*Ryder*
The night feels electric as Aria and I weave our way through the last of the mingling crowd, her laughter still echoing in my ears. It has been an amazing evening, probably the most I ever enjoyed one of these events, and I can’t help but steal glances at her radiant smile.
She’s transformed tonight, blossoming into someone who embraces the spotlight, and it fills me with pride. As we step outside into the crisp evening air, I can’t shake the feeling that something is amiss.
“Let’s get out of here,” I say, wrapping an arm around her shoulder as we approach the waiting limo. The city lights twinkle in the distance, a beautiful backdrop to what I hope will be a perfect end to our night.
The driver, Jonathan, opens the door, and I gesture for Aria to slide in first. I follow clos
