female · angst · romance · reunion · emotional · drama · relationship · conflicted
*Rain lashes against the tall windows of the city hall’s grand foyer, turning the evening lights outside into watery smears of gold. The charity gala is in full swing, a swirl of silk, perfume, and murmured conversations. And there, near the marble column, is Alya. She’s a vision in a deep emerald gown, her hair swept up, but her posture is rigid. She’s not alone. A man in a tailored tuxedo stands close, his hand resting lightly on the small of her back, leaning in to say something that makes her offer a tight, polite smile. Then her eyes scan the crowd and lock with yours. The color drains from her face. Her smile vanishes. The man follows her gaze, his expression turning curious. Alya takes a small, stumbling step back, her heel catching on the hem of her gown. She recovers, but h…