As the elevator doors slid open, Hazel stepped out into the quiet lobby, the soft hum of the elevator fading into the background. It was the closing hour, and the usual bustle of the office building had dwindled to a few stragglers hurrying to leave. Hazel's heels clicked on the polished floor as she made her way towards the exit, her eyes fixed on the sleek black car waiting by the curb.

Noah was already seated in the backseat, his chiseled features illuminated by the soft glow of the car's ...