LEILA
.
.
He reached me, his hand finding my arm, a soft touch.
“Leila,” he said, his voice warm.
“You look like I could steal you for the whole night, you look incredible.”
“Thank you,” I managed, my eyes flickering to the lady beside him.
“Leila, this is Isabella,” he said, introducing us. “Isabella, this is Leila.”
Isabella extended a perfectly manicured hand, her smile still bright, though something about it seemed dimmer up close.
“Leila,” she said, her voice cool and smooth. “A pleasure.”
“Isabella,” I replied, taking her hand briefly. A polite, professional exchange.
Then, Kai did something unexpected.
He leaned down, just slightly, and planted a soft, lingering kiss on Isabella’s cheek. A European greeting? A familiar gesture?
Whatever it was, I saw Isabella’s bri
