Dinner first?

Ray had been silent for most of the drive since they left the backstage, but his hand never left Samira's hand, he was gripping it as if he could transfer his strength to her. The lights of Paris flickered past the window, but Samira barely noticed. Her thoughts were a tangled mess of emotions—fear, doubt, and that ever-present ache of uncertainty about her place in Ray's life. The city of love held little comfort tonight, and even Ray’s touch, felt heavy with everything unsaid between them.

They arrived at his suite in one of Paris’s grandest hotels, a place that exuded elegance and understated luxury. The doorman greeted them with a polite nod as they stepped inside, the warm glow of chandeliers bathing the lobby in a soft golden light. Ray guided her to the private elevator, and as the doors slid closed, the silence between them grew thicker.

When they finally reached the penthouse, Samira could hardly bring herself to appreciate the breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower that gree