Maya stood by the window, watching the last traces of daylight fade into the evening sky. The quiet hum of the city outside felt distant tonight, like the world had paused for a moment just for her. 

Her home, usually simple and quiet, felt a little warmer, a little brighter—as if it, too, knew today was special.

The soft scent of jasmine lingered in the air, drifting from the flowers Elias had sent earlier. A single card had come with them: “Looking forward to tonight.” She had read it more than once, each time feeling a little flutter in her chest.

She glanced down at herself, running her hand over...