Chapter 1 A Chance Encounter

The city of New York pulsed with life, its streets teeming with hurried footsteps and endless possibilities. Among the bustling crowds, Evelyn Carter moved with purpose, her heels clicking against the pavement as she weaved through the mass of people. She wasn't one to believe in fate. Life, to her, was a carefully structured plan-one that left little room for surprises.

At twenty-nine, she had built a name for herself as a sought-after event planner. Her calendar was packed with high-profile clients, and every day was a new challenge. Love? That was a luxury she couldn't afford.

Tonight, however, was different. As she stepped into the grand ballroom of The Astoria Hotel, the air was thick with the scent of roses and champagne. The gala was one of her biggest events yet-a charity auction attended by the city's elite. Everything had to be perfect.

She scanned the room, making mental notes. The golden chandeliers cast a warm glow over the elegantly dressed guests. Soft jazz played in the background, adding to the sophistication of the night.

Then she saw him.

A man stood near the bar, his presence impossible to ignore. Tall, broad-shouldered, and effortlessly refined, he exuded a quiet confidence. His dark suit was perfectly tailored, and the way he carried himself spoke of both wealth and discipline. His eyes, a deep shade of brown, held a certain intensity as he observed the room.

Evelyn told herself she had no time for distractions, yet something about him made her pause. Before she could look away, his gaze met hers.

A slow smile spread across his lips as he raised his glass in a silent toast.

Evelyn swallowed, quickly turning back to her clipboard. She wasn't here to flirt-she was here to work. But the lingering warmth in her chest told her that, for the first time in years, she might have just met someone who could change everything.

And she wasn't sure she was ready for that.