It's nearly 5 PM, and Christian's still feeling the effects of the long day. He met Lucas and Henrique around midday for brunch, and they spent hours talking, laughing, and catching up. The weight of the charity event from the previous night has finally started to lift, but he's not fully shaken off the tiredness that seems to be following him.
The warm scent of coffee fills the air, mingling with the soft hum of conversation. He checks his watch, then glances at the entrance, anticipation simmering beneath his usual composure.
A few minutes later, the door swings open, and there she is—Marilena.
His posture straightens immediately, and without thinking, he rises to his feet as she walks toward him. There's something effortless about the way she carries herself, as if she belongs in every space she enters. His lips twitch into a small smile, and for a brief moment, the weight of everything else fades.
"Hey," she greets, her voice soft yet steady.
