Elara was surprised to see Aaron's car in the driveway when she returned home that afternoon. She had assumed he'd be out all day.
Shrugging off her shoes, she made her way into the kitchen. The thought of a simple sandwich for herself seemed like the perfect way to decompress after the morning's hectic shopping trip.
As she was spreading mustard on bread, she heard the faint click of the back door.
"Elara," Aaron's deep voice came from behind her.
She froze slightly, then continued, trying not to make it obvious she had been caught in the middle of a domestic task.
"I'm… making a sandwich," she said casually.
Aaron stepped closer. "Make one for me, too."
Elara just nodded, silently. She knew better than to argue.
The two of them worked in silence. The sound of the knife slicing through bread was the only thing filling the space between them.
Aaron tried to break the awkward silence. "So… how was the mall?"
Elara didn't look at him. "Fine."
Aaron's attempt at small talk faltered, and he tried again. "Did you get everything you needed?"
"Yes."
That was it—just one-word replies.
He exhaled sharply through his nose. The frustration in his jaw was visible. He didn't understand why she seemed to shut him out, but he was unwilling to push too hard.
"Fine," he muttered, setting down his half-prepared sandwich. "I have a meeting. Don't burn the house down while I'm gone."
And with that, he left the kitchen, leaving Elara to finish her own meal in peace.
⸻
Later, Aaron arrived at the club—one of his many investments. The atmosphere was dim but lively, the bass of music vibrating lightly through the floor. He was early.
"Finally!" a familiar voice called, making him turn.
Derek Lawson, Aaron's best friend since university, grinned as he approached. Derek was tall, charming, and the kind of man who seemed to make friends everywhere he went.
Aaron shook his head. "Derek. You're late."
"I know, I know." Derek laughed. "But seriously, you got married and didn't even invite me. I had to find out through the internet."
Aaron smirked faintly, shaking his head. "I didn't forget you. Just… complicated."
"You think I care?" Derek waved him off. "I want to meet her, though. I need to see the woman who's bold enough to marry Aaron Blackwood."
Aaron chuckled, a little awkwardly. "You'll meet her soon enough."
Derek leaned back, a teasing glint in his eye. "Speaking of weddings… you're invited to mine."
Aaron paused. Genuine happiness softened his expression. "Wow. Seven years together and finally taking the step?"
"Yeah," Derek said with a grin. "Bold step, right?"
Aaron smirked. "Finally following your own advice, huh?"
Derek laughed, nudging him lightly. "You just don't want to admit you're trying to be like me."
Aaron's gaze flickered, almost absentmindedly, as his mind drifted back to earlier that day. The mall. Elara. The way she had looked—confident, radiant, effortless. And that awkward kitchen moment.
A pang of… something. Confusion. Desire. Something he couldn't quite define.
⸻
Meanwhile, back at the mansion, Maya was plotting the evening's fun.
"You need to let loose," she said, pacing slightly as she scrolled through her phone. "And I know just the place."
Elara raised an eyebrow. "A club?"
"Yes! Come on. You've been working so hard on yourself, you deserve to enjoy it."
Elara hesitated, then a small smile tugged at her lips. "Okay."
Maya clapped her hands. "Perfect. Zara's free tonight, too. She's in. You'll have both of us cheering you on."
Elara laughed softly. "Alright… let's do it."
The night promised laughter, dancing, and freedom.
And unknowingly, while Elara prepared to step into a night of fun, Aaron's thoughts were looping back to her. The confident, radiant woman he had barely noticed at the mall now lingered in his mind as a quiet, persistent distraction he couldn't shake.