Pride at Stake

Alicia carefully untangled herself from Louis's embrace, telling him, "I have to get changed in the dressing room."

His gaze, full of soft warmth, stayed on her while he told her, "No rush, I'll be here waiting."

"No need for that, you have your own things to deal with. My car's here," she reassured him.

Louis's mouth set in a firm line, but he didn't argue. Alicia handed him the flowers and her coffee, then took off his coat and draped it over his arm.

As Alicia stepped into the dressing room, a stylist was ready to touch up her hair. She took off one earring and set it on the makeup table. The stylist, catching her reflection in the mirror, praised, "You have such a beautiful face. You should be an actress."

Alicia took off her other earring and replied with a small smile, "Being an actress needs talent and a way to captivate everyone. I don't have either. I'm better suited for studying old artifacts."