A Dance with Fate

ce wi

: A Break

d the ballroom, her pulse pounding with every step. Ethan turned towar

th as ever. "Where have you been?

s. You know how it is." She gestured subtly toward the now-empty spot where the w

d before he recovered. "Just networking. You kno

arching an eyebrow. "Is that

rack, but he quickly deflected, lowering his voice. "Harper, this isn't

m but quiet. "No, Ethan. We're ta

e said dismissively.

u were with her. This isn't about my imagination, Ethan. This is about

ugh. "Look, I've been under a lot of pres

oice sharp. "We're supposed to be a team, Ethan.

othing had happened-guests laughing, glasses clinking, and the orchestra pla

ng. "Maybe we've both been trying too hard," he sa

per stared at him, her heart sinki

ay. His silence was all t

t in front of him. "I think we're done, Ethan," she said s

igh. She didn't know where she was going, only that she needed to get o

The city lights stretched out before her, a glittering reminder that li

?" a familia

ailing, a glass of whiskey in hand. His sharp eyes scanned her f

" she replied, wipin

ion softening. "I'm guessing it

," Harper said, the words t

gaze thoughtful. "G

at him, surpris

but firm. "If he couldn't see what

rd. She looked away, her fingers gripping the

. "You deserve someone who's all in, not s

ns a whirlwind. "And what would you k

"Maybe not. But I know what it's like to give e

n meaning. Harper studied him, noticing for t

to me?" she asked, her vo

into a faint smile. "Maybe I just

a flicker of something other than heartbr

u," she s

ss in a silent toast. "Here's

hts, Harper couldn't help but won