The evening sun had just begun to dip behind the skyline of Rain City, painting the clouds in muted shades of pink and amber. I lingered near the window in Claude's private villa, fidgeting with the hem of my dress, trying not to overthink the sudden invitation. Claude had casually mentioned lunch that day, with that calm, unshakable smile of his. "Mio, let's meet some of my friends tonight. Just a casual dinner, nothing formal."
"Friends?" I had echoed, my voice betraying my nervousness. My mind immediately filled with flashes of the past—Claude, so distant and cold, having rejected me countless times, now suddenly holding my hand like we belonged together. It was both comforting and terrifying. The very thought made my pulse spike, and yet, there was a hint of excitement too.
