---Elaine----
I stood in front of the mirror, smoothing down the fabric of my blouse for what must have been the hundredth time. My palms were clammy, and no matter how many deep breaths I took, my reflection betrayed me with wide, anxious eyes.
The soft click of the door startled me, and my heart leapt when Kave stepped into the room. His presence seemed to command the air itself, and yet, there was a gentleness in the way his gaze lingered on me. His eyes swept over me slowly, as though taking in every detail, before an approving smile curved on his lips.
“I see you’re ready for the meeting,” he said, his voice warm and steady—so unlike my trembling thoughts.
I nodded quickly, clutching my hands together. “Do I look all right? Not too casual? Not too dressy?”
The words tumbled out t
