Adeline sat in the bathtub, the water around her lukewarm, mirroring the dull ache in her chest. Her body barely moved, and the silence in the room seemed to match the quiet storm within her. The disappointment lingered in her heart, pulling her further into her own thoughts. She leaned her head back, closing her eyes, trying to block out everything—the noise, the expectations, and most of all, the questions she couldn’t answer.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the bathroom door.

“Madam President,” Martin’s voice called through the door, calm and professional, “your next appointment is on her way. Should I get you a dress ready or a suit?”

Her eyes snapped open, her heart skipping a beat at the mention of an appointment. She pushed herself up from the tub, a frown furrowing her brow. “Next appointment? What appointment?”

Martin’s voice was warm but distant, “Didn’t you ask me to arrange it this morning?”

Her frustration surged. “Martin, come in here and explain to me!” she demanded, but there was no response. Only silence.

Sighing heavily, she wiped her face and quickly finished washing, her fingers scrubbing at her skin as if to erase her emotions. She knew she was being irrational, but everything felt so out of control lately, and Martin’s usual calm demeanour wasn’t helping her situation.

She stepped out of the bath, water dripping from her skin, and called for him again, but no answer came. The room was empty, and there, on the bed, sat the outfit he had chosen for her—a maroon skirt and jacket, paired with a soft blush blouse.

She called out again, her voice a little more desperate, but there was no reply. Tired, frustrated, and growing increasingly irritated, she walked over to the bed and examined the clothes.

“Why does this always have to be so complicated?” she muttered under her breath.

She dressed herself quickly, slipping into the skirt and blouse, feeling the fabric against her skin but not quite feeling herself in it. When she reached for the heels Martin had set out for her, she hesitated, then left them on the floor. Instead, she slid into slippers, the soft cushioning offering her a moment of comfort.

*

Adeline walked through the quiet corridors of the hotel. She reached the living room and froze mid-step, her breath catching at the sight before her. The space had been transformed—a warm, romantic glow bathed the room from the soft flicker of candlelight. A bottle of champagne rested in an ice bucket at the centre of the table, flanked by two glasses. The air carried the faint aroma of roses, and the atmosphere felt surreal, as if she’d stepped into a dream.

Cautiously, she approached the couch and lowered herself onto it, her eyes darting around, trying to piece together what was happening. Her mind raced, but before she could fully gather her thoughts, the faint sound of clicking heels reached her ears.

She turned toward the doorway, and there she was—Tess.

Tess entered gracefully, her fitted black dress hugging her curves with effortless elegance. The dress was striking yet modest, its high neckline contrasting with the daring open back that showcased her smooth skin. Her dark hair was swept up into a sleek ponytail, emphasising her delicate features and drawing attention to her big, expressive eyes. She paused when their eyes met, a nervous smile tugging at her lips.

Adeline stood abruptly, her heart pounding in her chest as she stared at Tess in disbelief. She blinked, questioning whether she was imagining it all.

“Am I dreaming?” she whispered, more to herself than anyone else, her voice tinged with awe.

Tess tilted her head slightly, her smile growing as she took a hesitant step forward. “If you are,” she replied softly, “then I hope it’s a good one.”

Adeline’s lips parted, but no words came out. She could only stare, unable to understand, the Tess before her with the modest café owner she had met just days ago. This Tess was radiant, a vision of grace and beauty, and for a moment, she felt completely on the clouds, like the world had stopped just for them.

Adeline held her hand out, and Tess hesitated only for a moment before walking over, gently placing her hand in Adeline’s. Their fingers entwined naturally as Adeline guided her to sit on the couch beside her. The president gave Tess’s hand a squeeze, her gaze warm yet tinged with a hint of vulnerability.

“I was at the café,” she began, her voice soft, “but you weren’t there.”

Tess smiled, a mixture of apology and playfulness lighting up her face. “I never got the chance to tell you that I was planning a party for my best friend,” she explained.

Adeline chuckled lightly, the tension in her shoulders easing. Reaching for the bottle of champagne, she poured two glasses and offered one to her. Tess accepted it with a nod of thanks, continuing, “And I must thank you for promoting my business. I heard my brother had to step in and help while I was out.”

She nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. “Yes, I had the pleasure of meeting him, too. He seemed quite... protective of you.”

Tess raised her glass for a small sip, aware of Adeline’s eyes fixed on her. As she placed the glass back on the table, she turned her full attention to the president, feeling the weight of her gaze.

“How did you get in?” she asked cautiously, her tone curious but calm.

Tess’s lips curved into a small, knowing smile. “Martin, let me in,” she replied. “He arranged this meeting, too.”

Adeline leaned back, smirking as she processed Tess’s answer. She studied the woman in front of her, her eyes lingering on the soft curve of her jawline and her confidence. Letting out a chuckle, she admitted, “I was wondering who I was meeting. I couldn’t even enjoy my bath—not that I was enjoying it, to be honest. I was too disappointed that I didn’t see you.”

Tess nodded slowly, her expression softening. “Your secretary reminded me,” she said quietly, “that this—whatever you want between us—is also a danger to your presidency and your life.”

Adeline’s smirk faltered, replaced by a more serious expression. She leaned forward, her elbows resting on her knees as her gaze bore into Tess’s. “And what do you think, Ilya?” she asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Is it too dangerous?”

Tess didn’t flinch under her scrutiny. Instead, she met Adeline’s gaze. “I think it’s worth the risk,” she said, her voice steady but laced with honesty. “But only if you think it is, too.”

Adeline’s heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, the room seemed to hold its breath as they sat there, caught in each other’s presence.

Adeline shifted closer, the space between them dwindling until their shoulders nearly touched. Her gaze never left Tess, and she gently but firmly took her hand, holding it as though anchoring herself in the moment. Her voice was steady, filled with conviction.

“I don’t see anything wrong,” she began, her eyes searching Tess’s. “As long as I do my duties, the people of my country are safe and happy. Then why can’t I move on? Why can’t I finally be happy? You’re lovable, Tess, and I know that with time, everyone will see it too.”

Adeline leaned forward, her breath brushing Tess’s skin as her voice dropped to a whisper. “But if you choose to be with me...”

Tess’s heart raced as her gaze fell to Adeline’s lips, drawn by the heat radiating between them. The tension was thick, electrifying, as if the entire world had vanished, leaving just the two of them suspended in time. Tess felt the pull, and for once, she didn’t fight it.

Closing the gap, she leaned in, her lips meeting Adeline’s. The kiss was soft at first, a touch that lingered, testing the waters. But as their lips began to move together, it deepened, growing slow and passionate.

Adeline’s hand tightened around Tess’s, her other hand sliding to rest gently on her cheek, drawing her closer. Tess melted into the kiss, her free hand finding its way to Adeline’s waist. The heat between them was undeniable, igniting something that felt both new and inevitable.

When they finally broke apart, their foreheads pressed together, their breaths mingling. Adeline smiled softly, her voice barely audible.

“Does this mean you’ve made your choice?”

Tess let out a shaky laugh, her lips curving into a smile. “I think it was already made the moment I met you.”