Chapter 12 You're not Drunk, are You?

The next day, the soft morning light filtered through the crack in the window, banishing the remnants of darkness from the room. Alayna's eyes fluttered open, a gentle smile gracing her lips as she relished the cool caress of the morning breeze. She reached out to check the desk clock, discovering that it was still early.

Taking a deep breath, Alayna steeled herself for the day ahead. Her footsteps faltered for a moment, a mix of emotions swirling within her, before she left the confines of her bedroom and headed towards the refreshing embrace of the bathroom.

After finishing her bath, Alayna walked towards her dressing table. For a moment, she looked at her reflection in the mirror and found her face that looked pale, and glazed eyes. She covered it with a layer of make-up.

As usual, Lev shouted her name and asked to prepare his breakfast. This time, he wasted no time, appearing at her bedroom door as Alayna realized she had forgotten to lock it last night.

Alayna raised her eyes and found Lev standing in the doorway, his mysterious face facing her. Alayna's heart beat faster, and the feeling of confusion that hit her reappeared.

"Alayna," Lev's voice sounded flat, but there was a touch that couldn't be ignored in his intonation.

"Why are you here?" Alayna asked in a sharp voice, trying to hide the emotion in her words.

Lev stepped into the room at a steady pace, like a predator feeling in control. "I'm waiting for my breakfast."

"I'll make it in a moment. Can't you see I'm busy now?" Alayna snapped, her focus unyielding as she continued applying her makeup.

Lev loomed behind Alayna, watching her reflection in the mirror. "You don't need that makeup, Alayna. Your beauty is already captivating," he stated, his words seemingly empty.

Lav's praise seemed meaningless to Alayna.

Alayna caught a whiff of alcohol on Lev's breath and couldn't help but commented, "Why are you drinking this early in the morning? Quit it. Alcohol is detrimental to your health."

"You seem to care about me too."

Alayna was furious and didn't like that Lev seemed to know what was on her mind. "It's up to you what you think. I don't care."

Lev drew closer, his steps deliberate and calculated. "You can try to deflect all you want, but deep down we both know there's something between us."

Alayna met Lev's gaze head-on, her eyes sharp with defiance. "If you think I'll get caught up in your game again, you're wrong."

A smirk crept across Lev's face, brimming with an air of arrogance that was impossible to ignore. "A game, you say? This is no mere game, Alayna. This is the reality we must face together."

Alayna's emotions roiled within her, realizing that what Lev said held some undeniable truth. She was bound to live her life alongside him for the next five years.

With quick, sweeping motions, Alayna finished her makeup and hurriedly brushed through her hair. Rising from her seat in a rush, she nearly lost her balance, but Lev's swift reflexes saved her from crashing to the floor.

Lev steadied her, holding her arm tightly, ensuring she didn't stumble. Alayna glanced at Lev, her eyes filled with a mixture of surprise and unspoken gratitude for his unwitting assistance.

Standing in Lev's embrace, Alayna couldn't help but feel uneasy. Her eyes remained fixed on his face, trapped in a moment that felt increasingly uncomfortable. Lev's hold on her remained unyielding, intensifying her unease.

"I should head to the kitchen now," Alayna murmured, her voice filled with an attempt to convey her desire not to offend Lev or escalate the situation further.

In response, Lev nodded, allowing his hands to slide from Alayna's waist. His expression was grave and tense, adding to the charged atmosphere surrounding them.

"Hey, remember," Lev spoke in a slightly strained voice, causing Alayna to turn and face him.

"What?"

"Don't cook spicy food for me," Lev said with seriousness.

Alayna nodded curtly. "Fine," she replied.

Lev just nodded, and silence enveloped them. No laughs or smiles brightened the scene, just a feeling of discomfort hanging in the air. They both felt like they had to tread carefully, avoiding any actions or words that could further complicate the situation.

Taking a step back, Alayna subtly hinted that she intended to return to her own business.

"I have to go to the kitchen now," she uttered with a hint of stiffness, avoiding any further glances at Lev.

Drawing in a deep breath, Alayna tried to shake off the awkwardness that enveloped her. She rolled her eyes briefly as if attempting to shake loose the discomfort that still lingered inside her. With measured steps, she made her way toward the kitchen, trying to shift her focus to more real activities.

Every step she took toward the kitchen seemed to be a kind of escape from an uncertain and fragile relationship. But in the kitchen, among the pots and ingredients, she felt he could find a moment of calm.

She started preparing simple but delicious dishes: tuna sandwiches and cappuccinos. She selected a slice of fresh whole wheat bread and placed it on a wooden cutting board in the corner of the kitchen table.

Carefully, Alayna opened the can of tuna, took out the contents, and put it in the bowl. She added a little mayonnaise, a pinch of salt and pepper, and chopped fresh greens like bell peppers, cheese, and lettuce.

Meanwhile, the pot on the stove started to boil. Alayna put the coffee filter into the filter, adding fresh coffee grounds with a soothing aroma. The boiling water flows through the coffee, turning into a fragrant black liquid. She poured the coffee into a neutral-colored cup.

With everything ready, Alayna arranged the tray adorned with the tuna sandwiches and cappuccino. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, providing a sense of relief.

Without wasting a moment, she called out to her contracted husband, Lev.

"Lev! Breakfast is served!"

Unaware to Alayna, Lev had been sitting at the kitchen table for quite some time. His response lacked enthusiasm as his voice flatly reached her ears, "Yes, I'm here."

"Alright. I'm heading to the office now."

Suddenly, Lev threw an unexpected request her way, "Hey, wait! Come to the office with me!"

Alayna furrowed her brow, taken aback by the abrupt invitation. Lev's tone carried a hint of a joke, but the confusion was still clear.

"Huh? You're not drunk, are you?" Alayna asked.