The soft glow of the setting sun streamed through the window, casting warm hues across the room as I stood before my mirror, preparing for the evening ahead. Each stroke of my makeup brush seemed deliberate, as if I were painting a portrait of my inner transformation. I selected a palette of soft, earthy tones for my eyeshadow, enhancing the natural sparkle in my eyes. A swipe of mascara added length and definition to my lashes, while a touch of rosy blush brought a healthy flush to my cheeks.

Turning my attention to my wardrobe, I bypassed the muted colors that had dominated my recent choices and instead opted for garments that exuded vibrancy and energy. A flowing blouse in a cheerful shade of coral caught my eye, its delicate fabric billowing gently as I slipped it on. Paired with tailored trousers in a crisp white, the ensemble struck the perfect balance between sophistication and playfulness.

As I fastened a dainty necklace around my neck and slid on a pair of elegant earrings, I couldn't help but marvel at the transformation taking place before my eyes. Gone was the heaviness that had weighed me down earlier in the day, replaced now by a buoyant lightness that seemed to lift me effortlessly. With a final glance in the mirror, I smiled at the reflection staring back at me—a reflection that now radiated confidence, hope, and a newfound sense of purpose. Thanks to the uplifting conversation I'd shared with Calantha, I was ready to face the evening with a heart full of optimism and a spirit renewed.

My intention to reconcile with Romeo, to mend the rift between us, lingered in the back of my mind. Yet, Greg's revelation that he was away in Ireland on urgent business dashed those hopes, leaving me with a sense of longing for his presence. I knew that a conversation with him was what I needed most at that moment, his reassurance and support serving as a balm for my troubled soul. However, before I could dwell on these thoughts for too long, Greg shared another surprising piece of information that demanded my attention. The details of his revelation, still fresh in my mind, sparked a flurry of questions and speculation, temporarily diverting my focus from the emotional turmoil of earlier events.

As I hurried through the dimly lit hotel corridors, my little white dress billowed gracefully around my high heels, and my hair, released from its bun, danced in the air as I moved. Lost in my thoughts, I failed to notice the encroaching darkness until it enveloped me entirely. Suddenly, without warning, I collided with someone in front of me. Instinctively, my hands reached out to steady myself, landing on his shoulders in an attempt to prevent a painful fall. But our collision sent us both tumbling to the floor in an ungraceful heap. As I struggled to regain my senses, I realized that this stranger had acted quickly to shield me from hitting the ground, his hand instinctively coming to rest behind my head.

In the hazy dimness of the room, the realization of my position dawned upon me with a sudden jolt. There I was, sprawled atop him, our bodies unexpectedly intertwined in an awkward embrace. My cheeks ignited with a rush of embarrassment, the warmth spreading across my face as I grappled with the surrealness of the moment.

With a mixture of confusion and fluster, I hastily attempted to extricate myself from the tangled mess of limbs, my movements betraying the awkwardness I felt within. Each effort to disentangle myself only seemed to deepen the awkwardness of the situation, leaving me fumbling for words in a desperate attempt to regain my composure.

As I finally managed to free myself from the unintentional embrace, I cast a sheepish glance in his direction, my cheeks still aflame with embarrassment. The silence that hung between us felt thick with uncertainty, the air heavy with the weight of our shared awkwardness. In that moment, I found myself grappling with a myriad of emotions—confusion, embarrassment, and perhaps even a hint of amusement at the unexpected turn of events. It was a moment both awkward and unexpected, leaving me at a loss for words as I struggled to make sense of the whirlwind of sensations swirling within me.

"I am really sorry; it's entirely my mistake. I should have been more careful and watched where I was going," I stammered, blushing in embarrassment.

The stranger's response came in a deep, melodious voice that sent shivers down my spine. His voice was undoubtedly one of the most beautiful I had ever heard. 

"It's okay. Just remember to be more careful next time; you might hurt someone else," he replied, his tone filled with a hint of playful sarcasm.

I couldn't help but feel a surge of anger mixed with embarrassment. 

"You mean I'm heavy enough to hurt someone?" I retorted with a tinge of annoyance in my voice.

He responded with a knowing smirk, and I could almost feel the quirk of his lips through his words. Without wasting any more time, I untangled myself and rose to my feet. Just as I stood up, the lights flickered back to life, and the corridor was once again bathed in warm, welcoming light. The sudden brightness revealed the stranger's features. I could not help but stare at him despite being annoyed with his sarcasm.

He looks like the type of man that would sweep you off your feet the moment your eyes lock with his. His brownish-green eyes are like deep pools of mystery, that can drown you in and captivating one's soul. The subtle variations in their hue, shifting from brown to green depending on the light, add an enchanting depth to his gaze. His eyes are windows to a world of secrets and untold stories, leaving anyone who meets him spellbound. His face is a masterpiece of masculinity, adorned with a well-defined jawline that could cut glass and a set of plump lips that hold a charming smile. His curly hair frames his face in a wild, yet perfectly controlled manner, adding an air of playful charisma to his demeanor. 

The strands fall effortlessly over his forehead, emphasizing his intriguing eyes and giving him an alluring, tousled appearance. His physique is a testament to his dedication and discipline. His shoulders are broad, exuding strength and dominance, while his biceps are sculpted and powerful, showcasing his physical prowess. Every movement he makes seems effortless, a display of grace and strength combined. His light brown skin tone is warm and inviting, giving him a healthy glow that accentuates his features. Even Greek Gods will be jealous of his beauty.

Feeling flustered and eager to put the awkward encounter behind me, I hastily made my escape, slipping away from the stranger without looking back. With each hurried step, my heart raced in my chest, the adrenaline of the unexpected encounter fueling my desire to put some distance between us. As I navigated through the room, my mind raced with a flurry of thoughts, the embarrassment of the situation still fresh in my mind. I couldn't shake the feeling of mortification that clung to me like a shadow, urging me to seek solace in the familiarity of my friend's company.

Moments later, relief flooded over me as I spotted Calantha waiting patiently at the reserved table, her presence a welcome sight amidst the chaos of the evening. I hurried over to join her, eager to leave the awkward encounter behind and immerse myself in the warmth of her company.

 "What took you so long, babe?" she asked. "I tried calling you but couldn't get through to you."

I replied, "I guess I forgot my phone in my room as I hurriedly came back here. Yes, I am fine. I just came across a jerk. I fell on him in the dark, and he said I could hurt other people if ever I fell on them because of my weight." I said this a bit annoyed. 

Calantha couldn't help but laugh, and I joined in, the tension from the encounter slowly fading away. 

"It's okay," she reassured me. "Hey, how was he? Was he handsome? Tell me more about it," she asked with excitement in her voice. She had a point; indeed, he was exceptionally good-looking.

I couldn't contain my enthusiasm as I replied, "The Greek Gods would be jealous of him," my eyes beaming with joy. 

Calantha playfully nudged me with her elbow, teasing me. We decided to order our food and wait for the person Calantha mentioned before. As we waited, Calantha suddenly pointed at my missing earring. 

"Hey, where's your earring?" Realizing it may have fallen off during the encounter with the stranger, I felt even more embarrassed. 

Now I would have to look for him again to retrieve my earring. Just as I was about to explain, I saw him once more. 

"He can't be real? What is he doing here? Is that some kind of telepathy?" I exclaimed, perhaps a bit too loudly.

Confused, Calantha turned her head to look in the direction I was staring at, and her face lit up with joy as she rushed to embrace him. 

Before I could say a word, she introduced him, "Abelia, meet Irwin."

It was at that moment that I realized I had messed up, and I couldn't bring myself to look at him. My face felt like it was on fire, and without really making eye contact, I whispered a meek "Hey."

 He nodded knowingly, as if he understood my embarrassment.

Our dinner arrived, and Irwin took a seat right across from me. I could feel the embarrassment creeping up once more. 

Calantha, ever the mediator, decided to intervene, saying, 

"Hey, Abelia encountered a jerk as she was coming here. She lost her earring. Can you help her find it?" 

Calantha asked this without hesitation, and before I could protest, I blurted out a quick "No," leaving both of them with expressionless faces. It seemed like a sibling thing that they shared.

Irwin, with a mischievous glint in his eye, turned his gaze to me and asked, "A jerk, you say, hmm?" Fully aware that my cheeks had turned a reddish beetroot color, I decided to stuff my mouth with the delicious Zanzibar delicacies to avoid further embarrassment.