The First Night

Evie was lost in her thoughts after Alexander left. She sat on the edge of the bed in her suite, staring at the diamond ring on her finger. It sparkled under the soft glow of the bedside lamp, a constant reminder of the life she had agreed to. The weight of the day's events settled over her, leaving her exhausted and wide awake.

She glanced at the clock on the nightstand—11:47 p.m. The city outside was alive with lights and movement, but time seemed to stand still. Evie sighed, running a hand through her hair. She knew she should try to sleep, but her mind was racing, replaying the events of the day over and over again.

Finally, unable to sleep, she padded out of her suite, her bare feet silent on the polished marble floor. She wandered around, her fingers trailing along the smooth surfaces of the furniture as she tried to calm her restless mind.

As she turned a corner, she heard it—a soft, melodic sound that seemed to float through the air. It was faint at first, barely audible, but as she followed the sound, it became clear. The notes were hauntingly beautiful, a melancholic melody that tugged at something deep inside her.

Evie followed the music to a set of double doors at the end of the hallway. She hesitated for a moment, her hand hovering over the doorknob. She knew this was Alexander's private space, the study Martin had warned her not to enter. But the music was too compelling to ignore.

She pushed the door open slowly, the hinges creaking softly. The room was dimly lit, the only light coming from a single lamp on the grand piano in the corner. Alexander sat at the piano, his back to her, his fingers moving gracefully over the keys. He was dressed in a simple white shirt and black slacks, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing the faint outline of muscles beneath.

Evie stood in the doorway, transfixed. She had never seen this side of Alexander before. The cold, calculating CEO was gone, replaced by a man who seemed lost in the music, his guard completely down. The melody he played was achingly beautiful, filled with a raw emotion that took her breath away.

She didn't realize she was holding her breath until the music stopped, the final note lingering in the air like a whisper. Alexander's hands stilled on the keys, and for a moment, there was only silence.

"You can come in," he said, his voice low and steady, without turning around.

Evie's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't realized he knew she was there. She stepped into the room, her bare feet silent on the plush carpet. "I'm sorry," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't mean to intrude."

Alexander turned to face her, his expression unreadable. "You're not intruding," he said, his tone calm but firm. "I didn't realize you were still awake."

Evie shrugged, her arms wrapping around herself as if to ward off the chill in the air. "I couldn't sleep," she admitted. "I heard the music and… I just wanted to see where it was coming from."

Alexander studied her for a moment, his piercing blue eyes searching hers. "Do you play?" he asked, gesturing to the piano.

Evie shook her head. "No," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "I've always wanted to learn, but I never had the chance."

Alexander nodded, his gaze drifting back to the piano. "It's a good way to clear your mind," he said, his tone softer now. "When the world gets too loud, the piano is… quiet."

Evie hesitated for a moment before stepping closer. "What were you playing?" she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

Alexander's lips curved into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. "Chopin," he said. "Nocturne in E-flat Major."

Evie nodded, though she had no idea what that meant. "It was beautiful," she said quietly. "I've never heard anything like it."

Alexander's gaze flicked back to hers, and for a moment, there was something in his eyes—something she couldn't quite place. It wasn't coldness or indifference, but something softer, more vulnerable. "Thank you," he said, his voice low.

The silence stretched between them, heavy and charged. Evie could feel the tension in the air, a strange mix of curiosity and unease. She wanted to ask him why he played, why he seemed so different at this moment, but she didn't dare. Instead, she stood there, her hands clasped in front of her, unsure of what to say or do.

Finally, Alexander broke the silence. "You should try to get some sleep," he said, his tone calm but firm. "Tomorrow will be a long day."

Evie nodded, her heart sinking. She knew he was right, but she didn't want to leave. There was something about this moment, about the way he looked at her, that made her feel… seen. It was a strange feeling, one she hadn't experienced in a long time.

"Goodnight," she said quietly, turning to leave.

"Goodnight, Evie," Alexander replied, his voice low and steady.

Evie paused at the door, glancing back at him. He was already turning back to the piano, his hands resting lightly on the keys. For a moment, she thought he might say something more, but he didn't. He simply began to play again, the haunting melody filling the room once more.

As she made her way back to her suite, the music followed her, a soft, melancholic echo that lingered in her mind. And as she lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, she couldn't help but wonder what other secrets he was hiding.