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

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

...It was just a date - but to her, 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....

...Aurelia's eyes caught sight of Silas seated majestically at the far right corner of the club, with a deep breath she gathered her courage and walked towards him. Silas rose from his seat the instant she neared, his smile gentle and welcoming. It was the kind of smile that eased the tightness in her chest as though he already understood the words she hadn't spoken. With a slight bow of his head, he greeted her like she 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....

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

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

...Their first encounter was at the Library. Aurelia balanced her books against her chest as she made her way towards the library, her steps quick and purposeful. The hallway was quite sunlight spilling in through tall windows, painting golden patterns across the polished floor. Just as Aurelia turned to the corner, she nearly collided with someone. The books slipped from her hands, scattering across the group. "Careful" a calm voice said, rich and steady. Aurelia looked up to see Silas. His hazel eyes caught hers for the first time, sharp yet curious. He knelt without hesitation, gathering her 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 "she flustered, half smiling. He handed her the last book, their fingers brushing. A spark, brave but undeniable......

...Aurelia stood in line at the crowded cafeteria, balancing her 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 she spotted a free corner table, a familiar voice reached her. Silas- "running late again?". Aurelia turned to find him behind her, holding nothing but a coffee and an apple. His usual easy smile playing on his lips. Her heart skipped. "Maybe the food is chasing me this time" I smirked lightly. He chuckled. Aurelia moved towards the corner table as he followed her, sliding into the seat across from her as though it was the most natural thing in the world....

...For a moment, they ate in comfortable silence. Aurelia and her 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 her brow, she replied "maybe I just chose who I talk to Carefully"....

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

..."What would you like to have?". Silas interrupted her 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....

...Silas gave Aurelia a warm gaze with his hazel eyes, the eyes that melt her heart. learning closer , he whispered in a soft but firmly voice " Aurelia Nelson"....

...No sooner did the waiter served their drink as they sipped little by little and continued their conversation. Aurelia got to know he was the only child of the Anderson's. He is half American and half Irish. He has a friend of three, he was the oldest. Aurelia enjoyed every bit of their conversation....

..."It's already late I think we have had enough for now..." Silas declared as he fixed his eyes on his wristwatch. "Mm" she nodded. "Would you mind if I drive you home? Ladies like you shouldn't walk alone especially at night" he gave a smirked. "Why not". Standing up, he held her hand and walked her to his car, opened the door and allowed her to sit down as he buckles her seat belt. He positions himself at the driver's seat as he started the engine and drove off....

...Aurelia peeked through the window throughout the journey while showing him the direction. "Here we are" he declared. she peered through the front glass glancing at her apartment. "Thanks" she murmured "my pleasure... I would be expecting your call tonight" Silas said warmly as she made her way out. Aurelia stood still waiting for the car to zoom off....

...It's 10:15pm, i guess Amara and Lina are asleep now" Aurelia thought as she walked straight to her room quietly not wanting to wake those two kittens up. They are one of thousands and she can't handle them, not for tonight. she held into the knob, slightly turning the handle downward as she gave it a little push. The room was dark. she stretched out her left hand to the switch to turn on the light with no difficulty as she's already familiar with the room. Aurelia freaked out immediately the light was on. she nearly scream but fortunately her hand was on my mouth....

..."surprised" they echoed. The very last people she wanted to see were now in front of her laying on her bed, supporting their soft jaws with their hands and staring at her like two kittens who have lost their mittens. "gosh you freaked me out" Aurelia finally utter as she made her way to the bed. "Did he asked you out?, what happened, did you guys kissed, what was your answer, is he handsome?"...

..."Enough... let's make it tomorrow, I'm very tired, and I want to rest. I promise I'll tell everything you need to know tomorrow."...

...Amara - mmm "may you excuse me now" goodnight I love you. Aurelia said with a soft smile as they walked out of the room. she took in a deep breath, picking her phone up on my bed which was buzzing. Aurelia bit her lower lip as she saw the caller ID. "hey there" the voice said. "Yeah"...

..."I thought you would be asleep by now" "not yet" Aurelia said as she laid on her bed covering her self with her purple quit. "You have a sweet voice" he chimed in. "Thanks, you too" Silas_"ha are you trying to mock me. No I don't ". "You have a catchy voice "they both giggle...

..."can't wait to see your gorgeous face again" His words made her blush. they had a little chat before going to bed....