James slipped out of the grand ballroom unnoticed, the cacophony of laughter and clinking glasses fading behind him as he ventured into the dark, moonlit night. The merger ceremony was in full swing, and the world inside was blissfully unaware of his hasty departure as he hurried down the hotel corridor. His thoughts were consumed by one person - Sarah.
He reached her door and knocked softly, a quick, sharp rap, his nerves wound tight as a spring. The door creaked open, and there she stood—Sarah, the woman who made his heart race and his world complete. But her eyes were stormy, her lips set in a thin line.
Sarah's eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed. Without a word, she turned and walked back into the room.
"Sarah, wait!" James’s heart sank. He followed her into the living room, the soft glow of a single lamp casting shadows on the walls. “Sarah, wait!”
She stopped, but didn’t turn around. “What do you want, James? What are you doing here?” Her voice was low, strained.