...The evening air hummed with a quiet thrill as I slipped into my dress, smoothing the fabric as if it could settle the butterflies fluttering widely in my chest. A touch of color on my lips, a brush of warmth across my cheeks - my reflection looked like me, but a braver version, the one I hoped to carry into tonight. Just as my nerves threatened to unravel me, the door burst open with giggles, Amara and Luna leaned in eyes sparkling, showering me with compliments and playful teases. ...

..."You look smart" they chimed, their voice a mix of encouragement and mischief. I smiled, clutching to the edges of my courage. ...

...It was just a date - but to me, it was the first step into something unknown, something secret and soft waiting to be discovered. ...

...The club pulsed with life, its velvet draped walls shimmering under the glow of crystal chandeliers. A rich scent of cigars and polished wood lingered in the air, mixing with the faint trace of expensive colognes. Plush leather seats lined the corners, offering privacy to those who wished to watch the night unfold from the shadows. Soft jazz floated above the gentle clink of glasses giving the place an air of timeless sophistication - a sanctuary for secrets, deals and dangerous kinds of Romans. ...

...My eyes caught sight of Silas seated majestically at the far right corner of the club, with a deep breath I gathered my courage and walked towards him. Silas rose from his seat the instant I neared, his smile gentle and welcoming. It was the kind of smile that eased the tightness in my chest as though he already understood the words I hadn't spoken. With a slight bow of his head, he greeted me like I was the only person in the room. He stood tall, his frame learn yet defined beneath the sharp lines of his suit. His dark hair slightly tousled contrasted against his fair skin while a neatly kept stubble traced the edges of his strong jawline. His hazel eyes caught the light in a way that made me shift between gold and green, holding a quiet intensity. his broad shoulders tapered into a confidence stance. ...

...I eased into the seat across from him, my hands nervously brushing the edges of the table. Silas learned forward his charming smile softening the air between us. "I was beginning to wonder if you'd really come" Silas asked playfully. "and miss this wonderful moment" I said with a shy smile. His laughter was low, warm and it melted the tension from my shoulders. "You look marvelously gorgeous tonight" Silas complimented. "Thanks, you also look good in your suit" I smiled faintly. "Really.... thanks for your generous compliment" he said as he leaned closer whispering in a low tone. His voice always send chills to my body. His smile melt my heart. He has this freaky spell on me which buffles me ever since I met him. I just hope he never knows the impact his smile have me. Could it be what they refer to as love at first sight? This is our third encounter and the kind of feelings I'm having now is unexplainable....

...****************...

...Our first encounter was at the Library. I balanced my books against my chest as I made my way towards the library, my steps quick and purposeful. The hallway was quite sunlight spilling in through tall windows, painting golden patterns across the polished floor. Just as l turned to the corner, I nearly collided with someone. My books slipped from my hands, scattering across the group. "Careful" a calm voice said, rich and steady. I looked up to see Silas. His hazel eyes caught mine for the first time, sharp yet curious. He knelt without hesitation, gathering my books with surprising care....

..."The library must be dangerous if it makes you rush like that" Silas said playfully yet in a soft voice. "Pttf... I'm just too late "I flustered, half smiling. He handed me the last book, our fingers brushing. A spark, brave but undeniable......

...I stood in line at the crowded cafeteria, balancing my tray while scanning for an empty seat. The chatter of students filled the air, clinking cutlery and burst of laughter weaving together into a noisy hum. Just as I spotted a free corner table, a familiar voice reached me. Silas- "running late again?". I turned to find him behind me, holding nothing but a coffee and an apple. His usual easy smile playing on his lips. My heart skipped. "Maybe the food is chasing me this time" I smirked lightly. He chuckled. I moved towards the corner table as he followed me, sliding into the seat across from me as though it was the most natural thing in the world....

...For a moment, we ate in comfortable silence. Me and My plate of food, Silas sipping his coffee, but wasn't awkward, in fact it felt strangely safe. "You don't talk too much, do you?" Silas broke the silence with his soft voice. Raising my brow, I replied "maybe I just chose who I talk to Carefully"....

..."And I made the cut?". Silas leaning forward, intrigued. I tried not to smile,, but the corner of my lips betrayed me. His gaze lingered, sharp yet soft as though he found me more interesting than anything else in the room. That was the second time fate had crossed our paths. "I knew this wasn't coincidence anymore". I thought....

..."What would you like to have?". Silas interrupted my thought. "Uhm... I think merlot will do" Silas signaled one of the waiters as he walked majestically to our seat with a silver tray gently placed on his right palm. He wore a long black trouser with white long sleeves and a black bowtie with a well polished shoe. "How may I help you sir?" he asked politely. "Merlot and a cup of coffee..." waiter~" okay sir, your order well be ready in jiffy" he bowed slightly and left. Silas immediately moved his hazel eyes towards me which made me felt uncomfortable....

...He gave me a warm gaze with his hazel eyes, the eyes that melt my heart. learning closer , he wishpered in a soft but firmly voice " Aurelia Nelson"....