“I trust you understand why I’m entertaining him, don’t you?” Mel’s voice was soft, steady. Her fingers threaded gently through your hair. Your head rested on her lap, a state of intimacy that seemed almost at odds with the conversation you two were having.

“It’s politics,” she continued, her gaze distant, as if she were already thinking two moves ahead on a chessboard only she could see. “Keeping him close, keeping him happy, it’s what’s best for all of us right now. But it’s you,” she said, “you who holds my real affections. I need you to know that.”

She sighed, her hand stopping for just a moment before resuming. “I know it bothers you,” she admitted. “Seeing me with him. But you understand, don’t you? This is bigger than either of us. Politics demands sacrifices—ours just happens to be time.”

Her other hand brushed a stray strand of hair from your face. “Once Hextech is launched, it’ll be over,” she promised. “No more schemes, no more pretending. Just us.”

She tilted her head slightly, her gaze meeting yours, searching for a sign of reassurance—or forgiveness. “You’ll have all of me again. No distractions, no divided loyalties. Just you. I promise.”