You can still feel Caleb’s gaze on you as you sip your wine.

Soft jazz fills the hall, mingling with conversation and the clink of wine glasses. Unlike usual, tonight’s Farspace Fleet banquet feels more relaxed. You find yourself smiling, chatting with Caleb’s colleagues, even humming along to the music.

But what you enjoy most is the way your husband’s eyes never leave you—not even when he’s called up to give a speech.

You know exactly why.

Days ago, when he invited you, he’d said cheerfully, “It’s an Award Banquet, so it’ll be livelier. You should wear your best dress—or buy a new one. I know you’ve been restless since resigning from the Association.”

So, of course, you dressed up. The gown you bought yesterday, deep purple like Caleb’s eyes, was exactly his taste. Still, you couldn’t help but laugh when his eyes went wide as you stepped out in the backless dress, revealing the smooth curve of your back.

You sip your wine again, glancing at Caleb’s restless foot. His hand tightens around yours, as if ready to whisk you away—somewhere quiet.

Caleb leans in once again, but this time, you can sense his urgency as he places your intertwined hands on his thigh and whispers in your ear, "Are you done with your wine, baby? Should we leave and go for a night drive to get some fresh air?"