The quiet purr of the car's engine surrounded her as she settled in the backseat, her hands resting awkwardly on her lap. She peeked out the window, the city lights saring into golden and white trails. No amount of luxury—or Elion's composed calm—could shake the anxious feeling twisting in her gut. She shifted slightly in her seat, her fingers nervously gripped the folds of her dress.
"Take it easy," Elion said, his deep voice breaking the quiet, carrying a surprising hint of gentleness that caught hef off guard.
Raelynn turned her head to look at him, blinking. "What?"
"You're nervous," he said, not as a question but as a fact. His eyes flicked to hers, impossible to read. "Don't be. Just follow my lead, and you'll be fine."
His assurance did little to ease the flutter in her stomach. "I'm not nervous," she muttered, but the uncertainty in her voice betrayed her.
The faintest smirk tugged at his lips, definitely not a smile but close enough to make her cheeks warm. "Lying doesn't suit you."
Raelynn huffed, turning her gaze back to the window to avoid his knowing look. After a mont of silence, she asked, "Why did you even ask to co? You could have gone alone, like you usually do."
Elion didn't answer imdiately. She could feel his gaze on her, as if searching for the right response, but before he could respond, the car began to slow.
"We're here," the driver announced.
Raelynn barely had ti to process the shift before the car ca to a gentle stop. Elion sat up, his face giving nothing away as he pushed open the door and got out. He turned back almost imdiately, extending a hand to her.
"Hold my hand," he said, his tone leaving no room for argunt.
Raelynn hesitated, her eyes flicking between his outstretched hand and his face. Finally, with a sigh, she placed her hand in his, letting him help her out of the car. His grip was warm and firm, steadying her as she stepped onto the pavent.
Raelynn's stomach flipped as she stared up at the huge building in front of her. The Grand Crystal Hotel. Of course, it had to be this place. She knew it well—way too well. This wasn't just so fancy hotel. No, this was where she'd spent that night with Elion.
She fought to keep her face neutral, though her grip on his hand tightened slightly before she let go. Elion stood there for a mont, watching her reaction before glancing at the hotel.
"So," he began, "Does this place bring back any mories?"
Raelynn's jaw tightened. "Yeah," she said flatly, refusing to et his gaze.
"I hope they're good ones," he added, smirking now, clearly enjoying himself.
She rolled her eyes. "Not in the mood for this," she muttered
As they walked, her hand moved to her belly, her thoughts racing. This is where we made you, she thought with a wry smile she quickly buried. The mory was more exhausting than funny right now, and she wasn't about to let Elion drag her into reminiscing.
"No other comnts?" he asked, still smug.
"Nope," she said sharply, keeping her eyes forward. She wasn't giving him an inch more to work with.
Elion chuckled softly, clearly enjoying the situation, but thankfully, he didn't push further.
Raelynn's nerves prickled again, but she forced herself to keep walking, her hand still resting in Elion's as they moved toward the entrance.
"This doesn't seem like your kind of thing," she said quietly, glancing up at him. "You're private. Why bother coming to a party like this?"
Elion glanced down at her, one brow quirking up in mild surprise. "I didn't know you paid that much attention to ."
Raelynn rolled her eyes, her sarcasm kicking in almost automatically. "You're not the only one who can dig up information on soone, you know."
Elion smirked, clearly amused by her jab. "Oh? And what else have you dug up about , Raelynn?"
She shot him a sidelong look, a smile tugging at her lips. "Wouldn't you like to know?"
"I'll admit, I'm intrigued. But don't think for a second that I won't find out eventually."
"Good luck with that," she shot back lightly, pulling her hand from his as they reached the grand entrance. "So secrets are harder to uncover than others."
"Ah, but I do love a challenge," he countered.
Arrogant jerk, she thought, but she couldn't quite stop the small grin tugging at her lips. His teasing had kind of helped her relax—just a little.
Elion's expression turned serious, though his eyes carried a hint of amusent. "It's not about what I like," he replied. "It's about maintaining good relationships. That's all."
"Sounds boring," Raelynn muttered, earning a faint chuckle from him.
"Perhaps. But it's necessary." He glanced down at her, his gaze softening slightly. "I won't stay long. Just long enough to make an appearance."
Raelynn nodded, though her curiosity was far from satisfied. She shot him a quick glance, her lips pressing into a thin line before she asked, "You still haven't told why you wanted to co with you."
Elion's lips twitched. "You'll find out soon enough."
Raelynn frowned, but before she could press further, they reached the grand entrance. They were welcod by a pair of doorn who greeted them with polite bows. As soon as she walked in, she was overwheld by the sheer grandeur around her.
The venue was stunning—sparkling chandeliers, gleaming marble, and massive flower displays everywhere. The crowd was all dressed in elegant gowns and sharp suits, their laughter and conversation blending with the live orchestra's lody.
Raelynn felt like a fish out of water surrounded by all the extravagance. She clutched Elion's arm a little tighter, her gaze darting around as she tried to take it all in.
"Elion," she said softly, leaning closer to him. "This is… overwhelming."
He glanced down at her, his expression calm but reassuring. "Just stay close to . You'll be fine."
She gave a quick nod, inhaling deeply to calm her nerves. Yet, her curiosity still nagged at her. Why had he brought her here? What was he planning?
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