rehearsal begins

As soon as I entered my room with my little kitten,, she jumped out of my arms and ran straight to my bed,, curling into a tiny ball on my pillow..

I smiled, shaking my head at her antics. She was such a little diva...

Realizing, I hadn't eaten anything since morning, I walked to my small kitchen, opened the fridge,, and found some leftovers. After reheating the food,, I sat by the window, enjoying the city lights twinkling like stars below.....

The night was silent except for the faint hum of the city. I took slow bites, letting my thoughts drift...

After finishing my meal,, I stretched and yawned, feeling the exhaustion of the day catching up to me...

I was about to slip under my covers when I suddenly remembered the kitten's medicine. She had been injured, and though I knew she hated it, she had to take it...

I grabbed the tiny bottle,, poured the prescribed amount into a dropper, and gently scooped her up.. "Come on, sweetheart, just a little,," I cooed softly.

As soon as she tasted the bitter medicine, she squinted her eyes in disgust,, her tiny pink tongue sticking out as if to protest..

I giggled at her dramatic reaction. "I know, I know, but it's for your own good."

With a sigh, she huffed and nestled against me,, her small body warm against my chest. I pulled the blanket over us and closed my eyes, the steady rhythm of her purring lulling me into sleep...

Just as I was slipping into dreams...

A Morning of Surprisess...

I woke up to the soft warmth of my little kitten curled beside me,, her tiny body snug against my chest.

The night had been peaceful, except for a faint knocking sound that echoed in my dreams. As I stirred, the knock became louder...

I groaned, not wanting to leave the comfort of my bed, but the knocking persisted..

Reluctantly, I got up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes, and walked toward the door.. The moment I opened it,, Lily threw her arms around me in a tight embrace...

"Rimi!! , I was so worried about you!!

You weren't answering my calls last night. Where were you?" she exclaimed,, her voice full of concern...

I chuckled and pulled her inside.. "Relax, I was just taking care of someone."

I stepped aside and gestured to the little ball of fur nestled in my blankets. Lily's eyes widened as she bent down...

"Oh my God! You got a kitten?"

I nodded. "She was injured,, so I took her in. She's a bit moody, though."

Lily laughed. "Well,, that makes sense. She fits right in with you!"

I rolled my eyes playfully, but before I could say anything, she clapped her hands. "Now, enough chitchat! Get ready, Rimi...

We have wedding dance rehearsals today."

I sighed. "I'll be there in an hour."

"No, no, no," Lily corrected. "You have half an hour.. We're all having breakfast together first."

As she rattled on about the dance plans,, I picked up my kitten,, who gave me a sleepy glance before nuzzling into my arms..

"Oh! And bring this cutie pie with you," Lily added before heading out.. : )

Getting Ready...

Rushing into the bathroom, I took a warm shower, letting the water wake me up..

As I stepped out, I searched for something comfortable yet beautiful... My hands landed on a stunning blue gown—it was soft, flowing,, and hugged my figure in just the right way.

Perfect...

As I turned to wake up my kitten,, she was gone. Panic rose in my chest until I spotted her on the table,, playfully swatting at my purse. I shook my head, amused...

"Come here, you little troublemaker," I murmured, scooping her up.,

She purred against me, but the moment I took out her medicine, she bolted straight to the bed and pretended to sleep...

"Oh no, you're not getting away," I teased,, picking her up again and gently giving her the medicine...

She shot me a betrayed look before rushing to drink water. I laughed,, stroking her fur as she climbed into my lap...

With one last glance in the mirror, I slipped into my shoes and headed downstairs, my kitten cradled in my arms like a baby.. : )

Breakfast and Adrian's Charm...

The moment I stepped into the garden,, all eyes turned to the tiny kitten in my arms. Everyone gathered around,, eager to play with her. But she had other plans...

With a startled meow, she leaped out of their reach and scrambled up my dress, hiding against my chest...

Lily sighed. "I guess she only trusts you."

I smiled and stroked her fur. "She just needs time."

As I sat at the table,, I noticed Adrian taking the seat beside me. Our eyes met, and he smiled—a slow, heart-melting smile...

"Looks like your kitten has already claimed you as hers," he mused..

I chuckled. "Yeah, she's quite the clingy one."

He glanced down at her. "She's sleeping on your lap?"

I nodded. "Like a baby."

Adrian studied me for a moment,, then smirked. "Lucky kitten."

My heart skipped a beat at the way, he said it—his voice deep and teasing. Heat crept up my cheeks, and I quickly looked away, focusing on my food...

After breakfast, as I carried my kitten toward the hotel lobby, Adrian walked beside me...

"Want me to hold her for a while?" he asked,, extending his hands.

I hesitated before carefully placing her in his arms.. At first, she simply stared at him, her tiny nose twitching. Then,, just as Adrian smiled—she jumped straight back to me...

He groaned. "See? I told you. She doesn't like me."

I laughed, cuddling her. "Maybe you just need to give her time."

His gaze softened. "You think that'll work with her?"

"Of course."

He tilted his head slightly. "What about with you?"

I blinked, caught off guard. "What do you mean?"

He smirked. "Will you also come to me... if I give you time?"

A fluttering warmth spread through me,, but before I could answer,

Lily called out. "Guys! Rehearsal room is on the second last floor.. Let's go!"

I turned away quickly,, hoping Adrian wouldn't see the blush on my face...

The Dance That Changed Everything...

The rehearsal room had floor-to-ceiling windows,, offering a breathtaking view of New York City...

But all thoughts of the city disappeared as our dance instructor divided us into pairs.

And of course—Adrian and I were partners...

The moment we started, I could feel the intensity of his touch. His hands rested securely on my waist as I placed mine around his neck. The music played softly in the background, setting the mood as we swayed in perfect rhythm...

I could feel his breath near my ear, his warmth surrounding me. Every time our eyes met,, my heart pounded a little faster...

Then came the final step...

I had to jump, and Adrian had to catch me in his arms, holding me close as we locked eyes..

As I leaped, his grip tightened, and for a brief moment, it felt like time stood still.. His eyes bore into mine—deep, intense, searching...

My breath hitched as his fingers brushed against my cheek...

"You're blushing," he murmured, his lips dangerously close to mine...

I swallowed, my voice barely above a whisper. "Maybe."

He chuckled, tightening his hold on me. "I like it."

A shiver ran down my spine,, but before I could say anything, my kitten—who had been sitting in the middle of the room watching us—suddenly crawled under my dress...

The spell broke as I gasped. "Oh my God, she's ruining my dress!"

Adrian laughed, setting me down gently. "Jealous, maybe?"

I rolled my eyes, scooping her up as she let out a loud meow.

A Sunset Confession

After rehearsal, I was about to head to my room when I heard Adrian call my name...

I turned to find him standing there,, my kitten in his arms—though she was growling at him like always.

"She ran to the door looking for you," he said, handing her over...

I smiled. "She really doesn't like being away from me."

Adrian hesitated. Then, in a softer voice, he asked, "Are you free for a walk? Just you and me?"

My heart raced. "What time?"

"Five. And… wear this dress. You look beautiful in it."

A blush crept up my cheeks. I nodded... "Okay."

He smiled, and for a moment, neither of us moved. Then I realized—he was still holding my hand....

As soon as I looked down, he let go, his fingers lingering just a second longer than necessary...

I quickly turned and walked toward the elevator, my heart pounding.

And as I stepped inside, I couldn't stop the small smile that played on my lips.,

Tonight was going to be… interesting.

To Be Continued....