Chapter Eighteen
The city felt different at night.
Not quieter—just more honest.
The noise softened into a steady hum, lights stretching endlessly across the roads, people moving without pretense. No expectations. No titles. No forced smiles.
Just life.
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Felix didn’t take me anywhere fancy.
No five-star restaurants.
No polished entrances with men in suits opening doors.
Instead, he slowed the bike in front of a small, open-air spot tucked between two buildings, warm lights hanging loosely above plastic tables, laughter spilling into the street, the smell of grilled meat and spices thick in the air.
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I frowned slightly as I got off the bike, adjusting my dress.
“This is where you brought me?” I asked, looking around.
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Felix removed his helmet, running a hand through h
