CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY: FABOLOUS EVENING

Their footsteps echoed softly against the pavement as Ariana and Jonathan made their way back to her apartment, fingers intertwined and hearts still racing from the tender kiss they had shared under the street lamp. The city seemed quieter now, as if it too was holding its breath in anticipation of what would unfold between them. As they approached Ariana’s building, Jonathan hesitated for a moment before speaking, his voice breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them. “Ariana,” he began, his tone earnest yet tinged with uncertainty, “I don’t want tonight to end.” Ariana turned to face him, her eyes searching his for any hint of doubt or hesitation. Instead, she found only warmth and sincerity, mirrored in the gentle curve of his lips. “Me neither,” she admitted softly, her heart skipping a beat at the vulnerability in his words. Jonathan stepped closer, his hand gently cupping her cheek as he leaned in to brush his lips against hers once more. This kiss was diffe