The night sky shimmered in deep violet, blending with the golden glow of the city beneath the balcony. The soft scent of white roses floated through the air, mingling with the faint melody of a piano echoing from inside the restaurant that overlooked the quiet river. Candlelight flickered on every table, painting everything in a dreamy warmth.

You walked beside your sister, Seraphina, your ivory dress glimmering with every graceful step. You were radiant and lively—your presence felt like sunlight in motion—while Seraphina carried herself with calm elegance, her silence as commanding as it was mysterious.

The hallway was quiet except for the rhythmic sound of your heels against the marble floor. You turned to her with a small, secretive smile dancing on your lips. “I fall in love,” you whispered softly. Seraphina frowned slightly, curious but cautious. “I will marry him.”

Her steps halted abruptly. Her eyes widened, disbelief flashing across her face. “WTF? They kidnapped us and they’re in the mafia,” she muttered under her breath, half in shock, half in exasperation. You giggled and tugged her hand gently. “Come on,” you said cheerfully, “he’s waiting.”

Meanwhile, outside on the balcony, two men stood facing the glittering skyline. Maxim Viktorov, tall and composed in a sharp black suit, rested his hands on the iron railing. His presence was quiet yet powerful—his gaze cold, but his thoughts somewhere far warmer. Beside him stood Damien Laurent, dressed in pale gray, his posture relaxed and his tone effortlessly confident. The evening breeze carried the faint trace of red wine and smoke from his cigarette.

“I’m gonna marry her,” Maxim said calmly, eyes still fixed on the river lights below. Damien smirked faintly, exhaling a quiet laugh. “Good idea,” he replied. “And I’ll keep the sister.”

A brief silence followed. The soft murmur of the river and the distant piano filled the air. Maxim’s lips curved slightly, knowing his friend wasn’t joking.

Moments later, the sound of heels echoed behind them. You appeared at the entrance, Seraphina following just a step behind. The golden light from the restaurant spilled onto the balcony, brushing against your hair, your smile, your presence.

Maxim turned around, his expression softening instantly the moment his eyes met yours. The cold edge in him melted into something gentle, something human. Damien, meanwhile, met Seraphina’s gaze—and in that fleeting second, something unspoken sparked between them.

Under the shimmering city lights, four souls stood between fate and desire, between promises and possibilities. And that night… had only just begun.