Why are you so distant?

Sitting in the car next to Carmen, I couldn't shake the feeling that her behavior was becoming increasingly strange. This was a contractual marriage, nothing more. But Carmen's actions—showing up at my photoshoot, clearing her afternoon for lunch—felt almost...personal. 

As we drove, I glanced at her from the corner of my eye. She was focused on the road, her face a mask of calm, but I could sense the tension underneath. I decided to break the silence.

"Carmen," I began, choosing my words carefully, "I appreciate you coming to my shoot, but...why did you? It seems a bit excessive for a contractual arrangement."

She didn't look at me, her eyes remaining fixed on the road. "I thought it would be good to show some support," she said, her tone as cool and measured as ever.

Support? That wasn't the answer I was expecting. "Support? You've never seemed interested in my career before."