The sun was golden, kissing the rolling hills where the students had gathered for the university’s annual adventure trip. Aira stepped off the bus, her frock catching the gentle breeze, her hair tied up in a messy bun, and her face glowing with pure excitement. Zain was already waiting near the entrance, grinning wide as he saw her approach.
“You look like you’re about to win everything today,” he teased, slinging his arm loosely over his bag.
She chuckled, nudging his shoulder playful. “Don’t jinx it.”
From the shadows near the professors’ pavilion, Dominic watched. Dressed sharply in a black casual blazer with rolled-up sleeves, he looked entirely out of place among the relaxed students. But his dark eyes… they followed only her. The smirk on Zain’s face. Her open laugh. The brief sec
