In the Eyes of Fate

allroom shimmered with the glow of crystal chandeliers, casting soft golden light over the polished marble floors. She caught a glimpse of her reflection in the fl

voices filled the air, but Emma could bar

in a sea of waitstaff, carrying trays of hors d'oeuvres for the city's elite. The kind of people whose names you o

to fund her design dreams, even if it meant spending nig

eels echoing in the otherwise hushed space. She made her way toward a group of guests standing

e staggered back. "Oh! I'm so sorry," she blurt

n she l

f place. His suit was fitted to perfection, the fabric rich and deep, hinting at a level of wealth she could only dream of. His sharp jawline was accentuated by a hint of stubble, and wh

ough he hadn't spoken much all night. It had a certain we

still clutching the tray. "I-I'm so sorr

that made her feel like she was intruding in his space. But even so, she couldn't help but be captivated by him. He wa

in a way that made her feel exposed. His eyes paused for a moment lo

at her apron. "I'm just here for t

a moment. The soft hum of conversation and clinking glasses barely registered in her ears. For a brief, inexplicable second

"Be careful. It's easy to get lost in a place like this," he said quietl

y your night," he added, turning and disappearing into the crowd with the flui

rief encounter had unsettled her. She couldn't place it-the way his eyes seemed to hold so much,

t hand, but the image of his piercing eyes