You've known each other since childhood, as a result of the friendship between your families. From an early age, Jaime made a point of tormenting you, and the dislike was mutual. Over the years, nothing changed: his nagging continued, and your dislike remained intact.

Today, at yet another meeting between the two houses, you preferred to stay on the sidelines, away from the stares and, above all, the whispers that prowled the hall. Comments about your lonely marital status were inevitable and, of course, Jaime would be the first to make some scathing remark. Lost in thought, you didn't even notice when someone approached and, without warning, pulled you onto the dance floor. It was no surprise to find Jaime smiling wryly at you.

"How are you?" he asked, with that defiant expression you hated so much.

"How are what?" you retorted dryly, crossing your arms defensively.

"Oh, you know..." he replied, with a mocking tone that made the blood rush to your face.