Ayra's POV
The clinking of cutlery had softened into laughter and occasional hums of approval over Mom's roasted rosemary chicken and Selene's caramelized onion tart—yes, she insisted on helping. Eliot's mom, Mrs. Everett, had gone from polite smiles to stories about Eliot's childhood in just under fifteen minutes.
"He once tried to rescue a stray kitten and got stuck halfway up a tree," she said, amused, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "The fireman saved Eliot. The kitten? Completely unfazed."
Everyone chuckled—except Eliot, who groaned beside me. I nudged him with a grin.
Selene's dad chimed in, "Sounds like a boy with a good heart."
"Still is," Elise said softly, surprising everyone. It was the first full sentence she'd spoken all night, but her voice was confident. "Ayra brings out the best in him. I've never seen him like this."
There was a pause. That kind of silence that feels like the whole table inhaled at once.
I looked toward my mom. She was watching Eliot, unreadable for a moment. Then—her gaze softened. "You seem genuine. That matters."
Eliot, ever earnest, leaned forward. "I love Ayra. I don't know where this will go—maybe forever, maybe with stumbles—but I know I want to grow with her. That's the promise I bring tonight."
His voice wasn't rehearsed. It carried the trembling strength of someone who meant every syllable.
My throat tightened. Selene reached under the table and gave my hand a reassuring squeeze.
Then, surprisingly, Selene's dad cleared his throat. "Families are complicated. Love even more. But if this—" he gestured between us— "is built on respect and care… then it deserves a chance."
Devina smiled. "And I think… she chose well."
Eliot's mom reached over and gently patted my hand. "We're grateful to be here."
Mom finally broke into a full smile. "Well, we believe in second chances. And good beginnings."
Later, after dessert and the families easing into easy chatter, Eliot and I slipped out to the balcony. The air was cool, and the stars just beginning to break through the clouds.
He looked down at me. "So, how did I do?"
"You didn't faint. That's a win," I teased.
He laughed. Then—quietly, sincerely—he kissed my forehead. "Thanks for letting me into your world, Ayra."
I leaned into him. "You're part of it now."
——————Selene's POV——————
The house buzzed with warm conversation, clinking glasses, and the low hum of music coming from the living room speaker. Inside, laughter bounced off walls and plates were still half-filled with desserts that no one wanted to finish but couldn't resist nibbling.
I caught Antonio's eyes from across the room.
That look.
That soft smirk that made my heart skip. He raised his eyebrows just slightly—our unspoken language—and I nodded, casually slipping away toward the hallway as he followed.
The cool breeze hit me as I stepped onto the balcony, wrapping my arms around myself as the quiet welcomed us.
"You always look more beautiful under moonlight," he whispered, coming up behind me.
I turned, already smiling. "Do you say that to all the women you sneak out with during family dinners?"
He leaned in, brushing his nose against mine. "Only the one who steals my breath every single time."
We kissed—slow, warm, like the world paused just for us. My fingers found the nape of his neck, his arms circling my waist. For a moment, it felt like the night belonged only to us.
Until a whisper—faint but unmistakable—carried through the air.
I stilled. Antonio pulled back, brow arched.
Another whisper, followed by a soft laugh. Familiar.
We both turned.
Across the balcony wall, just around the corner, sat Ayra and Eliot, huddled on the smaller ledge wrapped in a blanket they must've dragged from the couch. Eliot's fingers were brushing Ayra's, their foreheads nearly touching as she giggled.
Antonio bit his lip to hold back a grin.
"They're adorable," I whispered.
"They're copying us," he smirked.
I gave him a light shove—but giggled when he added, a little louder this time, "You two planning to kiss, or should we offer pointers?"
Ayra gasped. Eliot turned red faster than sunset.
"Oh my God!" she exclaimed, hiding her face in Eliot's shoulder.
"You're spying?" Eliot asked, mock-scandalized.
I leaned over the wall. "We were here first, thank you. You two are the sneaky ones."
Ayra peeked over the blanket, cheeks flushed but eyes gleaming. "You're one to talk! We saw you guys sneak out like some Netflix rom-com!"
Antonio laughed, holding his palms up. "Guilty as charged."
All four of us stood in embarrassed silence before breaking into shared laughter. It was soft and silly and perfect.
"I guess the balcony's officially the romantic zone now," I said, pulling Antonio's arm around me again.
Ayra nodded, still flushed. "Double date under the stars?"
"Approved," Eliot said, pulling her closer.
And just like that, we all stayed—two couples, side by side, hearts full, under the Paris night sky.