My smile cracked like tired old porcelain as I was forced into polite conversations with preening assholes.

It took some time, but I was able to escape. I needed to find a corner where I could study but could say I was still at the party so Clara wouldn't be upset. I adored my friend, but she needed to understand how limited our time for civilization was. I needed to spend this time learning and growing as knowledgeable as possible.

On that note, I wasn't going to enlighten her so she could enjoy her party. We had limited time, and this was her garden where she thrived. I just needed an actual garden to thrive; we were different. These people were her daisies and tulips in her garden.

These elite fuckers were not the roses or carrots I'd want in my garden.

I ignored the looks I received and sighed with relief when I spotted the stage. It was only used during the start of the party and, assumedly, the ending when it was time to tell everyone to leave. I could hide behind the curtains and eat some tarts while studying. My eyes lit with joy at this plan, and I scurried off to implement it.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

My feet stopped when I saw Adam.

Well, it wasn't really Adam. There was no way this was Adam. I told myself this even as my feet were moving closer to him. The man's back was to me, but I'd recognize that posture anywhere. Who else could be the embodiment of a starchy shirt?

Of every rich, rigidly trained young master I've ever met, only Adam stood like that. His dark chocolate hair was always slicked back like that. That dark green suit was the same one he wore when he returned to me all those years ago.

It was Adam.

It had been years since I'd seen him, but there was no way I'd ever forget him. My heart pounded with fear and pain that I was dreaming. I could feel the rest of the room disappear as I locked in on him,

Was this that elusive feeling I've been chasing for all this time? Adam was in this world, too?

My hands shook as I grabbed his arm and pulled him to look at me. "Adam!" I said, unaware of the tone in which it escaped my lips. I could barely breathe, and I managed to say his name.

The man spun to look down at me, and I gasped.