A Dance with Fate
ce wi
: A Break
d the ballroom, her pulse pounding with every step. Ethan turned towar
th as ever. "Where have you been?
s. You know how it is." She gestured subtly toward the now-empty spot where the w
d before he recovered. "Just networking. You kno
arching an eyebrow. "Is that
rack, but he quickly deflected, lowering his voice. "Harper, this isn't
m but quiet. "No, Ethan. We're ta
e said dismissively.
u were with her. This isn't about my imagination, Ethan. This is about
ugh. "Look, I've been under a lot of pres
oice sharp. "We're supposed to be a team, Ethan.
othing had happened-guests laughing, glasses clinking, and the orchestra pla
ng. "Maybe we've both been trying too hard," he sa
per stared at him, her heart sinki
ay. His silence was all t
t in front of him. "I think we're done, Ethan," she said s
igh. She didn't know where she was going, only that she needed to get o
The city lights stretched out before her, a glittering reminder that li
?" a familia
ailing, a glass of whiskey in hand. His sharp eyes scanned her f
" she replied, wipin
ion softening. "I'm guessing it
," Harper said, the words t
gaze thoughtful. "G
at him, surpris
but firm. "If he couldn't see what
rd. She looked away, her fingers gripping the
. "You deserve someone who's all in, not s
ns a whirlwind. "And what would you k
"Maybe not. But I know what it's like to give e
n meaning. Harper studied him, noticing for t
to me?" she asked, her vo
into a faint smile. "Maybe I just
a flicker of something other than heartbr
u," she s
ss in a silent toast. "Here's
hts, Harper couldn't help but won