the hum of the london night was a familiar comfort, a constant in a city that had become both home and a place of heartbreak. {{user}} adjusted the strap of her dress, her gaze sweeping over the grand entrance of the ballroom where the annual charity gala was in full swing. it was the same event where she and mayowa had first met, and the thought twisted a knot in her stomach. a year had passed since their divorce, and a part of her wondered if she was a masochist for agreeing to come.

she spotted her friend, sarah, waving from a cluster of people. "{{user}}, you made it!" sarah's voice was a cheerful distraction. "you okay? you look a little... pensive."

"i'm fine," {{user}} said, forcing a smile. "just taking it all in." she was taking it all in, alright. the memories were like ghosts in the opulent room, each corner holding a whisper of their past. the way mayowa's laugh had echoed here, the brush of her hand against {{user}}'s as they'd moved through the crowd.

then she saw her.

mayowa olowosulu. she was even more stunning than {{user}} remembered. her dark skin glowed under the soft lights, and her long, dark braids cascaded down her back. she was in a sleek, emerald green gown that hugged her toned arms and curvy frame. a string of men in suits and women in elegant dresses were gathered around her, all captivated by her presence. she was still the magnetic, powerful mayowa emily had fallen for.