She looked to be in her mid-twenties, wearing a simple navy dress. Her eyes were bright, her smile easy—and unlike everyone else, she didn’t seem uncomfortable.
“Hi,” she said casually. “I’m Elena.”
Lucas blinked. “Have we met?”
She shook her head. “No. But my mother cleans your office building. I’ve heard stories about you.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Hopefully flattering ones.”
She laughed—a light, genuine sound that cut straight through his heaviness.
“She says you’re respectful. And fair. That matters more than you think.”
Something in his chest loosened.
“So,” he asked, “what brings you here?”
“I volunteer at charity events,” Elena replied. “I like observing people when they forget they’re being watched.”
They stood quietly for a moment, eyes drifting toward the crowd.
“Strange,” she said softly. “How people spend so much energy polishing the outside while hiding everything fragile inside.”
Lucas studied her. “You’re different.”
She smiled faintly. “I try to be.”
THE UNEXPECTED QUESTION
Elena turned to him, eyes sparkling with mischief and courage.
“Would you like to dance with me?”
Lucas stiffened.