Kiara hugged him, her movements deliberate yet natural. She plastered on a charming smile and took a seat across from him. “It really has,” she replied, her tone light. Inside, she was trembling, but she knew she had to keep up the act. Every move, every word mattered.
They talked about everything—work, old friends, even movies they used to enjoy together. Ethan seemed relaxed, even happy, his attention entirely on her. Kiara played her part well, keeping the conversation breezy, all while stealing occasional glances around the room. She knew they weren’t alone.