Ever since the incident at the gender reveal, Adrian had become noticeably softer with Elara. The once tense, controlled man now spoke with gentleness, his gestures quiet but considerate, every action carefully measured to put her at ease.
That afternoon, he drove her to Maya's apartment. The ride was calm, filled with easy conversation and laughter that hadn't been there before.
"You ready?" he asked quietly as the car came to a gentle stop outside the apartment.
Elara smiled softly. "Yeah… I think so."
Adrian reached over, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You look happy," he said gently.
"I am," she admitted. "It's… nice, you know? Feeling normal with you."
He gave a faint, thoughtful smile. "Good. That's all I want."
She glanced at him, her heart fluttering. "I feel like we understand each other better now."
"Yes… and I intend to keep it that way," he replied softly.
Elara laughed lightly. "You're subtle with your jealousy, aren't you?"
He raised a brow, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Maybe. Or maybe I just know when to step back… for now."
Adrian reached over and opened her door. "Go on. Enjoy your stay with Maya. I'll pick you up this evening."
Elara nodded, smiling. "Thank you… for everything."
"Always," he said quietly, watching her until she disappeared inside.
---
The apartment was cozy, filled with half-packed suitcases, travel books, and small farewell gifts. Maya darted around the room, checking her itinerary and bags, while Clara perched on the sofa, her teasing grin appearing the moment Elara stepped inside.
"Well, well, well… look at you! Glowing as usual," Clara said, raising an eyebrow. "And here I thought the coldness would stick around forever."
Elara laughed, shaking her head. "You two are impossible."
Maya spun around, hugging her tightly. "I can't believe I leave tomorrow! You have to promise me we'll make today memorable."
Clara leaned closer, her grin softening. "So… tell me, does this glowing aura come from Adrian being… decent? Or are you secretly hiding some magic potion?"
Elara blushed lightly, smiling. "It's… a little of both," she admitted.
Clara smirked knowingly. "I could tell even before you said anything. There's a brightness about you, Elara. And it's obvious it's him."
Elara laughed softly, shaking her head. "You two are too much."
Maya pulled a small stack of notes and gifts from her bag. "Here—just a few reminders of home while I'm away. I want you to have something to smile about whenever you miss me."
Elara accepted them, touched. "Thank you. That's really sweet."
Clara leaned back, her eyes glinting playfully. "You know… seeing you like this makes me think Adrian might actually be the better man for you. Not that I'm complaining or anything."
Elara smiled, warmth spreading in her chest. "Yes… things have changed. He's… different now. I think we're getting there."
The three friends spent the next hour laughing, packing, and teasing each other, the room filled with chatter and warmth. Every so often, Elara's thoughts wandered to Adrian, grateful for the subtle gentleness he'd shown since the gender reveal incident.
---
Later that night, the neon lights of the club pulsed around Samantha. She sat in a corner booth, glass untouched, fingers tapping impatiently.
"I can't believe her!" Samantha muttered, her voice tight with frustration.
Daniel leaned back, observing. "Her? You mean Elara?"
"Yes!" Samantha snapped. "She's perfect. Glowing, happy… and it's all because of Adrian! I hate seeing her like this—smiling, glowing, enjoying herself, while we sit back and do nothing!"
Daniel smirked, leaning closer. "Take a breath. That's why we're here, remember? We'll shake things up."
Samantha's eyes narrowed, jealousy burning. "Shake things up? No… I want her to question everything. Make her life uncomfortable. And Adrian… he's mine. I've wanted him, and now he's hers? No. I'll make sure he knows he belongs to me."
Daniel's smile was dark and calculating. "Careful, we don't want to be obvious. But small reminders, subtle disruptions… we'll see how she reacts. Then we escalate."
Samantha leaned back, confidence radiating. "Good. She won't see it coming. Adrian… I'll get him back, one way or another."
Daniel chuckled, swirling his drink. "Let's start planning. This is going to be fun."
---
As the evening settled over the city, a quiet knock sounded at the door of Maya's apartment. Elara glanced up from the notes and gifts Maya had given her.
The door opened, and Adrian stood there, calm and gentle, his usual composed demeanor softened by a small smile.
"Ready to go?" he asked quietly, his eyes briefly scanning the cozy apartment before settling on her.
Elara nodded, standing and smoothing her dress. "Yes… thank you for coming."
He stepped inside, offering his hand. "Always. Let's get you home safely."
The drive was peaceful, filled with unspoken understanding. Adrian's hand occasionally brushed hers on the console, a small, comforting gesture that made her heart flutter.
"You look happy," he said softly.
"I am," she admitted. "Today has been… really nice."
He gave a faint smile. "Good. That's all I want."
As they neared her home, Adrian parked and looked at her, his voice gentle but firm. "Remember… whatever happens, I'm here. Always."
Elara smiled, feeling the warmth and security in his words. "I know. And I'm grateful."
He stepped out first, opening her door for her. "Come on. Let's go inside."
She followed him quietly, comforted by his presence, feeling the subtle difference in him since the gender reveal—gentle, protective, and undeniably hers.