Chapter Two: Shadows and Sparks

Ella's POV

By Saturday night, I stood in front of my mirror, second-guessing my outfit for the fifth time. The fitted red dress hugged my curves, more daring than my usual style, but something about tonight made me want to take a risk.

Zack's company party wasn't just another gathering—it was a glimpse into his world of success and extravagance. I wasn't just attending as his friend; I needed to remind myself that I belonged in those spaces too, despite the voice in my head whispering that I didn't.

"You're ready," I told my reflection, brushing a stray curl back into place.

Moments later, Zack's sleek black car pulled up outside my apartment. He leaned casually against the passenger door, his tailored suit fitting him perfectly, hair effortlessly tousled.

"Looking sharp, Sinclair," I teased as I approached.

"Compliments will get you everywhere," he shot back with a grin. "But damn, Ella—you look stunning."

Heat crept up my neck, but I forced myself to keep it light. "I try."

We slipped into easy conversation as he drove, the city lights blurring past us. Despite his confident exterior, Zack was fidgeting—a subtle sign that tonight wasn't just business as usual for him.

"Everything okay?" I asked.

"Yeah, just a big night," he admitted. "Investors are here, potential partners. A lot riding on this."

"You'll crush it," I assured him. "You always do."

He shot me a grateful look before turning his attention back to the road.

The venue was all glass and steel, modern and imposing. Inside, elegant lighting cast a golden glow over the crowd of sharply dressed guests. Waiters glided by with trays of champagne, and soft music hummed in the background.

Zack immediately drew the attention of everyone in the room, greeting investors and executives with ease. I lingered by the bar, sipping a drink and observing from a distance.

Then I saw him.

Leo.

He stood near a group of colleagues, exuding effortless charm in a tailored suit that highlighted his broad shoulders. His grey eyes scanned the room, calm and calculating, before landing on me.

A slow, unmistakable smile spread across his face as he excused himself from the group and made his way over.

"Ella," he greeted smoothly, his voice low and warm. "We meet again."

"Leo," I said, surprised but pleased. "Didn't expect to see you here."

"Likewise." His gaze swept over me, lingering just a moment too long. "Though I have to say, you brighten up this room quite a bit."

I fought the blush threatening to rise. "Flattery already? We barely said hello."

"Just stating facts."

We exchanged small talk, the air between us charged with something unspoken. Leo was different—grounded, yet magnetic. He wasn't as flashy as Zack, but there was a steadiness to him that drew me in.

"So," he said after a beat, "since we seem destined to keep bumping into each other, how about we make it official? Drinks next weekend?"

"Official?" I teased. "That sounds serious."

"Only if you want it to be," he replied, his tone light but eyes intense.

I hesitated briefly before nodding. "Okay. Drinks it is."

"Great." He handed me his phone. "Number?"

After exchanging numbers, I felt a rush of something unfamiliar—a spark I hadn't felt before.

"Looking forward to it," he said, his smile lingering as Zack approached from behind him.

"Leo," Zack greeted, his tone friendly but edged with curiosity. "Didn't know you were coming tonight."

"Got pulled in last minute," Leo explained easily. "You know how these things go."

Zack nodded, but his eyes flicked briefly to me, a question unspoken.

"Enjoy the party," Leo said smoothly before disappearing back into the crowd.

Zack turned to me. "You two seem… familiar."

"We've run into each other a few times," I said lightly, unwilling to give Zack more than that.

He studied me for a moment, his expression unreadable. "Be careful, Ella."

"Careful?"

"Guys like Leo don't always show their cards up front."

I bristled. "And you'd know because you're so different?"

His jaw tightened before he forced a smile. "Touché."

As he was called away by another guest, I stood there, my thoughts tangled between Zack's words and Leo's lingering gaze.

For the first time, I wondered if I was standing at the start of something that could change everything—and whether I was ready for it.