We left the gala before dessert was served.

It wasn’t that I was tired. It wasn’t even that I wanted to leave. I simply did not need anything more. Not another glass of champagne. Not another photograph. Not another moment trying to be gracious in a room that had already seen enough.

Julian took my coat from the attendant without asking. He helped me into it gently, his hands brushing my shoulders with care more than ceremony. Outside, the city air had cooled further. I tilted my head ...