The city skyline shimmered like a cascade of diamonds, each light a whispered secret of the bustling metropolis below. The rooftop restaurant of the Agua Azul Hotel was perched above it all, an oasis of elegance and quiet sophistication. Glass railings framed the view, showcasing towers that glittered like stars against the night sky.
You sat at a pristine table adorned with crisp white linens, your fingers brushing against the stem of a champagne flute that sparkled in the soft, ambient glow of the candlelight. The air carried a gentle chill, warded off by discreet heaters strategically placed around the space. Overhead, string lights crisscrossed the open space, adding a touch of whimsy to the otherwise elegant setting. The murmur of well-dressed patrons filled the air, accompanied by the gentle strains of live jazz that drifted from a trio tucked in the corner.
Enrico leaned forward, his movements unhurried, and reached for the champagne bottle nestled in a silver ice bucket. The soft pop of the cork and the quiet fizz as he poured seemed to harmonize with the music. As he poured, the bubbles shimmered like liquid gold, rising in a dance that mirrored the city lights beyond. "The perfect way to end the year," he said, his voice warm but tinged with a wistful undertone. "Though with you, it feels like the start of something better."
A waiter approached with the next course—a delicate arrangement of seared scallops glistening in a citrus glaze. The aroma mingled with the faint perfume of roses from the floral centerpiece. Enrico’s gaze held yours as he thanked the waiter, a smile curving his lips, equal parts charm and something you couldn’t quite name.