Eleanor checked her reflection one last time before leaving her office.
She didn't understand why she was nervous.
It was only lunch.
A simple lunch with Raven.
At least, that's what she kept telling herself.
Sebastian walked into her office and stopped.
"You're going somewhere?"
Eleanor picked up her handbag.
"Yes."
"With Raven?"
She looked at him.
"How did you know?"
"You've been checking the time every five minutes."
Eleanor rolled her eyes.
"I'm leaving."
Sebastian smiled.
"Enjoy your lunch."
---
Outside Vance Capital Holdings, a black car was waiting.
Raven stepped out.
As always, she was dressed in black.
Her mask covered her face.
But Eleanor was already becoming accustomed to it.
"Hi."
Raven's eyes softened.
"Hi."
"You're early."
"You said you were hungry."
Eleanor laughed.
"That's your excuse?"
"Yes."
Raven opened the car door for her.
Eleanor smiled as she got in.
"Thank you."
Raven entered after her.
The car pulled away.
---
For several minutes, neither spoke.
Eleanor looked out the window.
Then she turned toward Raven.
"Can I ask you something?"
"You can ask."
"Why do you always wear black?"
Raven looked at her.
"Because I like it."
"That simple?"
"Yes."
Eleanor smiled.
"I don't believe you."
"You don't have to."
Eleanor laughed.
Raven watched her.
There was something about Eleanor's laugh that always made the world feel quieter.
She didn't know when it had started.
She only knew she liked hearing it.
---
The restaurant was private and elegant.
Raven had reserved an entire section so they could eat without being disturbed.
Eleanor looked around.
"You planned all this?"
"Yes."
"You didn't have to."
"I wanted somewhere quiet."
"Why?"
"So we can talk."
Eleanor smiled.
"About business?"
Raven looked at her.
"Not necessarily."
Eleanor's heart skipped.
They sat opposite each other.
The waiter brought their meals.
For the first few minutes, they discussed harmless things.
Work.
Chicago.
The gala.
Then Eleanor became quiet.
Raven noticed.
"What?"
"Nothing."
"You're thinking again."
Eleanor smiled.
"You notice everything."
"Only when it concerns you."
Eleanor looked down.
She had heard those words before.
And they affected her every time.
---
"Raven?"
"Yes?"
"What's your relationship with your family?"
Raven's hand stopped.
For a moment, her expression changed.
"My family?"
"Yes."
Eleanor immediately regretted asking.
"You don't have to answer."
Raven looked at her.
"My mother was everything to me."
Eleanor's heart tightened.
"What was she like?"
"Kind."
Raven smiled faintly.
"Elegant. Strong. Everyone knew her."
Eleanor looked down.
She already knew.
She had seen the photographs.
But hearing Raven describe her mother made the woman in those old pictures feel real again.
"What happened to her?"
Raven's expression became distant.
"She died."
"I'm sorry."
Raven nodded.
"Thank you."
Eleanor wanted to tell her.
I know who you are.
I know what happened.
I know about Jeff.
But she couldn't.
Not yet.
---
Raven looked at her.
"Why are you asking?"
Eleanor hesitated.
"I've heard stories about your family."
Raven's expression immediately became guarded.
"What kind of stories?"
"Nothing specific."
Raven studied her.
For a moment, Eleanor thought Raven had figured everything out.
Then Raven relaxed.
"People talk."
"They do."
"They always have."
Eleanor smiled softly.
"I don't care what people say about you."
Raven went quiet.
"Why?"
"Because I want to know you for myself."
Raven stared at her.
Those words hit harder than Eleanor realized.
---
After lunch, they stepped outside.
The afternoon air was cool.
Eleanor looked at Raven.
"I had a good time."
"So did I."
"Even though we barely discussed business?"
Raven smiled.
"Especially because we barely discussed business."
Eleanor laughed.
Raven watched her.
Then Eleanor suddenly stopped.
"What?"
Raven looked at her.
"You're staring again."
"I know."
Eleanor smiled.
"Why?"
Raven stepped slightly closer.
"I'm still getting used to you."
"Used to me?"
"Yes."
"How?"
Raven's voice softened.
"Being around you feels…"
She stopped.
Eleanor waited.
"Feels what?"
Raven looked away.
"Different."
Eleanor smiled.
"Good different?"
Raven looked back at her.
"Very."
Neither woman moved.
The moment stretched between them.
Then Eleanor's phone rang.
She glanced at the screen.
Charlotte.
She sighed.
"I have to take this."
Raven nodded.
"Go."
Eleanor walked a few steps away.
Raven watched her.
And she didn't notice the smile on her own face.
---
Inside the car, Eleanor looked back at Raven.
She still hadn't told her.
But now she knew without a doubt.
The mysterious woman behind the mask was Raven Hale.
And somehow, knowing her secret hadn't made Eleanor want to leave.
It made her want to know her even more.
Meanwhile, Raven watched Eleanor through the window.
She had spent years building walls around herself.
But Eleanor was slowly finding every door.
And Raven wasn't sure she wanted to keep them locked.
To be continued…