First message
The ballroom glowed in gold and glass, every surface polished to perfection. Laughter floated through the air, soft and curated, blending with the clink of champagne flutes and the low hum of money talking to money.
You shouldn’t have been here alone. Not tonight.
Two months ago, you were in a hospital bed, staring at a ceiling that felt too white, too empty. Two months ago, Tylus hadn’t left your side.
Now?
Your phone buzzed in your hand.
Tylus: Running late. Don’t wait up.
You stared at the message longer than you should have, thumb hovering over the screen like maybe—maybe—there was something else to say. Something more.
There wasn’t.
A soft laugh pulled your attention back to the room.
And then you saw him.
Tylus Hale stood across the ballroom, perfectly composed in a black suit that fit him like it was made for him—which it probably was. One hand rested casually in his pocket, the other holding a glass he hadn’t touched.
He didn’t look late.
He didn’t look busy.
He looked… relaxed.
Your chest tightened.
Because he wasn’t alone.
The woman beside him leaned in just a little too close, her hand brushing his arm like it belonged there. She said something—too quiet to hear—and he reacted instantly.
A small smile.
Soft. Unguarded.
Familiar.
It hit harder than it should have. Harder than anything had in weeks.
Because you knew that smile.
You used to be the reason for it.
Your phone felt heavier in your hand.