luxurious private dining room. Jace sat at the head of the table, his sharp suit tailored to perfection, exuding the calm authority that always drew attention. Across from him, his close friends Luke and Dino were laughing over a story from the week, their easy camaraderie filling the room.
"This dish is ridiculous," Luke said, gesturing at the exquisite lobster bisque in front of him. "I don't know why you bring us to places like this, Jace. It's a trap."
Jace smirked faintly, his eyes scanning the room before settling back on his plate. "It's about experience, Luke. You'll thank me later."
Dino shook his head with a grin. "He's impossible, man. But fine, I'll survive this one."
As they bantered, a familiar face appeared at the entrance of the restaurant. Melissa. An actress with a commanding presence, she moved with elegance that made heads turn. She stopped just short of the group, eyes immediately locking on Jace. Her lips curved into a confident smile.
Luke and Dino exchanged knowing glances. "You see who it is?" Dino whispered.
Luke nodded. "Melissa… she's always had a thing for Jace. Watch this."
Melissa strode over, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor. "Jace," she said warmly, though her eyes lingered on him with an intensity that suggested history.
Jace looked up briefly, his expression unchanged. He knew her, of course—they moved in the same social circles—but his calm, unreadable demeanor never betrayed more than necessary. He nodded politely.
Melissa's eyes flicked to Luke and Dino. "I hope I'm not interrupting," she said lightly, her tone carefully measured.
Luke and Dino laughed quietly, subtly teasing. "Not at all. We were just keeping the table warm for you," Luke said, his grin knowing.
Selena sat beside her mother's bed, holding Tinu's hand as she rested comfortably. Her mother's color had returned, her breathing even, and the monitors beside the bed no longer caused worry.
"You're looking better today, Mom," Selena said softly.
Tinu smiled faintly, squeezing her daughter's hand. "I am. Just need to stay a bit longer for proper recovery. Doctors insist."
Selena nodded, feeling a weight lift from her chest. The worry that had clung to her for days finally eased. She glanced out the window, sunlight streaming through the hospital room, and allowed herself a small smile. She's going to be okay.
Yet even in that moment of relief, Selena's thoughts wandered to Jace. She hadn't seen him all weekend, and the memory of his calm, commanding presence lingered like a shadow over her happiness.
Melissa spoke with an easy familiarity, her words measured yet daring. "I hear you rarely attend these dinners," she said, tilting her head, eyes sparkling. "You must be selective about who you spend your time with."
Jace's lips pressed into a thin line. "I am," he replied. His voice was calm, almost cold, but the slight sharpness hinted that he was assessing her carefully.
Melissa smiled knowingly. She was used to getting attention, used to people bending around her charm. But Jace was different. His composure, his silent authority, and the slight warning in his tone intrigued her.
The evening ended with Melissa's eyes lingering on Jace as she left, a faint smirk playing on her lips. She had made her presence known, and though Jace's demeanor didn't betray emotion, the subtle tension in the room had shifted.
The weekend had begun innocuously, but by its end, everything had changed.