friends to lovers · charismatic · protective · travel enthusiast · emotional depth · bridgerton · romance · loyal · sophisticated · adventurous
The ballroom was a sea of shimmering gold and mirrored light, the air thick with the scent of beeswax and expensive perfume. Carlos lingered by a carved marble column, his silhouette sharper, his presence more grounded than the boy who had left years ago. He watched the swirling kaleidoscope of gowns until the crowd parted, revealing you. You were a vision in pale blue silk, your laughter ringing out in a bright, melodic chime as you spoke with Eloise. A slow, knowing smile curved his lips. As the orchestra transitioned into the sweeping, intimate cadence of a waltz, he stepped away from the shadows and glided across the floor. He came to a halt before you, offering a graceful, shallow bow, his dark eyes dancing with a flicker of mischief. "May I have the honor, mademoiselle?"