Page 96 of A Sinful Gravity

The next few days, I prepared.

Booked a private dance studio, arranged security, and coordinated timing. Sonia was only in D.C. for half a day, flying back to Switzerland that evening. Timing had to be precise to the minute.

Sunday came with good weather.

I woke at six, couldn't sleep, and got up to prepare. Picked through outfits repeatedly, finally chose the dark gray semi-casual suit. Then selected shoes, styled my hair.

Eight-thirty, I sat in the living room waiting.

When she came downstairs, I froze.

She wore a beige dress with a light brown coat over it, hair loose around her shoulders. Light makeup. She looked soft and radiant.

"What?" She looked at me uncertainly. "Is this dress wrong?"

"No," I said, my voice rough. "Beautiful."

She smiled faintly, that smile so subtle it made my heart skip.

We walked out together. I opened the car door for her and fastened her seatbelt.

As I did this, she tilted her head at me. "You don't seem like the type to do these things."

I kissed her forehead lightly. "Only for you."

She rolled her eyes, but I caught the hint of a smile at her lips.

"Really not telling me where?"

I started the car, smiling. "You'll know when we get there."

First stop was the downtown square. A small weekend concert was happening, a street band playing guitar, singing old songs.

The fountain sparkled in sunlight, water droplets splashing, hitting the pool with soft sounds. Kids chased bubbles, laughing and shouting. Old folks sat on benches, soaking up sun, chatting.

I pulled her hand into the dancing crowd. She resisted at first, her fingers stiff, then gradually relaxed, swaying gently to the rhythm.

When an old jazz number ended, she turned to me. "How did you know I like street performances?"

"I remember you mentioning it," I said quietly. "You shared some events with me, but I never went with you."

Her eyes flickered. She said nothing.

A little girl ran past us, chasing a glowing bubble. She looked back at her parents, laughing loudly.

Luna watched the girl, her mouth curving.

"Laila would love this."

"We'll bring her next time."

We smiled at each other. In that moment, I felt we didn't need words.

Then we wandered Georgetown like tourists with nowhere particular to go. The last time was right after Luna and I married—she'd excitedly dragged me along for dates, and I'd reluctantly lasted a few hours.

Back then, she was so passionate, wanting to make our arranged marriage work, while I stayed impatient. She must've sensed it. Never asked again after that.

Now, watching her eyes gradually brighten with genuine smiles, I realized how much time I'd wasted.