The invitation to Noah's party brought an unexpected shift in the calm atmosphere of Rafael's mansion. It was meant to be a small, private gathering only close friends, nothing extravagant but something about it felt significant.
Aria stood in the living room, her phone still in her hand, her thoughts unsettled. Noah had just invited her personally, his tone casual yet insistent.
Aria stood in the middle of the living room, her phone still resting lightly in her hand, though her grip had unconsciously tightened. Her thoughts were anything but steady.
Noah's voice still echoed faintly in her mind casual, teasing, but insistent enough to linger.
He had invited her personally not as Rafael's companion but her.
And that alone made it feel different.
When she had brought it up to Rafael earlier, she hadn't expected much discussion.
But she also hadn't expected it to end so quickly.
"No."
That was all he said.
She had blinked, slightly caught off guard.
