Clara stepped out of the sleek black car just as Anastasia pulled into the parking lot, leaving her alone for a fleeting moment. The crisp night air wrapped around her like an invisible cloak, carrying with it the city's ever-present hum—a symphony of distant laughter, honking horns, and the occasional clinking of glasses from the high-end restaurant ahead. Taking a slow breath, she steadied herself. This was it. The night that could change everything.
To calm her nerves, she pulled out her phone, scrolling aimlessly through emails and messages, her fingers moving more out of habit than intention. It was a flimsy distraction, at best. Her heart drummed a steady rhythm of anticipation, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shake the feeling that tonight carried an air of something inevitable. What was she even expecting? Was she truly ready for whatever was about to unfold?
Just as she lifted her gaze, her eyes landed on a figure standing a few feet away. A man, his posture effortlessly commanding, phone pressed to his ear. His sharp profile was bathed in the soft glow of the overhead lights, his expression unreadable, yet utterly captivating.
Ethan Smith.
Even in a sea of power players, his presence was impossible to ignore. He stood with an effortless confidence that came naturally to those who had mastered control. Dressed in a tailored midnight-blue suit that fit him like a second skin, his dark hair was styled to perfection, a few strands falling artfully out of place, as if rebelling against his otherwise flawless composure. His jaw was set in quiet authority, his presence exuding an air of restraint, calculation. Clara's breath hitched—only for a second—before she quickly shook off the thought. Why was he here? Was this mere coincidence, or had fate deliberately placed him in her path?
Focus, Clara. This is business. Nothing more.
But fate, as always, had other plans.
As she took a step forward, her mind briefly preoccupied, she failed to notice the uneven pavement beneath her heels. A miscalculated stride sent her stumbling—directly into the solid chest of a stranger.
A sharp gasp escaped her lips as she felt herself tilting backward, gravity threatening to pull her down. Before she could fully process the moment, strong hands caught her with unwavering precision. One arm wrapped around her waist, firm yet careful, while the other steadied her by the arm, his grip sure and unyielding.
Time seemed to slow, stretching impossibly thin between them.
Clara's breath stilled as she found herself mere inches away from Ethan Smith. His cologne—subtle yet intoxicating—wrapped around her senses, an exquisite blend of cedarwood and something darker, more mysterious. His touch was steady, warm, yet unreadable, and when her gaze met his, something flickered in his eyes—something she couldn't quite decipher. Recognition? Amusement? Annoyance? Did he remember her from before, or was she merely another fleeting moment in his night?
Ethan, always composed, always in control, felt an unexpected crack in his usually impenetrable armor. He hadn't anticipated this—a chance encounter that left him momentarily unguarded. His mind registered her features in an instant: the delicate yet determined set of her jaw, the way her eyes held fire even in a moment of imbalance, and the way her dress, simple yet sophisticated, traced the curve of her form with effortless elegance. Who was she, really? And why did she suddenly seem impossible to ignore?
For the first time in a long while, Ethan felt something shift.
The world around them blurred, reduced to white noise as the unspoken tension settled between them like a heavy weight.
Then, reality came crashing back in.
Ethan cleared his throat, his hands retreating as if nothing had happened. His expression, once briefly open, hardened back into the cool, controlled demeanor he was known for. "Watch where you're going," he said, hisvoice low but firm.
Clara blinked, quickly regaining her composure, though the lingering sensation of his touch still burned in her mind. She straightened, lifting her chin ever so slightly, her gaze unwavering. "Maybe you should, too."
Their eyes lingered, locked in an almost imperceptible battle of wills. What was this tension between them? Was it curiosity, annoyance, or something far more dangerous?
Then, as if the moment had never happened, Ethan gave the faintest nod before turning on his heel and walking away, his phone already back in hand.
Clara exhaled slowly, her pulse still unsteady. Whatever this night had in store, one thing was clear—this was just the beginning. But the real question lingered in her mind: The beginning of what?
Moments later, Anastasia's sharp heels clicked against the pavement as she approached, her expression equal parts amusement and curiosity. "You okay? You look like you just saw a ghost."
Clara shook her head, forcing a small laugh. "Not a ghost. Just… someone unexpected."
Anastasia arched a brow, clearly intrigued. "Someone interesting?"
Clara sighed. "More like someone I wasn't expecting to run into—literally."
Inside, the atmosphere buzzed with energy, a perfect blend of sophistication and anticipation as guests mingled beneath the grand chandeliers. Across the venue, Ethan made his way to the VIP entrance, his assistant greeting him with a nod. "Mr. Smith, allow me to introduce you to the designer who was specially requested for tonight's showcase."
At that exact moment, Clara and Anastasia were led toward the same area by their own manager. "Clara, you and Ethan will be working closely tonight," their manager announced. "This is Mr. Smith, CEO of Velvet Vogue."
Ethan's sharp eyes widened—just slightly—before his expression hardened again, but not before Anastasia caught his brief reaction.
Clara forced a professional smile, extending her hand. "Clara Williams, designer."
Ethan hesitated for the barest fraction of a second before taking her hand. "Ethan Smith. CEO."
Anastasia cleared her throat, suppressing a smirk. "Well, this just got interesting."
Before anything else could be said, another voice interrupted. "Ah, Ethan!" A tall man with an air of equal confidence approached, his dark eyes flickering between them. "I see you've met our star designer for tonight."
Ethan nodded, his jaw tight. "Yes, we've… crossed paths."
Clara's smirk deepened. "A rather unexpected meeting, I'd say."
Ethan's assistant chuckled. "Looks like introductions won't be necessary, then."
The man beside Ethan—his best friend and business partner, Nicholas Frost—laughed. "Clara Williams. I've heard a lot about your work. It's a pleasure.
Clara shook his hand, her confidence returning. "Likewise, Mr. Frost."
Ethan exhaled, his gaze unwavering as he studied Clara. "Shall we get on with business, then?"
Clara nodded, a small smirk playing on her lips. "Yes, let's."
The night had taken yet another unexpected turn.
Isn't this being interesting now!
~Let's see what to be next!
Is tonight fate or coincidence? Why does Ethan seem affected by Clara? Why does Ethan hesitate? What happens next? What Ethan was feeling towards Clara? If they gonna match up then what about Clara and her boyfriend, who is still unknown from us? What will happen if her boyfriend would hear about the moment just happened between Ethan and Clara? Uhhh... Too much question, but you guyz don't worry! Just Stay Tuned!~~