The workday couldn't end fast enough for Elena. She finished her last email, closed her laptop, and quickly gathered her things, a smile lighting her face. Tonight was special—Lucas and Mila were picking her up, and they were all going out for dinner together. The thought of being with them made her heart flutter with excitement.
When Elena stepped outside, the evening air was cool and fresh. She spotted Lucas's car at the curb. Her lips curved up into a smile when she saw little Mila waving eagerly towards her from the backseat. Elena hurried over, her smile growing wider. As she opened the car door, Mila leaned forward, her eyes sparkling. "Elena aunty! I saved you a seat next to me!"
Elena slid in, sitting beside Mila. Lucas gave her a small nod from the driver's seat, but his face looked tense, and he barely glanced in her direction. Elena noticed, but Mila's chatter quickly filled the car, her excitement contagious.
