The restaurant lights cast a warm golden hue across Aria’s face as she ended the video call with Jenna. Her cheeks ached from smiling. Noah sat across from her, his eyes never leaving hers, and for a moment, the entire city seemed to still beneath them. Rooftop views stretched wide, glittering with lights that danced like stars. It felt like the beginning of something real.
Noah reached across the table and took her hand gently. “You made me the happiest man tonight,” he said softly, his thumb brushing over her skin.
Aria’s lips curved upward, but behind her smile, her mind flickered with thoughts she wished she could silence—Adrian’s face, his voice, that night. He’s married. What we shared… it meant nothing. It was a mistake. This is real.
As they stood to leave, Noah helped her into
