(Michelle Lui's POV)
The morning air was crisp, cool enough that every exhale made a faint puff of white. The kind of fall breeze that smelled like cinnamon, dry leaves, and the promise of sweaters.
Our entire group spilled out of Andy's building like a walking luxury ad—cashmere coats, wool scarves, designer boots, the whole exclusive-8 aesthetic. Even I blended in today. Kate did my hair in soft waves, and Lara insisted I use her berry-tinted lip balm.
It was barely 10 a.m., yet the streets were already buzzing.
Fall in Country A was always beautiful.
But fall today felt… cinematic.
We began walking through Central Park's southern path, leaves crunching under our shoes.
Lara, clinging to Steven's arm, sighed dramatically.
"FINALLY. My fall fantasy coming to life!"
Kate raised an eyebrow. "Your fantasy includes dragging eight people along?"
"Yes," Lara declared. "I need witnesses."
Jasmine giggled and linked her arm through Anthony's.
He didn't flinch…
