Iris's face turned ashen as Derek Ashton emerged from the crowd, his towering figure commanding attention. Murmurs bounced back and forth like a tennis ball, growing louder and more urgent as Derek's purposeful strides devoured the distance between him and Autumn. Every eye in the room, including Iris's, was fixed on the unfolding scene.

Derek's approach was met with a mixture of surprise and curiosity, but he seemed oblivious to the commotion he was causing. His gaze was fixed on Autumn, his eyes burning with an intensity that made her blush. He extends his hand to Autumn. With a shy smile, she offered him the back of her palm, and...