The evening passed more smoothly than any of them had expected. After the warm dinner, cheerful conversations, and a few shared laughs, the four of them stayed a little longer at the restaurant, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. It wasn’t the private night Elias had originally planned for Maya, but seeing her happy, surrounded by people who cared about her, made it worth it.

When it was finally time to leave, they all walked out together under the soft glow of the streetlights. The parking lot was quiet, the air cool and gentle.

“I’ll drive you home,” Elias said softly, turning to Maya.

Maya smiled at him. “Thank you.”

But just...