The Christmas party had wound down, and guests bid the hosts farewell, stepping into the cold December night. Harper stood by the door to see her parents off when Kian approached, idly twirling his key fob.

  “Shall we head over?” he asked, his tone calm but threaded with warmth.

  Harper glanced at her mother and father, who lingered a few feet away, clearly waiting for her reply. “Yeah, why not?”

  Kian inclined his head. “Mr. and Mrs. Lange, we’ll be right behind you.”

  ……

  Arriving at the Langes’ home, they were invited in. Sitting across from the couple, a stoic Halston studied Kian for a moment before speaking. “You’re her boss, Kian. That complicates things. We don’t want Harper seen as someone who climbed the corporate ladder because she charmed her superior.”

  Kian met his gaze without wavering. “I understand, and I share your concern. That’s why I’ve put specific measures in place: Harper’s projects, evaluations, and promotions will be reviewed by senior management and HR. She will be treated exactly like any other employee, and her performance will always speak for itself. Personally, I’ll support her—but professionally, there’s no special treatment. Her career will never be compromised by our relationship.”

  Lauryn, softening at his words, offered a small smile. “We just want what’s best for her. You’re Sana’s brother, after all. We trust you to treat her well.”

  “I will,” Kian promised. “You have my word.”

  Emotion swelled in Harper’s chest. Watching him address their concerns so earnestly only deepened her feelings for him. She reached over and squeezed his arm, a silent thank-you for his reassurance.

  After a few more words were exchanged, Halston and Lauryn seemed convinced, if not completely at ease. They said their goodbyes, and the couple headed out.

  On the road, Harper turned toward him, her eyes shining. “Thank you for that. I know it wasn’t easy, but it meant a lot.”

  Kian gave her a sidelong glance and murmured, “I meant every word, Harper. You’re important to me. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

  Warmth spread through her, melting away the nerves she had carried all evening. After what happened with Jyn, she was certain about what she meant to him.

  The drive back to The Cliffs passed in easy quiet, the earlier tension replaced by a soothing calm.

  ……

  Meanwhile, Carys dallied by the door, fiddling with her phone as she tried to book an Uber.

  “Need a ride?” Kayan asked as he approached her. His tone was casual, but there was an indecipherable spark in how he held her gaze.

  Carys tightened her grip on her phone. She’d been dodging this, unsure of how to navigate her indecisiveness. But the night was cold, and the thought of waiting outside for an Uber didn’t appeal to her. “Sure,” she managed. “Thanks.”

  Kayan’s lips curved into a grin as he gestured toward his car. “After you.”

  The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  Inside, warmth replaced the chill, the hum of the engine a steady backdrop to the silence between them. Carys stared out the window, darkness engulfing the roads except for the Audi’s headlights. Her mind drifted to earlier in the evening, when she had pulled Katherine aside for a heart-to-heart.

  ……

  “Bestie,” Carys had whispered by the dessert table, “does it bother you how much Kimi and Kayan look alike?”

  Katherine had snorted, popping a mini éclair into her mouth. “Not even a little. Why? Are you still hung up on that?”

  Carys had frowned. “I don’t know. It’s... weird. Like, what if I start dating Kayan? Wouldn’t that be... awkward?”

  When she said that, Katherine had nearly choked on her éclair. “Awkward? My bestie dating my boyfriend’s twin? Look, Rys: if not you, it’d be some other girl. Come on! If you started dating Kayan, it’d be perfect. Our double dates would be a blast.”

  Carys had rolled her eyes, though she was tickled by it. “You’re impossible.”

  “And you’re overthinking this,” Katherine had countered, nudging her with an elbow. “If you like him, go for it. Life’s too short to worry about doppelg?ngers.”

  ……

  A mellow voice snapped Carys out of her thoughts. “So,” he started lightly, “has Sana asked you yet?”

  She blinked, turning to look at him. “Asked me what?”

  “To be a bridesmaid,” Kayan replied, still focusing on the road. “For Kasra’s wedding.”

  “Oh,” she hummed. “Yeah, she did. I told her I’d love to, but… I’m worried I might get called in if a patient goes into labor.”

  Kayan nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Fair enough. But if it happens, I can always drive you to Walter Reed. It’s no biggie.”

  For some reason, her cheeks burned. “Thank you… That’s really sweet of you.”

  Kayan shrugged and mused, “What are friends for?”

  The word hung in the air between them; a pang of something she couldn’t quite name stirred in her chest. She twisted the strap of the seatbelt, trying to steady herself. “Kayan,” she began, tentative, “about what you said before... about dating exclusively.”

  Kayan’s grip tightened on the steering wheel, though he willed himself to remain calm. “Yeah?”

  She drew a deep breath, her heart thudding. “I’ve been thinking about it. And... I think… we could give it a try.”

  Surprise, relief, and delight flashed across his face. “Really?”

  She nodded as she beamed. “Mmhmm. You’re not Kimi. And Kate’s right—I’ve been overthinking this. So... let’s do it. Let’s date.”

  Kayan’s grin widened, and for a beat, he looked like he might say something. But instead, he reached over and brushed his knuckles against her hand. “You won’t regret it,” he said with quiet confidence.

  Heat rushed to her cheeks at his touch, her earlier doubts evaporating. For the first time in weeks, she felt sure about her decision.

  As they pulled up to Carys’s apartment, Kayan killed the engine and turned toward her. The streetlight outside cast a mesmerizing glow over his features, and her breath hitched. He was handsome, yes, but it was more than that. There was a quiet resolve about him, a steadfastness that made her feel safe.

  “Let me walk you up,” Kayan’s voice dipped lower.

  She arched a brow. “Sure.”

  At her door, he tilted his head playfully, though he looked deadpan. “So, can I get a goodnight kiss?”

  She laughed, the sound light and teasing. “You’re pushing it, buddy.”

  He closed the distance between them and whispered, “Maybe. But you did just agree to date me exclusively. I think that earns me at least one kiss.”

  She rolled her eyes and feigned a sigh. “Fine. One kiss. But don’t get used to it.”

  His laughter filled the hallway as he leaned in, cupping her cheeks in his palms. Her pulse thundered in her ears as their lips met, the kiss soft and lingering. For a moment, the world ceased to exist, and all she could think about was his electrifying touch.

  When they finally pulled apart, he rasped, “Not bad for a first kiss.”

  Carys swatted his arm playfully. “Don’t let it go to your head.”

  “Too late,” Kayan snapped and closed the gap again, his hands sliding to her waist, and he kissed her again. This time, it was deeper, more urgent, as if he couldn’t hold back any longer. His mouth moved against hers with a hunger that stole her breath. Carys melted into him, her fingers gripping his shoulders for balance.

  When he pulled away, they were both breathless. He wanted more, but he knew it wasn’t the right time: they’d just cemented the relationship. It was too soon, and he didn’t want to scare her. He lifted her chin to meet his gaze and said, “Goodnight, Care Bear.”

  Carys blushed at the intimate term. “Goodnight, Kayan.”

  He nodded slowly, watching her disappear inside, a quiet anticipation settling over him.