DIVIDED ALLEGIANCE

THE WEIGHT OF DOUBT.

Arianna stood before the mirror, the thin fabric of her nightgown a stark contrast to the turmoil within. Her hair, hastily piled atop her head, mirrored the messy tangle of her thoughts. The conversation with Barrister Zuckerberg replayed endlessly in her mind.

Six years a lawyer, and she had always held him in such high esteem - a beacon of righteousness. His encouragement had been a cornerstone of her career. But the man she'd spoken with tonight was a stranger, a shadow of the upright figure she admired.

Why? The question echoed in her thoughts. Why his lack of support? Why did it feel like he knew more than he let on? And what was the meaning behind his warning - someone was using her? Was it Delagado, pulling strings from behind bars?

Another sigh escaped her lips, heavy with frustration. Why was the pursuit of justice so often an uphill battle, while injustice seemed to flourish with ease? What was becoming of the world?

"Love..." Richard's voice, soft and grounding, pulled her from the swirling vortex of her thoughts.

"Hmm," she murmured, turning to face him. He stood framed in the bathroom doorway, a white towel still blotting the dampness from his hair.

"Are you okay? You look... troubled," Richard said, his gaze searching her face, his innate understanding of her emotions evident. He knew her better than anyone.

She offered a weak smile. "I'm fine. Just a bit stressed."

He moved closer, his hands resting gently on her shoulders. "Come on, Aria. You know I can read you like a book." His touch was a silent offering of support. "I'm here for you."

A tired sigh escaped her. "Trust me, Richard. I just need sleep. I'll be better in the morning, okay?" She gently removed his hands, a subtle dismissal.

Richard recognized the familiar wall she sometimes erected. He swallowed, a hint of disappointment in his eyes. "Fine then." He moved towards his side of the bed, a palpable tension settling in the room.

They lay in the quiet darkness, a chasm of unspoken thoughts separating them. Arianna wrestled with Zuckerberg's words, the weight of her potential decision pressing down on her. Richard, on the other hand, was a silent question mark, wondering at the source of his wife's distress.

"Aria," he whispered after several long minutes, the stillness amplifying his voice.

"Hmm," she hummed in response, turning to face him.

"You're still awake." It was a statement, his gaze searching hers in the dim light.

She forced a smile. "Yeah. Sleep's being elusive."

Richard chuckled softly, and a small smile touched her lips in return. Their eyes met, a silent conversation passing between them.

Richard's Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed. "Remember that business proposal I told you about?" he ventured, seeking a neutral topic.

Arianna nodded. "The one with the Chinese investors?"

"It was approved today," he replied, a hint of pride in his voice.

Arianna's eyes widened, a genuine smile finally breaking through her worry. "Oh, my gosh! Really?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with delight.

He nodded, and she threw her arms around his neck, a burst of genuine joy. "I'm so happy for us, love! All that hard work finally paid off." She kissed his cheeks enthusiastically.

The happiness radiating from her warmed Richard's heart, a welcome change from the earlier tension. "When did you find out?"

"This evening. They called me personally," Richard replied, his smile mirroring hers.

"Five years of effort... I'm so glad it finally happened," Arianna said, pressing a light kiss to his lips.

"Congratulations to us, my love," he murmured, and she laughed softly. "They're planning a gala to celebrate next week."

"I'll be there, shining by your side," Arianna declared, her earlier worry momentarily forgotten.

"You always do," Richard replied, his gaze filled with affection.

But as quickly as it came, Arianna's smile faltered, replaced by a small frown. "But... why are you just telling me now?"

"You weren't in a good mood earlier," he confessed, his eyes searching hers.

The confusion on Arianna's face softened. She looked away, Richard's gaze feeling too perceptive.

"Did something happen at work?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

Arianna avoided his eyes, the urge to confide warring with her need to process things privately. "Just... stressed," she repeated, forcing a reassuring smile as she finally met his gaze.

Richard's eyes held a knowing look. "Arianna..." he began.

"Babe, trust me. I'm fine. Truly." She placed a finger on his lips, a gentle plea to drop the subject. "Honey... just know that I love you so much."

Arianna smiled, her hands resting on his shoulders as he kissed her forehead.

"It's late. Let's sleep," he suggested, pulling her close.

"Good night, love," Arianna whispered, a genuine yawn escaping her.

"Good night, love," he replied, watching as she finally drifted into sleep, the worries of the day still clouding his own thoughts.

"Approved?" she asked, a flicker of hope in her eyes.

"Approved," he confirmed, a smile in his voice.

"Richard! That's amazing!" She hugged him tightly. "We did it!"

"We did," he agreed, kissing her cheek. "They're having a gala next week."
"I'll be there, front and center."

"Always are." He smiled.

Her smile faded slightly. "Why didn't you say anything earlier?"

"You weren't exactly radiating joy," he admitted.

She looked away. "Work stuff."

"Anything you want to talk about?"

She met his gaze, forcing a lightness she didn't feel. "Just stress. It'll pass."

He studied her. "Arianna..."

"Honey, I'm fine. Really." She touched his lips. "I love you"
He kissed her forehead. "Love you too. Let's try to sleep."

"Good night."

"Good night.