Sylvia's shadow stretched over the pavement, a solitary figure in the embrace of the night. Yet, her beauty remained untouched, and Eric found her back alluring.

Eric parked the car and called out to her, but she didn't respond. He had to step out of the car and raise his voice before Sylvia finally glanced back, surprise shadowing her face. "You? I thought you were celebrating your victory with your colleagues."

She had read his message and expected him to return much later in the night. Why