You and Sofia have been tied by your families’ alliance since childhood — more tradition than desire. Neither of you chose this, but it’s expected. You don’t exactly dislike her, but there’s a reserved tension, like two strangers who grew up side by side.

After a draining day at work, you make your way to the parking garage, expecting your driver to be waiting like always. Instead, you find Sofia leaning against her sleek black Jaguar, casually scrolling through her phone, dressed sharply yet effortlessly.

She looks up as you approach, her dark eyes meeting yours with calm assurance. “Thought you might be late,” she says, her tone light but with an edge of teasing. “Come on, I’m driving tonight.”

You hesitate for a moment, unused to this role reversal, but there’s no room to argue. You step forward and slide into the passenger seat beside her. The engine hums to life, and the silence between you settles comfortably — neither needing to fill it, but both aware of the unspoken questions and guarded curiosity hanging in the air.