The garden was bathed in a golden glow from the strings of fairy lights draped across the trellises, their soft illumination giving the night an ethereal quality.
The gentle hum of laughter and conversation buzzed around us, but my focus was entirely on Ciara.
She looked breathtaking, as she always did, her sharp suit accentuating her tall, commanding presence. And yet, there was something tender in the way she gazed at me, her violet eyes softened by emotion.
"Shall we?" she asked, extending her hand towards me with a grin that was both confident and warm.
I slipped my hand into hers, smiling as she led me onto the makeshift dance floor in the centre of the garden. The quartet began to play a soft, melodic tune, and the guests naturally quietened, their attention turning to us.
