"BLONDE LIKE HONEY"

Aurora spent Sunday immersed in thought, her heart oscillating between anticipation and anxiety. He was coming to the Ritz, a place so far removed from his world, and she couldn't predict how they would both respond to this collision of realities. Since their last meeting, the connection between them had grown stronger, but now, the rendezvous at the Ritz represented something greater—the merging of two distinct worlds.

She chose her outfit with care: a classic, elegant dress, understated yet refined. Her hair was styled into a simple chignon, with loose strands framing her face. When she looked in the mirror, the reflection revealed not only the sophistication she had cultivated over the years but also the vulnerability of a woman venturing into uncharted territory.

At four in the afternoon, while seated in the opulent hotel lounge, Aurora heard the firm steps of polished shoes on the marble floor. Raising her eyes, there he was, entering with steady strides but visibly out of place. He wore a dark suit, clearly borrowed and slightly tight across the shoulders. Yet, he looked striking. When their eyes met, a faint smile softened his otherwise serious expression.

"You came," Aurora said, her voice low but laden with emotion.

"I said I would," he replied simply. "I never break a promise."

A DINNER THAT BRIDGES WORLDS

Aurora led him to a reserved table near a window, where the late afternoon light bathed everything in a golden glow. He seemed to absorb every detail around him, from the silver cutlery to the grand chandelier overhead.

"Is everything all right?" Aurora asked, noticing his observant gaze.

"It's different," he replied, smiling faintly. "But I like being here. With you."

The waiter arrived, and Aurora placed their order. She chose dishes she knew he would appreciate, tailoring the sophistication of the menu to suit the tastes of the man who had captured her heart. Over dinner, they spoke about their lives. He shared stories of his childhood, of starry nights in the countryside and the challenges of a humble life.

Aurora, in turn, revealed small fragments of her world, but always with caution, aware that there were parts of herself she wasn't yet ready to share.

"You're different here," he remarked, studying her intently.

"Different how?"

"More reserved. But even so, I can see you. The real you."

She felt a warmth rise to her cheeks. He saw her in a way no one else did, and it was both unsettling and comforting.

THE DANCE IN THE LOUNGE

After dinner, the soft strains of a string quartet filled the hotel's grand hall. Aurora observed the elegantly dressed couples dancing gracefully and, on an impulse, turned to him.

"Would you dance with me?"

He raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Here? With all these people watching?"

"Why not?" she replied, extending her hand with a playful smile.

He hesitated for a moment but eventually took her hand. Aurora led him to the dance floor, and though he was visibly uncomfortable at first, she guided him gently.

"You dance better than I expected," she teased, her tone light.

"It's what happens when you have the best teacher," he replied, his smile growing as the steps became more natural.

As they moved together, the curious gazes around them ceased to matter. It was as if the world had disappeared, leaving only the two of them, bound by something Aurora couldn't yet explain.

THE CITY VIEW

When the evening came to an end, he led her outside, and they rode together in a carriage to a special destination: a hill offering a stunning view of the illuminated city.

"I want to show you something," he said, helping her down from the carriage.

Aurora felt the firm, warm touch of his hands on her waist, and for a moment, she allowed herself to savour the sensation. When they reached the top of the hill, the view was breathtaking. The city below resembled a sea of artificial stars, but Aurora barely noticed the brilliance. Everything she saw was standing right in front of her.

He drew her closer, his face lit by the soft glow of the moon. "I can't pretend any longer," he murmured, his voice husky.

Before Aurora could respond, he kissed her. This time, there was no hesitation. The kiss was deep, filled with passion and emotion, as if he wanted to convey everything he felt for her in that one act. Aurora surrendered, allowing the world around them to vanish.

When they finally parted, both were breathless. Aurora felt the warmth of his body against hers and, for an instant, let herself get lost in the intensity of the moment. But then, she pulled back slightly, trying to regain control.

"I… I can't," she said, her voice trembling. "My life is more complicated than you realise."

He looked at her, confused, but didn't press her.

"If you truly want to know me, you must be willing to accept all that I am. And in return, I want to know everything about you," she continued, her voice heavy with emotion.

He cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs gently caressing her cheeks. "Aurora, I don't care who you are or what you have. I only want you, exactly as you are."

For a moment, Aurora wanted to believe him. Perhaps, she thought, this could be the start of something real, something she had longed for but had never allowed herself to embrace.

THE FAREWELL

When they returned to the Ritz, the farewell was brief but filled with unspoken promises. He held her hand for a moment longer than necessary, then planted a soft kiss on her forehead.

"Will I see you again?" he asked.

Aurora nodded, fighting back the emotion. "Yes. Very soon."

She stood at the entrance, watching as his carriage disappeared into the night. When she returned to her suite, she felt transformed. Something within her had shifted—a desire awakened, not just for him but for the possibility of living something true.

That night, as she gazed out of the window at the moonlit city, Aurora knew that the meeting at the Ritz had been more than just a beautiful moment. It was the beginning of something as complex as it was extraordinary.