**CHAPTER 50: The Gala**

*(Zara's perspective)*

After the call ended, I didn't move immediately.

The sounds of the place still surrounded me: people talking, chairs being moved, someone calling me from across the room… but for a few seconds it all felt as if it had faded away. I stood there with my phone still in my hand, staring into space, simply… letting that moment settle.

"I just wanted to hear your voice."

I let out a small sigh and shook my head to myself. A quiet smile escaped before I