Chapter Three: The Encounter
Eclipse wasn't what Elena expected. From the outside, it looked like any other building on Riverside, elegant, discreet, expensive. But inside, the lighting was low and intimate, all dark wood and leather. Women in cocktail dresses glided past, confident and beautiful in ways Elena had forgotten how to be.
Maya met her at the entrance, taking in Elena's best dress, a simple black number from her marriage days that hung looser now.
"You look perfect," Maya lied kindly, then handed her a garment bag. "But wear this instead."
In the dressing room, Elena stared at the emerald silk dress. It was beautiful. Elegant. The kind of thing that cost more than her rent.
"I can't…"
"You can. Trust me." Maya's smile was encouraging. "He's already here. Room seven. Top floor."
Elena's hands shook as she changed. The dress fit like it was made for her, clinging in ways that made her feel exposed and powerful at once.
