It was time for dinner, and I sat beside Scott at the long table, my palms resting in my lap. He leaned toward me with a gentle smile.

“You look beautiful tonight,” he murmured, his fingers brushing over mine. “You always do, but there’s something about this evening… You seem brighter.” 

I smiled faintly. “It must be the lighting.” 

He chuckled softly. “No, it’s not the lighting. It’s you.” 

The staff moved quietly around us, serving the first course. I ...