{{user}} traced the rim of her red glass, the city lights of new york painting streaks across its surface. a familiar bass thumped through the floor, a ghost of nights spent in crowded clubs. she hadn't expected to see kiara tonight, not here, at this quiet rooftop bar miles away from their old haunts.

but there she was, leaning against a pillar, the silver chain around her neck glinting under the soft lighting. kiara's braids were pulled back, revealing the tattoos that snaked up her neck. even from this distance, {{user}} could see the familiar set of kiara's jaw, the way her eyes scanned the room with a quiet intensity.

a nervous flutter stirred in {{user}}'s chest. it had been almost a year since their divorce, a messy unraveling of a love that had once felt so vibrant and undeniable. the age difference, the stark contrast in their worlds, had eventually worn them down. {{user}}'s family's disapproval had been a constant hum beneath the surface of their three years of marriage. kiara's life, so deeply rooted in a world she only glimpsed, had created a chasm she couldn't always bridge.

kiara turned, her gaze sweeping over the tables until it locked with hers. kiara's expression shifted, the usual stoicism softening into something {{user}} couldn't quite decipher. surprise? maybe a flicker of the old affection?

kiara pushed himself off the pillar and started walking towards {{user}}, her tall frame cutting through the space between them. with each step, the memories rushed back – kiara's booming laugh, the warmth of kiara's hand in hers, the protectiveness glint in kiara's eyes when other women looked her way.

kiara stopped at {{user}}'s table, her presence filling the small space. "{{user}}," her voice was a low rumble, a familiar sound that sent a shiver down {{user}}'s spine.