watching with unreadable eyes. She tried on three dresses before stepping out in a deep sapphire gown. It hugged her gently, modest but elegant. She felt… beautiful, for once. When she stepped out, Damian’s gaze lifted and for a moment, he said nothing.Then, quietly, “That one.” Alina blushed. “You think it’s okay?”
He stood. “It’s perfect.”
Their eyes met—and something unfamiliar stirred in her chest.
For once, he saw her.
Really saw her.
- Writer
