ALIANA

"Wow, I haven't seen you this vibrant in ages," Jenna states, lowering her sunglasses as she examines me as if I'm one of the figures in the shop window. "I swear by god Aliana, you shine." "Who is this person who has made you like this?"

I chuckled, fixing the silk top she'd persuaded me to wear. "There's no him, Jenna."

"Oh, there's always a guy," she replies with understanding. "You have been trapped in a marriage without love for seven years." One ordinary morning, you rise, discard the unseen widow's veil, and begin to smile once more? "Sweetheart, those aren't vitamins - that's a guy."

Sighing dramatically, I spin around in front of the mirror. The top hugs in all the right areas, smooth champagne satin on my skin, accentuating the gentle curve of my waist. For a brief instant, I barely recognise myself. I have colour in my cheeks once more.

"Would you mind not saying 'loveless marriage' so loudly?" I murmur. "The walls are listening."And ears that love to gossip."

Jenna's laughter is so thunderous that heads swivel. "You believe I'm afraid of your husband?" He's fortunate I'm not the person he married. "I would have burnt him by the second year."

I couldn't help but laugh out loud. "You would have ended up in prison by the third year."

"True," she states. "However, in all seriousness, take a look at yourself." You're beautiful, Aliana. "The world is ready to witness you once more."

She raises her phone before I can object, taking picture after picture while I partially conceal myself behind a clothes rack.

"Jenna, stop!" I declare, making an attempt to take her phone. "I look like I'm modeling for a women's fragrance advertisement aimed at recalling their value."

"That's precisely what you are," she replies, scrolling through filters quicker than my mind can comprehend. "We're sharing this because it's outrageous that the world is unaware of what a strong beautiful woman you truly are." she says, swiping through filters quicker than my mind can keep up. "We are sharing this because it's outrageous that the world isn't aware of the fierce person you've turned into."

"Do not even think about-"

Tap. Post.

"It's too late," she remarks with a mischievous smile. "Welcome back to civilization after your debut." Hashtag: finally liberated, hashtag: glowupqueen, hashtag: DominicWho?

I moan. "You're a troublemaker."

She wraps her arm around me with affection. "I'm your avenger. You're too nice. Just get a divorce already."

We move through the aisles, laughter mingling with the soft background of the shop's music. Jenna is a powerhouse - captivating, compelling, all that I once was before I married her brother. Before, I centred my whole existence on trying to hold onto a man who didn't wish to be held.

"Give this a shot," she suggests, showcasing a red dress that ought to be banned. "Should Dominic catch sight of you in this, he'll gag on his lover's fragrance."

"Which one is it?" I inquire in a flat tone.

"Oh, look alive darling, you'd love the person you'll see in the mirror." She replies, straight-faced, and we both burst into laughter.

As I enter the fitting room, I feel a mix of anxiety and curiosity. The dress clings to me as if it has spent its entire existence eager to make a statement. The neckline plunges boldly, and the backless design seems nearly rebellious.

Jenna lets out a whistle as I walk outside. "Oh. Mine. Deity. That's all. That's the one. "Aliana, you look like the offspring of vengeance and redemption."

I can't suppress the grin that appears on my face. For a change, I understand what she means. I appear... strong. Similar to the woman I misplaced amid concession and sorrow.

"Okay," I reply gently. "I will accept it."

Jenna inhales sharply. "She said that she would accept it!" "Somebody notify the media!"

When we finish, the couch next to the cashier is filled with shopping bags. Gowns, pumps, and even undergarments - all thanks to Jenna's insistence.

"You can't go without lingerie," she'd stated. "Every uprising begins with lace."

I nod in disbelief, face flushed as the sales assistant wraps the final pair - black, lacy, outrageous.

"Jenna," I whisper. "That's absurd." "Who is this for?"

"Yourself," she replies right away. "Or the next individual fortunate enough to witness it." Regardless, it's not in vain.

Her words resonate more profoundly than I anticipated. Perhaps it was because for such a long time, all my actions were for Dominic - wearing modest attire since he liked it, smiling even when I felt like yelling, and quietly blending into the background while he stood out.

Not anymore.

I dig into my bag for my card, experiencing an unusual sense of pride. "Okay, let me settle my bill before you persuade me to purchase everything in the shop."

The cashier grabs my card but hesitates, appearing puzzled. "Um, ma'am?"

"Yes?"

"Your bill has been taken care of."

Jenna closes and opens her eyes. "What did you say?"

"Taken care of?" I reply, scowling. "By whom?"

The cashier verifies the system. "Michael Hamilton."

For a moment, I truly believe I misunderstood. "Excuse me - who?"

"Mr. Hamilton Michael, ma'am." He called previously and directed that your purchases be billed to his account. He stated, and I quote, 'Ensure she doesn't disagree.'"

Jenna's mouth hangs open. "Wow, I can't believe this."

"What on earth-how did he even-" I stutter.

Jenna nearly shrieks. "You indeed have a man!"

"I do not!" I exclaim, warmth rushing to my face. "I encountered him once for an interview!" "That's unbelievable!"

"Unbelievably romantic," she amends, grasping her heart. "Billionaire enigmatic figure covers all expenses while you're on your journey of self-discovery?" "Darling, this feels like a Wattpad fantasy."

I shake my head, feeling overwhelmed, gazing at the neatly arranged bags that clearly aren't mine to pay for.

Michael Hamilton. The mysterious CEO who possessed half the city's skyline, the individual whose image appeared on Forbes covers, and never appears with any woman despite keeping his distance has been keeping tabs on me.

"You won't be going anywhere without more lingerie," she'd stated.

I shake my head, face flushed as the sales clerk wraps the final pair - black, intricate, daring.

"Jenna," I whisper urgently. "That's absurd." "To whom am I dressing like this for again?"

"Like I said, yourself," she replies right away.

Before I can formulate thoughts, a well-known deep voice cuts through the atmosphere.

"Well, isn't this unexpected."

I turn around, and my heartbeat falters. Dominic is at the doorway, with his arm wrapped around a tall brunette I don't recognize. She's chuckling at something he mentioned until she notices me - and stops in her tracks.

"Aliana," Dominic says nonchalantly, his gaze darting across the shopping bags. "Didn't think I would run into you here."

"I didn't think I'd find you sober," I remarked before I could hold my tongue.

Jenna lets out a snort.

The brunette moves uncomfortably, attempting to free her hand from his arm, but Dominic holds on tighter. "You're out shopping," he remarks, as if it's illegal. "Alongside my sister."

"I was invited by your sister," I state calmly. "You don't control my weekends."

His jaw clenches. "However, I'm still watchful of my funds."

I grab one of the bags and smile gently. "Actually, someone else cares.

He scowls. "What is that meant to imply?"

Jenna advances, as arrogant as always. "It signifies that someone truly values her enough to invest in her happiness." "Give it a shot one of these days, brother."

Dominic's nostrils expand. "Jenna-"

"Keep it," she retorts. "You had the opportunity to treat her well."You opted for the display of fragrance-laden pests instead."

The brown-haired girl lets out a slight indignant noise, but Jenna dismisses her.

I ought to be upset. Or sad or envious. However, I do not. I simply feel... fed up.

"Have fun with your shopping," I say as I turn away. "I have places to get to."

Dominic takes hold of my wrist, speaking softly. "Do you believe that leaving resolves anything?" "You are still my wife, Aliana."

I gaze directly into his eyes. "Only in name, remember?"

His expression wavers, if only for a moment - that familiar sense of control he once held over me vanished like vapour.

Then I break away and stroll off, the sound of Jenna's heels tapping victoriously next to me.

Outdoors, the refreshing wind feels like a cleansing ritual. Jenna interlocks her arm with mine, smiling widely.

"You managed that like royalty," she remarks. "I've fantasized about putting Dominic in his place for years, but you?"You accomplished it in heels."

I chuckle unsteadily. "I hadn't even thought it through, but I feel relieved ".

"That's your true self," she replies gently. "Not the silent shadow he attempted to portray you as."

I breathe out, gripping my bags. "I'm not sure what is going on anymore." "Michael covering all the costs, Dominic arriving... I simply hoped for a peaceful day of shopping."

Jenna pushes me softly. "Perhaps the universe determined it was the moment for your lead role and that love would find you again. I believe Michael Hamilton has a thing for you."

I look at her, part entertained, and unsure. "Do you honestly believe I'm prepared for that?"

She grins. "Oh, sweetheart. You were destined for it. "You simply overlooked it."

While we walk towards her car, I can't shake off my thoughts about Michael - the man who financed my defiance without a request. The guy I hardly know yet can't help but think about it endlessly.

For years, I pleaded with Dominic for bits of love, for evidence that I mattered more than just utility. And what now?

A stranger had done more for me in a single quiet gesture than my husband had in all seven years.

ALIANA

A year had passed.

An entire, incredible, heart-wrenching year has passed since I left Dominic's business, his vacant estate, and the persistent pain of feeling unseen next to a man who was indifferent to my existence.

I worked with Michael Hamilton - the allegedly "asexual" mysterious attorney who had startled the nation when he assumed control of Hamilton & Co. and managed it with chilling brilliance and exact precision.

And I? I served as his lead accountant.

Actually... in a sense.

Emotionally, I was the woman who sometimes still forgot to breathe whenever he spoke my name as if it were a sacred thing he shouldn't touch.

This evening was the annual gala of our company. The single occasion where everyone feigned enjoyment while covertly vying for whose outfit was pricier and whose companion appeared the most lavish.

Jenna, my sister-in-law - and now, my self-designated fairy godmother of vengeance and personal renewal - had pulled me to the Hamilton Hall's ballroom in a backless navy-blue dress she insisted would "make Michael Hamilton remember his masculinity."

She was correct. The man hardly blinked when he spotted me earlier that evening and then courteously inquired if I had eaten dinner. Yet the glimmer in his eyes revealed an alternative narrative.

"Can you remind me why I'm in a dress that hardly conceals my back?" I murmured while Jenna and I stood close to the glass barrier that overlooked the city skyline, enjoying champagne.

"Because," she remarked with a sly grin, "you're a divine being who forgot she had thunder in her soul." "Tonight, your foolish ex will be overwhelmed by regret, and hopefully, you chose someone, get laid, and just get a divorce."

I sighed. "You said we wouldn't discuss him."

She lifted her glass. " Not really - you said that. "I always disagreed."

I chuckled against my will. Jenna had that influence on others - the unique talent to turn wounds into inside jokes.

I took another gulp, attempting to calm my anxiety. Michael positioned himself across the room, encircled by board members and politicians. His tuxedo hugged him tightly, sharp enough to slice through the chatter. He remained calm and collected - but periodically, his gaze wandered in my direction. Elusive, momentary gazes that ignited like revelations.

And then, just as Jenna had foreseen - because the universe loves dramas - Dominic showed up.

Arm in arm with a model who seemed to be compensated for her smile.

This time, I didn't freeze. Didn't waver. I simply glanced at him, then turned my gaze elsewhere.

"Alright," Jenna murmured. "That's the way Queens Act."

"I'm no queen," I whispered.

"You are his estranged wife. Being out with another woman is nothing short of disrespect, so just divorce him already, and you are very much a queen boo, never forget that. I can't believe I'm even related to that twat."

I chuckled quietly upon hearing the recognizable voice behind me.

"Aliana."

The manner in which he pronounced my name still irritated me - not due to affection, but because of his boldness. Dominic always talked as if he possessed everything the sunlight reached, including me.

I turned, a calm smile in position. "Dominic."

"You seem... different," he remarked, his gaze sweeping across me in a manner that used to thrill me but now just made me crave sanitiser. "Working with Hamilton is a good fit for you."

I bent my head. "You're suggesting I work for someone who truly appreciates my talents?"

His jaw twitched. "Please don't start, Aliana." You left okay. "However, you are still my wife."

Jenna sputtered on her beverage next to me. "Wow, what the hell?"

I didn't even look at her. "You forfeited that privilege the instant you presented your secretary as your guest at our anniversary dinner."

"That was business."

"Right."My therapy expense was also business, yet you nagged about it for years."

He moved in closer, softening his tone. "Do you honestly believe Hamilton will be interested in a woman with issues like you?"

I grinned gently. "You're referring to a woman who didn't pass away hoping you would love her?" "Sure, I believe I'll take the chance."

He blinked, caught off guard.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, was when I understood I was truly free at last.

Rain started falling midway through the event - thunder sounding like cheers for my newly discovered strength. The glass ceiling of the hall gave the impression that stars were descending.

Once the speeches concluded, individuals began to exit. Jenna intertwined her arm with mine, humming softly. "I swear, Michael was moments away from hitting your husband tonight."

"He's no longer your brother," I remarked, wrapping my shawl around my shoulders.

"He is." Nevertheless, still a fool. "And talking about fools," she whispered, her eyes sparkling, "you do realize Hamilton views you as if you're some kind of tantalizing treat, don't you?"

I closed my eyes momentarily. "He does not."

She grinned slyly. "He certainly does." I heard from someone two offices away from the man. She said she noticed his behaviour when you're on your lunch break. "He's similar to a wandering machine that has forgotten what air feels like. Her words, not mine."

I sighed dramatically, turning red. "Jenna, stop." Michael doesn't go on dates at all. He's-

"-a Person," she cut in. "And darling, the way he looked at you this evening?" "Absolutely not asexual."

"Jenna!"

She chuckled. "I'm simply indicating, Aliana, don't undervalue your strength." "You've shone so brightly that the universe needed to increase its stakes in the choice of lovers for you. Just live a little more. You're just thirty two and he's thirty four, if he ever comes to you; don't turn him down."

Before I could respond, a loud thunderclap erupted outside, rattling the building.

"Alright, perhaps we should wait for the storm to pass before heading out," she remarked, glancing at the glass doors.

Michael came over at that moment, his tone unwavering amid the turmoil surrounding us. "Aliana."

I moved, attempting to appear composed. "Mr. Hamilton."

His eyebrow raised a bit - he had mentioned it to me multiple times to refer to him as Michael, yet it consistently seemed... personal hence I never did.

"It's raining heavily," he stated plainly. "Allow me to drive you home."

"Ah, it's alright." Jenna could-"

Jenna lifted her hands. "Not at all." My vehicle is blocked by four high-end sedans. Accompany him.

"Jenna."

She smiled broadly. "I'm pleading with you, please." "Grant me this little vicarious excitement before I die alone."

I exhaled sharply, feeling beaten. "Okay."

The rain was relentless outside - cascades of silver on the windshield, lightning intermittently cutting through the sky.

Michael drove silently, one hand on the steering wheel, the other supporting his chin. I aimed to concentrate on the city lights yet caught myself stealing looks at him - at the defined line of his jaw, the subtle stubble, the way his lashes grazed his cheek each time he blinked.

"Okay," I finally stated, attempting to end the awkward silence, "you didn't need to give me a ride." I might have taken a taxi.

He looked at me for a moment. "I wished to."

"Ah."

Again, silence.

He then cleared his throat. "You managed Dominic effectively this evening."

I let out a light laugh. "Thanks." "I've gotten used to disregarding him."

He smiled softly. "Good for you. I thought you were going to let him walk all over you."

I stared at him then cleared my throat "I was a fool when I loved him but that episode is closed now."

He nodded a single time. "You endured heartbreak and embarrassment, yet you continue to present yourself with poise." "That is admirable."

I was at a loss for words. His compliments weren't trivial; they held significance and purpose.

The downpour grew stronger, pounding on the car's roof.

He furrowed his brow a bit. "Flooding on the road." My home is a five-minute drive - yours takes twenty in these conditions. "You will get sick. Can we go to my place instead?"

I closed my eyes briefly. "Your place?"

He offered a slight, nearly youthful grin. "I assure you, I mean no harm."

I couldn't resist bursting into laughter. "That's what all the delightful gentlemen claim before the Netflix documentaries."

He chuckled - genuinely chuckled - and a change of feeling occurred within my chest.

"Okay," I replied at last. "Lead the way then.."

His penthouse was precisely what I anticipated: stylish, simple, and remarkably neat. A location that had the scent of cedar and dominance.

"Get comfortable," he remarked, taking off his coat. "There's wine, or tea, depending on your preference."

"Tea," I said, removing my heels. "Wine leads me to express thoughts I cannot take back."

He grinned. "Then it will be tea."

I rested on the couch, observing him glide - serene, deliberate, completely oblivious to his captivating presence.

"Why do I have the impression that you don't usually bring people here?" I inquired.

He did not turn. "I don't really like people in my personal space."

"That means yes, then."

"Of course," he said, setting two cups on the table.

For a while, we sipped quietly as the rain lightly tapped on the windows. It felt strangely homely - as if it were something that shouldn't be real, yet was.

"So," I remarked after some time, playfully, "Jenna believes you're into me."

He stopped for a brief moment, cup suspended in the air. "Does she?"

"Don't fret, I informed her she was mistaken."

He smiled subtly. "Do you really think so?"

My breath stopped immediately. " Are you?"

His gaze rose to meet mine - serene yet powerful, akin to the stillness preceding a storm. "I think you're the first person in ages who makes me forget I'm meant to be untouchable."

The room became quiet, with only the storm raging outside.

"Mike..."

He turned his gaze, letting out a slow breath. "Do not be concerned." I will not take action on it. "I'm not that guy."

"Yet you might be," I murmured before I could hold back.

His eyes returned to mine - startled, probing.

And for an instant, I believed he would kiss me.

Instead, he simply smiled - slightly, wistfully.

"Drink your tea, Aliana," he said softly. "I'd take you back home immediately when the rain stops."

MICHAEL

Dealing with Aliana ought to have been straightforward and simple.

I had reminded myself countless times that evening: take her home, bid her goodnight, then leave.

I intended to do so.

I truly had.

Aliana is in my living room, her wet hair cascading down her shoulders, dressed in one of my shirts since her dress had become drenched-

It changed every guideline I had ever followed.

How she couldn't feel my tremors I had no idea but I knew I was in trouble as I watched her fold in her legs and sit comfortably while I struggled to breathe because my hard on couldn't get more hard. I tried so hard to maintain a semblance of being normal by acting as if I wasn't affected but I failed woefully.

We maintain few seconds of peaceful silence before she looked straight at me and asked me a dangerous question. "What keeps you gruonded Hamilton? The world talks about you like an untouchable soldier, you overthink a lot, so how do you maintain normalcy?".

I had no idea what the response to that question is because quite frankly until I met her, I've never questioned anything about my life but after meeting her even the foundations of my belief are totally unfounded.

In the pregnant silence of my confusion, with rain petals still making it's wavy sound on the roof, I clear my throat and try to sound normal. "It's been a very long day Aliana, you should go get some sleep now."

She smirks then scoffs "Will you go to bed if I go now?, will you stop overthinking even for a second?"

"I rarely ever get enough sleep anyway."

"Is it because of me?" she inquired, playfully-but her voice shook.

I gulped. "Partly also due to all the things I'm trying to suppress."

She was near enough now that I could observe the small droplets dropping to her lashes. My heart raced like a drum I couldn't silence.

"I've never seen you so frazzled and unsure," she murmured. "You're always very composed and capable."

"That's the issue, isn't it?"Perception is not all there is." I whispered, hardly hearable.

Her hand lightly touched mine. It was a short, unintentional shift, yet it shattered something within me-something deeply coiled, old and exhausted of always being in control.

I grabbed her fingers just before she could retract them. "You have no idea what you've been doing to me Aliana, and honestly, I'm trying to give you space because if I were to touch you, there would be no turning back."

She looked directly at me, her eyes challenging me with something I hesitated to identify. "Perhaps you could show it to me."

It felt as if gravity had been awaiting approval.

As soon as I kissed her, all my fears-the separation, the constraints, the tag of "asexuality," the idea that I'd never experienced, what other guys did-it disintegrated in one fleeting moment.

I have no idea who made the first move afterwards, or whether the storm outside had lessened, or if time itself had just paused out of compassion but I was totally lost.

I was aware only of her hands on me, gentle yet confident, while mine shook as they outlined her face. Each touch seemed like a revelation. Each breath, a promise of more to come.

"I'm unsure how to handle this; I've had some partners after that, but never anything deep," I murmured against her temple.

She gave a slight smile. "Neither do I, but you probably have more experience at this than I do." "Seven years of being married without any form of intimacy, you must be superior to me."

That truth broke me more than anything else.

We were not specialists, were not flawless. We were two shattered individuals discovering comfort in the most unlikely places.

I had a thousand questions for her-whether she was sure, if she grasped the implications-but her eyes responded before I could say anything. There was no uncertainty, only confidence.

I kissed her deeply and passionately, lifted her up, and carried her to my bedroom; within moments, we were both breathless and undressed. Her phone began to ring at one point, but I was too lost to let her return to her reality or her husband, so I bit her shoulder to keep her with me in this moment. My fingers traveled to her clit as she moaned in desire before I slid my dick into her. She was tight-definitely too tight, confirming she had never been intimate with her husband. This knowledge thrilled me because I would be her first and last. She tensed, and I reassured her, "It'll pass, sweetheart; you'll feel good soon." I dry her tears, saying, "It hurts so bad, Mike..."

I peck her forehead and say, "Calm down, things will get better soon."

I attempted to restrain myself, yet her tightness nearly overwhelmed me; however, at some point, her tears turned into moans, and I lost my grip on control as I repeatedly thrust into her. "Mike...oh...god, it feels odd...please..."

She experiences her first orgasm as I release fully within her, but the night is merely starting.

The universe gave way to the rhythm of her inhalations, the ebb, and the flow of them alongside my own.

It wasn't desire-it was something more genuine, profound, frighteningly authentic.

For the first time ever, I experienced a sense of vitality within my own body.

And I realized, without question, I was back. I brought her to the bathroom and bathed her, and upon our return, my housekeeper had changed the sheets.

Eventually, after the storm had calmed down following my relentless grasp on her after taking her at least three times, and she rested half-asleep next to me, I found it impossible to look away from her.

Her expression was serene, illuminated by moonlight, and I understood something both lovely and harsh: there was no return from this.

I swept a lock of hair away from her face. "You've ruined me," I murmured.

Her eyes slowly opened, a relaxed smile appearing. "You ruined me."

I chuckled gently, the noise unusual and fresh in the silent room.

She snuggled up tighter, exhaling softly. "Are you thinking once more?"

"Always."

"Stop." "Simply live in this moment."

So I went ahead and did it.

For a moment in my life, I allowed the world to fade away, and I remained.

Yet long after she fell asleep, I remained awake, staring at the ceiling, experiencing all that I had spent years telling myself I couldn't feel.

Desire

Love

Primarily fear-since I had discovered what it felt like to desire, to care, I wasn't sure if I'd ever survive losing it.

I reached for her hand beneath the sheets, intertwining our fingers.

The rain had stopped outside but inside me, a storm had just begun.