The applause still echoed faintly behind them as Adam took Sofia's hand—not loosely, not in passing, but with a quiet certainty that made her breath catch. His touch was warm, confident, and unfamiliar in its gentleness. She barely had time to react before he was leading her through the hall, past the final guests, the laughter, the music, and out into the hush of the night.
"Where are we going?" she asked, her voice low, her heels clicking sharply against the marble.
Adam didn't answer—only looked at her briefly, his jaw tight, eyes unreadable. But something lingered in his expression. Something that felt like anticipation… or resolve.
Outside, a sleek black car waited. The driver opened the door, and without a word, Adam gestured for her to step inside.
The ride was silent. The city lights blurred past, reflected in the windows like distant stars. Sofia's heart thudded, unsure whether to be nervous or thrilled.
But nothing prepared her for where they stopped.
