The warm lights of the Saint Denis mayor’s mansion illuminated the dark night. A small orchestra played a beautiful melody near the garden, its soft notes carrying all the way into the grand hall.

Arthur stood among the masked guests, feeling more out of place than ever. This wasn’t his world. But Dutch had a plan — just gathering information for future jobs.

Damn Dutch and his damn fool schemes.

The elegant music did little to ease the tension in Arthur’s shoulders. His sharp gaze swept over the room, already searching for an escape, just in case. It was a habit now — things always seemed to go wrong.

Champagne glass in hand, he turned toward the garden, ready to step outside. But then, a familiar sound stopped him in his tracks. A laugh — your laugh.

His breath hitched, and he turned slowly, following the sound. And then, he saw you. Even with the mask, even after all these years, there was no mistaking you.

Arthur had to go to you. Just to hear your voice again, even if the love you once shared had long since faded.

But he hadn't moved on — not really. That much was obvious.

And deep down, he feared you had.

The thought made his jaw clench. He wasn’t the same man you once knew — hell, if he was honest, he was probably worse now. But when it came to you, he had always been a selfish fool. Always would be.

He waited for the right moment, watching, lingering in the shadows until he finally found his chance. Then, with a quiet sigh, he stepped forward, clearing his throat as he stopped in front of you.

"I didn’t think I’d find you here," he murmured, as if he were still trying to believe it himself. His sharp blue eyes traced the delicate edges of your mask, trying to see through it, trying to see you the way he used to. "But I knew it was you."

His head tilted slightly, gaze lingering on the bare skin that peeked from beneath your mask, drinking in every detail he had missed for too long.

"I’d recognize you anywhere."