--- When the time came, I drove there. The sun was already dipping, painting the sky with streaks of orange. I parked in front of the restaurant, and the valet came to collect my keys. As I stepped out, I spotted her. Zarah. She was walking toward the receptionist, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. She looked just as beautiful as I remembered, maybe even more. Her dress clung to her curves, shimmering with every step. Her face was painted with careful makeup. For a moment, I felt like I had gone back in time. Like nothing had changed. I forced a smile, my dimples showing. “Oh, you’re on time.” She turned with a sweet look. “Yeah. I just came in. I’m yet to meet the receptionist.” Then she hooked her arm through mine. Just like that. No hesitation. Her perfume hit me im

