Felicia blinked in surprise, then softly laughed. "If you don't want me to smile, shouldn't you be covering my mouth instead of my eyes? What's the—" Before she could finish, Stephan leaned in and kissed her.
Her vision was still obscured, but she felt his warmth and his faint, clean scent as he lightly pressed his lips to hers. It was brief, fleeting. When he pulled away, he removed his hand, leaving her stunned.
For a moment, Felicia wasn't sure it had actually happened. If not for the lingering warmth on her lips, she might have thought she'd imagined it.
Stephan, ever composed, pulled out a chair and sat down, his expression calm. With a slight wave, he signaled to the waiting staff. Felicia ground her teeth in exasperation but chose not to confront him. His sudden gesture disrupted her thoughts, pulling her mind away from the evening's events.
Moments later, a quiet bustle began as staff entered the rooftop. Some carried trays of fresh ingredients, others cooking utensils. A team of chefs and mixologists quickly set up an impromptu kitchen. The quiet rooftop transformed into a fine dining experience, the enticing aroma of seared steak and foie gras filling the air within minutes.
Felicia's jaw almost dropped when she recognized the chefs. They belonged to Khogend's most exclusive private dining service. Their head chef's schedule was so packed that even considerable wealth didn't guarantee availability. Yet, here he was.
The dishes were plated and served with flawless precision, handcrafted cocktails placed alongside them. The entire team departed as silently as they'd arrived, leaving only a faint echo.
Felicia took a bite of the steak. Perfectly cooked, it melted in her mouth, rich and savory. "It's amazing," she admitted grudgingly.
When she finished eating, she stood, stretched, and was about to speak when a sudden boom echoed across the city. Her gaze snapped to the horizon; the first fireworks exploded in a cascade of brilliant color against the night sky. One bloom became two, then dozens, then countless bursts of light illuminating the cityscape. The buildings shimmered in hues of gold, purple, and red as the fireworks reflected off the glass. The entire city seemed transformed, a dreamlike wonderland.
Felicia stood still, breath caught. But the display wasn't over. As the fireworks faded, small glowing lanterns rose from around the rooftop, floating gently into the sky, their warm light growing brighter.
But what surprised her even more followed the fireworks. From every direction, drones lit up and rose into the sky. They moved in perfect synchronization, forming intricate, shifting patterns and shapes against the dark night. The view was breathtaking, like a river of stars. Felicia stood frozen, her eyes locking on Stephan in disbelief.
The moonlight cast shadows and highlights across Stephan's face, accentuating his sharp features and flawless complexion. Even in the quiet night, he carried an undeniable intensity—a distant, unapproachable air. But Felicia was no longer afraid.
She smiled at Stephan, her expression softer than it had been in a long time. Stephan glanced at her, his dark eyes deep and unreadable, holding a quiet force that demanded attention. He didn't say a word, but somehow, it felt like he'd said everything.
Down below, Stephan's crew worked hard, coordinating the drones. Their faces strained with effort as they perfected the synchronized light display. "Not enough! We need more drones!" one barked, sweat trickling down his face. Another crew member glanced up, squinting. "Isn't this... enough?" he muttered hesitantly.
"Enough? What do you know about romance? This is about creating magic! Mr. Russell finally decided to show his softer side, and that Fuller up there will be the future Mrs. Russell. Stop complaining and add more drones!"
"On it!" the crew called out, scrambling to make the display even grander.
Fireworks burned bright but were fleeting, and even the drone lights would eventually fade. But for Felicia, this moment felt like it would stay with her forever, etched into her memory as something rare and unforgettable.