"Well-behaved women rarely make history." - Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

Katerina 

Katerina scanned the crowd, a practiced smile playing on her lips. Her fingers tightened around the stem of her wine glass, the cool glass a small comfort in the sea of unfamiliar faces. The clinking of silverware and the murmur of conversations washed over her, a low hum that did little to soothe the unease tightening her chest. She took a slow sip of her wine, the crisp, fruity notes a welcome distraction. Phoebe's family functions were legendary-large, boisterous affairs that always left Katerina feeling slightly overwhelmed.

A woman with a wide, friendly smile approached, a glass of something bubbly in her hand. "Enjoying yourself?" she asked, her voice warm.

"Very much so," Katerina replied, offering a polite nod. *Amy, right?* She was usually good with names, but the sheer number of people was making her head spin.

Phoebe, a vision in a flowing sundress, appeared at her side, a forkful of strawberry cake halfway to her lips. "Hey, girly," she said, her smile radiant. "Having fun?"

Katerina glanced at the overflowing dessert table, a tempting array of pastries and cakes. "I'm not having a bad time," she admitted, "but you know how I am with crowds." She reached for a slice of double chocolate cake, the rich aroma making her mouth water. "Also, even though I'm technically off duty, I feel like I'm still event planning." She'd orchestrated the entire event, from the table arrangements to the menu, even though her staff was handling the on-the-day logistics. Control was a comfort, even in social situations.

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"I know, and I really appreciate you being here," Phoebe said, finishing her cake and discarding the plate. She gave Katerina a quick, warm hug. "My brother's finally back in town, and I wanted you to meet him."

Katerina returned the hug, a genuine smile gracing her lips. Phoebe was one of the few people she allowed into her personal space. Their friendship, forged in the crucible of college life, was one of the most important things in her life. "I know. I promise it's all good," she reassured her friend. "So, where's this elusive brother of yours?"

"He should be here any minute," Phoebe replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "He's coming straight from the airport."

Katerina smiled. Phoebe talked about her brother with such warmth and affection. "Great. Let's grab another drink and mingle while we wait."

**(Ethan's POV)**

Ethan's driver pulled into the driveway, the gravel crunching beneath the tires. He hadn't told anyone his exact arrival time; he wanted to surprise them, especially his little sister, Phoebe. He hadn't seen her in over a year, not since he'd been traveling for work. They spoke almost daily, but it wasn't the same. He was eager to hear all about her life and finally meet this friend she'd mentioned so often. From the way she talked about her, you'd think they'd known each other since childhood. He was glad Phoebe had found such a close friend; she hadn't had many growing up.

Stepping out of the car, Ethan surveyed the scene. The sun was high, casting a warm glow over the manicured gardens. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and a gentle breeze rustled through the leaves of the trees. Music drifted from the open windows of the venue, a mix of soft jazz and upbeat pop.

As he walked toward the gathering, he could hear the laughter and chatter of the guests. He spotted Phoebe near the dessert table and froze. Standing next to her was a woman who took his breath away. It wasn't just her physical beauty, though she was undeniably striking. Her skin, the color of warm honey, glowed in the sunlight. Her hair, a cascade of dark curls, tumbled down her back. But it was something else, something in her posture, an air of quiet confidence and self-possession that captivated him. She held a wine glass in her hand, her gaze sweeping over the crowd with an almost detached curiosity. *She's not like the others here,* he thought. There was a mystery in her emerald eyes, a story he felt an overwhelming urge to uncover. He knew, in that instant, he had to meet her.