The charity gala gradually drew to a close.
Guests lingered in small groups, exchanging handshakes and laughter as waiters cleared the tables.
Outside, a gentle rain fell over Rosewood, turning the city lights into shimmering reflections on the pavement.
Celina stood near one of the ballroom windows, watching the rain quietly.
"It looks like we'll be leaving in the rain."
Aaron joined her, slipping his hands into his pockets.
"The driver is on his way."
She smiled faintly.
"I wasn't talking about the drive."
He looked at her.
"I've always liked the rain."
"It makes the world feel... calmer."
Aaron followed her gaze to the rain-streaked glass.
"When I was a child, I hated it."
She turned toward him.
"Why?"
"It always meant I had to stay indoors."
"My grandfather insisted I study instead of playing."
Celina laughed.
"So even billionaires had homework."
Aaron's lips curved into a faint smile.
"Unfortunately."
For a brief moment...
They simply stood together, listening to the rhythmic sound of rain against the windows.
It was surprisingly peaceful.
Nearby, Edward Steel watched them from across the ballroom.
Ethan approached quietly.
"I've never seen him this relaxed."
Edward smiled knowingly.
"Neither have I."
"Do you think he realizes what's happening?"
Edward chuckled.
"Not yet."
"But the heart usually knows before the mind does."
A hotel attendant hurried toward them.
"Mr. Steel."
"Your vehicle has arrived."
Aaron nodded before turning to Celina.
"I'll take you home."
Her eyes widened.
"Oh, no."
"I can take a taxi."
"It's already raining."
"I don't want to inconvenience you."
"You won't."
His answer was calm but firm.
After a moment's hesitation, she nodded.
"Thank you."
The Rolls-Royce glided silently through the rain-soaked streets.
Neither of them spoke for several minutes.
The silence wasn't uncomfortable.
It felt... easy.
Celina watched raindrops race down the window.
"Tonight still feels unreal."
Aaron glanced at her.
"Why?"
"I've spent years cleaning hospital floors."
"And tonight..."
"I attended the biggest charity gala in the city."
She smiled softly.
"Life is strange."
"It is."
After a pause, Aaron asked,
"If you could have anything..."
"What would you wish for?"
She didn't answer immediately.
Instead, she looked out at the sleeping city.
"I'd open a restaurant."
"A place where no one feels unwelcome."
"Where a wealthy businessman and a tired cleaner could sit at the same table..."
"...and be treated exactly the same."
Aaron looked at her thoughtfully.
"That's a rare dream."
She laughed.
"My mother used to say food has no pride."
"It feeds everyone."
Aaron found himself smiling again.
"You talk about your mother often."
"I miss her every day."
There was no self-pity in her voice.
Only love.
Aaron respected that.
The car stopped in front of Celina's apartment building.
She looked outside.
"This is my stop."
Aaron nodded.
Before opening the door, she turned toward him.
"Thank you."
"For everything."
"The invitation."
"The dance."
"And... making me feel like I belonged."
Aaron held her gaze.
"You did belong."
"You always did."
For a heartbeat...
Neither of them moved.
The rain continued falling softly outside.
Finally, Celina smiled.
"Goodnight, Mr. Steel."
"Goodnight... Celina."
It was the first time he had called her by her first name.
She noticed.
So did he.
She stepped out of the car with a smile she couldn't hide.
Aaron watched until she disappeared inside the building.
Ethan, seated in the front, looked in the rearview mirror.
"Home, sir?"
Aaron continued looking at the apartment entrance.
"...Not yet."
He leaned back against the seat.
For the first time in years...
His thoughts weren't filled with contracts...
Meetings...
Or billion-dollar decisions.
Instead...
He found himself wondering whether Celina had gotten inside safely.
A small smile appeared on his face before he even realized it.
The Ice King...
Was beginning to thaw.