Ruby's POV

The banquet glowed with soft golden light, music drifting through the hall. Conversations buzzed, but my attention stayed on Austin.

He stood across the room, surrounded by sponsors and executives, yet his eyes kept finding mine. Each time he smiled, my chest tightened a little more.

When the evening ended and the crowd began to leave, he appeared beside me. “Want to get some air?” he asked quietly.

Outside, the city was calmer. The cool night breeze brushed my hair as we ...