Elena woke earlier than usual, the first light brushing across her curtains.
For once, she didn't feel heavy or clouded. The air felt soft, clean — like her body had finally remembered how to rest.
But the calm didn't stay empty.
Memories from last night began to flow back in fragments — the faint hum of Perfect, the glide of his hand against her back, the way her heartbeat had matched the rhythm beneath their feet.
The "perfect" melody, the perfect quietness, just two hearts connecting.
She could still feel it — that tremor his touch had left behind.
It wasn't fear. It was something deeper… tender.
His words echoed through her mind:
You surprise me every day.
Did he really mean that?
And the way he'd said he should go before he kissed her again — the hesitation in his voice, the restraint in his eyes — it replayed over and over.
She remembered how badly she'd wanted him to stay, just a little longer.
But he hadn't.
Maybe he wants me to make a decision first.
Maybe he wants me to make up my mind about him first.
She remembered how he'd brushed his lips against her temple — a single warm kiss that felt more intimate than any touch could.
Then he'd whispered a quiet goodnight and left — leaving the music still playing, the silence wrapping around her like an unfinished sentence.
Now, sitting on the edge of her bed, she smiled cherishing the moment, her cheeks warming.
She felt a strange flutter deep inside — a rush of warmth she'd never noticed before.
Her heart raced as the memory of his closeness returned, and for the first time, she realized what it meant to be truly affected by someone.
She hid her face behind her palms, blushing but smiling anyway.
What's happening to me? she thought, laughing softly at herself.
The heat of the memory made her body wet, she felt the warmth it had.
Fuck! I am doomed.
She hid her face behind her palms, blushing but smiling anyway.
What's happening to me? she thought, laughing softly at herself.
Her thoughts were interrupted by her phone buzzing.
Isla.
"Is everything alright?" she asked, picking up the call.
"Good morning to you too!" Isla chirped. "What are friends for? I need to buy a dress. Can't you just be nice and support your friend? Dree already bailed on me — now you either go with me or go with me!"
Elena laughed. "Okay, just this once. And one rule — don't force me into buying anything."
"Ha! You've got guts, darling. After last night's success, remember who forced you into buying that dress?"
Elena laughed louder this time.
"Okay then, rule's changed: now you force me into buying a dress for myself too."
"Sounds like a good start, I'm coming in an hour. It's going to be a girls' day out. I'll even force you into doing other girly stuff too."
"Oh no, no… no, Isla, I won't." she couldn't help but laugh.
"I'm not listening," she laughed too. "I like this new carefree Elena."
Elena smiled, feeling proud of her achievement too. "I like her too."
She lay down for a bit longer.
"Oh no, I don't have anything to wear on my birthday as well. She initially thought of buying a dress for the Gala.
It's fine — I'm going shopping today anyway. Might as well buy something with Isla's help."
Nick's message appeared on screen, and she opened it.
> I'm coming tomorrow afternoon, around 5 p.m.
Then let's celebrate your birthday. Dress for somewhere classy, okay? Missed you, Clumsy! Gonna see you tomorrow!
I missed you too, Nicky!
She read the text twice.
"Oh, all that drama for a surprise?" she murmured, smiling to herself.
She understood why Isla had been so over the top about shopping.
The thought made her laugh again — softly, happily.
Maybe surprises weren't so bad after all.
---
She was curious where Nick was taking her to celebrate.
Maybe Isla knew — and Elena was determined to get it out of her while they shopped.
She smiled, already plotting.
After a quick shower, she slipped back into her comfort zone — an oversized jumper and baggy jeans. Her hair went up in a messy bun, effortlessly casual.
But as she stood before the mirror, her thoughts betrayed her again.
Nathan's touch — the brush of his fingers along her neck, the way he'd tucked a stray strand behind her ear — played in her mind like a quiet echo.
She caught herself smiling, the warmth spreading up her cheeks.
I'll have to stop doing that, she muttered, shaking her head.
Outside, Isla was already waiting in her car, sunglasses perched on her head, music playing softly.
Elena climbed in. "So," she said, fastening her seatbelt, "where are we going for shopping?"
"Harrods," Isla said instantly, flashing a grin. "Where else would we go for birthday royalty?"
Elena laughed. Of course. The most expensive place in London — trust Isla to start there.
She remembered Nick's text — dress for somewhere classy.
A knowing smile tugged at her lips. "So she knows!" she thought.
After a few minutes of driving and casual chatter, she finally asked, her tone light but teasing.
"So, Isla… tell me where my brother's taking me."
Isla froze mid-turn. Her mouth fell open. "Um, what?" she stammered, trying to regain her composure. "Elena, your brother?"
Elena folded her arms, feigning seriousness. "Yes, my brother. You are my friend, not his! So tell me."
"Uh— I—" Isla blinked, cornered.
Elena grinned, leaning closer. "Remember when you said, 'what are friends for'? Do you want me to remind you of your own words? Or are you just going to tell me?"
Hah! Gotcha.
Isla threw up her hands defensively. "Okay, okay! You proved your point. I'll tell you — but please don't tell your brother. He's going to kill me for ruining it."
"I won't," Elena said softly. "Promise. It won't make me any less happy. He found time from his busy schedule to surprise me… I'm lucky to have a brother like him."
Isla's smile softened. "That's the spirit. Just don't forget to act surprised when he shows up."
They both burst out laughing.
---
Shopping at Harrods went exactly as planned — or rather, as Isla planned.
They explored elegant boutiques filled with rows of satin, lace, and shimmering fabrics. Every turn offered something beautiful — and expensive enough to make Elena bite her lip at the price tags.
Still, she couldn't deny the thrill of it.
For once, she let Isla take the lead — trusting her friend's eye for detail and flair.
They stopped at Self-Portrait, where Elena finally chose a gown for the charity event she'd promised Nathan she'd attend with him.
It was sleek yet refined — champagne-toned silk that flowed like liquid when she lifted it from the rack. The design was timeless and understated, the kind that spoke in quiet luxury rather than attention-seeking shimmer.
Later, at Alexander McQueen, she found another dress — the one for her birthday.
It was pink, soft at first glance but daring once you looked closer — a backless satin-tulle hybrid with a fitted waist and a subtle thigh-high slit that balanced elegance with confidence.
The color glowed against the light; it wasn't loud, but it carried a quiet boldness, just enough to make her feel powerful without losing grace.
By the time they left, the sun was dipping low over Knightsbridge, the bags in their hands heavier than they intended — but their laughter light.
Isla hadn't told her where Nick was taking her, only describing what she needed to wear. She was fine with it. Just wanted to dress appropriately.
> "Somewhere classy," Isla said with a mysterious smirk. "Think elegance, not glitter. Trust me."
And Elena did.
She decided, for once, not to overthink it.
She leaned back in her seat, feeling satisfied and oddly peaceful.
It felt good to trust — to simply let things unfold.
---
They made one last stop before heading home — a small café tucked in a quiet corner of Knightsbridge. The windows glowed gold against the fading daylight, and the smell of roasted beans filled the air.
Isla placed their shopping bags beside the table and leaned back with a satisfied sigh.
"You know," she said, stirring her latte, "I'm really happy to see this new-found confidence in you."
Elena smiled, cradling her cup. "New-found?"
"Don't act innocent," Isla teased. "Last week you were allergic to the idea of shopping, and today you outshone half of London. Should I thank Nathan for this transformation?"
Elena laughed softly, the sound mingling with the clink of cups around them. "I don't know if it's him exactly," she said after a pause. "It's not that simple."
"Then what is it?"
She looked out the window for a moment, watching the light drizzle start to fall.
"I think maybe it's everything," she said quietly. "My parents aren't here — for once I'm living without their constant judgment. Maybe I'm just learning how to breathe on my own. How to be… me."
Isla nodded, her smile softening.
Elena traced the rim of her cup with her finger. "And maybe Nathan's words help," she added honestly. "The way he sees me — or the way he says he does — it's like he's slowly reminding me I can stand tall without hiding."
"So you're saying he's your confidence coach now?" Isla teased.
But where's he? He hasn't texted even once today.
Elena rolled her eyes but laughed. "More like a reminder. But still — this feels good. I'm finally starting to enjoy who I'm becoming."
It's actually thrilling, buzzing life into me.
Isla raised her cup. "To the new you."
Elena clinked hers gently against it. "To becoming."
The moment lingered — light, honest, full of possibility.
After they finished their coffee, Elena felt lighter — not just from laughter but from a quiet sense of purpose.
Nathan had been kind, patient, and supportive through the project. Whatever his reasons, he'd kept his word.
Now it was her turn. She'd made a deal, and she wasn't someone who broke promises.
She turned to Isla as they walked back to the car.
"Hey, can you drop me somewhere on the way?"
"Sure," Isla said, unlocking the doors. "Where to?"
Elena smiled a determined smile, giving her the address.
"You'll see."
Yes.
---
The car pulled up in front of The Sterling Heights — the same glass tower she'd visited before.
Elena hesitated for a moment, staring up at the familiar height.
The memory of the last time she'd been here flickered through her mind — the still air, the quiet elegance, the way the city had seemed smaller from the penthouse windows.
The closeness they shared for the first time, the kiss, the hug and the tenderness between them.
Her heart raced. What she couldn't understand was whether it was anxiety or the excitement she felt.
Okay, let's go do this!
I just can't step back.
She took a breath and stepped forward.
At the top of the elevator, the same wooden door stood — dark, polished, with the nameplate engraved neatly: Brown.
She rang the bell once.
Then again.
Maybe he isn't home, she thought, glancing around the silent corridor.
A moment later, a muffled voice came from inside.
"Coming!"
She felt a shiver running down her spine as her heart thundered just by listening to his voice.
The door opened, and there he was — Nathan Brown, sleeves rolled to his elbows, shirt unbuttoned, collar loose as if he'd just stepped out of his room.
For a heartbeat, she froze.
He looked flawless,his chest covered in light hair, and a muscular lean body.
He blinked, realizing her gaze on his chest, then gave a quick, self-conscious laugh while fastening the remaining buttons.
"Didn't expect to see you here, sweetheart," he said, the corners of his mouth curving into that teasing grin. "Or to make me look this guilty for answering the door."
Elena's breath hitched; she turned her eyes away, cheeks burning.
Nathan leaned lightly against the doorframe, the soft glow from inside spilling over him — polished floors, the faint scent of wood and cologne behind him. He looked at her in a mixture of surprise and amusement.
You are enjoying it, aren't you.
"So," he asked, voice calm but curious, "to what do I owe this unexpected visit?"
The silence stretched between them, heavy but not uncomfortable — only charged with something she wasn't quite ready to name.
And in that quiet charge between them, she knew — whatever came next, she wouldn't walk away unchanged.