Viya's POV
I stayed in the hotel room for a long while, trying to compose myself before taking a taxi home.
"Finally! You're back!" Sophia exclaimed, jumping up from the couch as she heard the elevator. She rushed to open the door for me. "I bet you didn't eat enough at the gala. I ordered some late-night food—"
Her words died on her lips as she took in my disheveled appearance—rumpled gown, smudged makeup, and a man's suit jacket draped over my shoulders. She froze. "What happened? Are you okay?"
"Just a small incident at the hotel," I said, not wanting to worry her with details.
Sophia narrowed her eyes skeptically. "Just a 'small incident'?"
I forced a smile. "Yes. Look at me—I'm fine, aren't I?"
Sophia and I were ordinary people in this city. My connection to the
