Chapter 14 under the stars

The party was in full swing, the grand hall buzzing with the laughter and chatter of well-dressed strangers. Leah had done her best to blend in, offering polite smiles and exchanging pleasantries when necessary, but her patience was wearing thin.

She glanced around the room, the glittering chandeliers casting a golden glow over the sea of designer dresses and tailored suits. It was a spectacle, no doubt, filled with famous faces and influential people. Yet, despite the grandeur, Leah felt stifled.

I need some air.

Excusing herself quietly, she slipped through the crowd and made her way to the balcony. The moment she stepped outside, a wave of relief washed over her. The cool night air kissed her skin, and the noise of the party faded into a distant hum.

Leah leaned on the railing, tilting her head back to take in the night sky. The stars were scattered across the inky blackness like tiny diamonds, their soft glow captivating her. She had always been drawn to the stars, finding comfort in their silent presence.

“They’re so lovely when they shine this bright,” a voice said from behind her.

Startled, Leah turned to see Jason standing a few feet away, his gaze fixed on the sky. He was dressed in a sleek navy suit that fit him perfectly, his hair slightly tousled as if he hadn’t bothered much with it.

For a moment, Leah couldn’t look away. He had always been handsome, but tonight, there was something different about him. Or maybe it was her—maybe she was seeing him differently.

Snap out of it, Leah.

She shook off the thought and turned back to the stars. “Yeah,” she said softly, “they’re beautiful.”

Jason stepped closer, leaning on the railing beside her. They didn’t speak for a while, the silence between them surprisingly comfortable. The distant sounds of the party faded further, leaving only the gentle rustle of the evening breeze.

“You look beautiful tonight,” Jason said suddenly, his voice low but sincere.

Leah felt her cheeks warm, and she silently cursed herself for blushing. “You don’t look bad yourself,” she replied, trying to sound nonchalant.

Jason chuckled, a soft, genuine sound that made Leah’s heart skip a beat. “Thanks. I wasn’t sure if this was my color.”

Leah smiled despite herself. “It suits you.”

They fell into silence again, both gazing at the stars. Leah’s thoughts drifted as she watched their faint twinkle. There was something about this moment that felt different—like the world had paused just for them.

“You like the stars, don’t you?” Jason asked, breaking the silence.

Leah nodded. “I always have. They’re so… peaceful. It’s like they’re watching over us, unbothered by everything going on down here.”

Jason tilted his head, considering her words. “That’s a nice way to think about it. I guess I’ve never really looked at them like that before.”

Leah glanced at him, her curiosity piqued. “How do you see them?”

Jason hesitated, his gaze still fixed on the sky. “I don’t know. I guess I’ve always thought of them as… out of reach. Like no matter how hard you try, you can’t quite touch them.”

Leah’s chest tightened at his words. There was a hint of vulnerability in his voice that she hadn’t expected. “Maybe that’s what makes them special,” she said softly. “The fact that they’re out of reach.”

Jason turned to look at her then, his eyes searching hers. “Maybe you’re right.”

Leah felt her breath hitch under his gaze, and she quickly looked away, focusing on the stars again.

The breeze picked up slightly, and Leah wrapped her arms around herself. Jason noticed and shrugged off his jacket, draping it over her shoulders before she could protest.

“Thanks,” she murmured, pulling the jacket closer.

“You’re welcome.”

They stood like that for a while longer, the silence between them filled with unspoken words. Leah couldn’t help but wonder what Jason was thinking, but she didn’t dare ask.

After a while, Jason straightened and looked at her. “Want to take a walk? There’s a garden down below that’s supposed to be beautiful at night.”

Leah hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Sure.”

They made their way down a winding path to the garden, where lanterns hung from trees, casting a soft glow over the flowers. The scent of jasmine filled the air, and the sound of a nearby fountain added to the serene atmosphere.

As they walked, Jason began pointing out random things, making playful comments that had Leah laughing more than she had all evening.

“So, what’s the deal with you and these parties?” he teased. “You don’t seem like the ‘let’s mingle and network’ type.”

Leah smirked. “And you do?”

Jason feigned offense. “Hey, I’m great at small talk. Just ask anyone in there.”

Leah rolled her eyes. “Sure you are.”

They continued teasing each other, their banter light and effortless. Leah found herself relaxing in his presence, the weight of the evening lifting with every joke and smile.

At one point, they stopped by a bench near the fountain. Jason sat down first, patting the spot beside him. Leah hesitated briefly before sitting down, their shoulders almost touching.

“You know,” Jason said after a moment, “you’re not as scary as people make you out to be.”

Leah raised an eyebrow. “Scary? Who says I’m scary?”

Jason grinned. “Oh, you have a reputation, Leah. The bold girl who doesn’t take crap from anyone. It’s kind of intimidating.”

Leah laughed, shaking her head. “Well, I guess I’ll take that as a compliment.”

They sat there for a while, talking about everything and nothing. Leah learned that Jason loved photography, especially capturing candid moments, and Jason discovered that Leah had a secret talent for sketching.

“You should show me sometime,” he said, his tone sincere.

“Maybe,” Leah replied, a small smile tugging at her lips.

By the time they made their way back to the party, Leah realized she was actually enjoying herself. Jason had a way of making her feel at ease, like she didn’t have to put on a facade around him.

As they reached the entrance, Jason turned to her. “Thanks for the walk. I needed that.”

“Me too,” Leah admitted.

For a moment, it felt like he might say something else, but then he simply smiled and opened the door for her.

As Leah stepped back into the noise and lights of the party, she couldn’t help but glance back at Jason. There was something about him that intrigued her, something she couldn’t quite put into words.

And for the first time that evening, she felt like the night wasn’t so bad after all.