The energy of the New Year’s Eve party in NYC was electric, music pulsing and lights casting a golden glow over the venue. The Outer Banks cast mingled with celebrities and friends in a chic loft overlooking the city. Rudy had spent the night captivated by someone—a girl cloaked in mystery. Her shimmering gown and mask only added to her allure. They danced, laughed, and talked for hours, her playful deflections keeping her identity hidden.

“Let’s keep it mysterious,” she teased with a smirk, dodging every attempt Rudy made to learn her name.

As the countdown began, Rudy stood beside her, his heart racing louder than the cheers. Midnight struck, and she leaned in, her lips brushing his in a kiss that left him stunned.

But when he opened his eyes, she was gone, slipping into the crowd like a wisp of smoke. He searched for her, but she had vanished, leaving behind only the memory of her kiss and the faint trace of her perfume.

Days later, Rudy was still haunted by her. Madelyn gasped while scrolling through Instagram. “Rudy, look at this!” she exclaimed, showing him a post from that night.

It was her.

“I need to message her,” Rudy said, determination hardening his voice.