Friday, 5:15 P.M.
The final bell announcing the end of the afternoon shift echoed softly through Steel Medical Center.
Doctors signed out.
Nurses exchanged reports.
Visitors slowly made their way toward the exits.
Celina finished arranging fresh flowers in the pediatric ward before removing her gloves.
"Thank you, everyone."
The head nurse smiled.
"Enjoy your weekend."
"You too."
As Celina stepped into the staff corridor, her phone vibrated.
It was her childhood friend, Maya.
"Hello?"
"Celia!" Maya exclaimed excitedly. "You finally answered!"
Celina laughed.
"I've been working."
"I know, but tell me something..."
"...is it true?"
"What?"
"The entire city is talking about you and Aaron Steel!"
Celina sighed.
"So you've seen the photograph too."
"Seen it? It's everywhere!"
"Maya..."
"It means nothing."
"It was taken at the wrong moment."
Maya chuckled.
"If you say so."
"But why are you calling?"
"I wanted to remind you we're meeting tomorrow."
Celina's smile faded.
"I... I can't."
"Why?"
She glanced at the elegant black envelope inside her bag.
"I have somewhere to be."
That evening...
Celina arrived at the small apartment she rented on the outskirts of Rosewood.
The apartment wasn't luxurious.
The walls were old.
The furniture was simple.
But it was clean.
Warm.
And filled with memories.
She placed her bag on the dining table before taking out the black envelope.
For the tenth time...
She opened it.
The Steel Foundation cordially invites Miss Celina Bakers to the Annual Charity Gala.
She read the words over and over again.
Then laughed quietly.
"This has to be a dream."
She walked to the small mirror hanging near her bedroom.
Looking at her reflection, she whispered,
"What exactly am I supposed to wear?"
She opened her wardrobe.
Two work uniforms.
Three casual dresses.
One faded blue dress she had worn to church for years.
Nothing suitable.
She gently closed the wardrobe door.
"Maybe I shouldn't go."
Across the city...
Aaron stood inside his penthouse office overlooking the dazzling skyline.
His grandfather, Edward Steel, sat comfortably in a leather armchair with a cup of tea.
Despite his age, his sharp eyes missed very little.
Edward studied his grandson for a long moment.
"You've been unusually quiet."
Aaron continued reading a document.
"I've always been quiet."
"Not like this."
Aaron finally looked up.
"What do you mean?"
Edward smiled knowingly.
"When a man stares at the same page for ten minutes..."
"...he usually isn't reading."
Aaron glanced at the report in his hands.
He hadn't turned the page.
Edward chuckled.
"I haven't seen you distracted in years."
Aaron calmly placed the file on the desk.
"I'm simply tired."
Edward raised an eyebrow.
"Is that what they're calling it now?"
Aaron couldn't help but smile faintly.
"You enjoy teasing me."
"Very much."
The old man laughed.
"It's one of the few privileges of being your grandfather."
Meanwhile...
Evelyn sat in a private lounge inside the Rosewood Grand Hotel.
Her assistant approached.
"Miss Evelyn."
"The gown you ordered has arrived."
"Thank you."
"And tomorrow's guest list has been confirmed."
Evelyn skimmed through the names.
Her eyes paused.
Celina Bakers.
She smiled thoughtfully.
"So..."
"She accepted the invitation after all."
The next morning...
Celina stood outside a small boutique.
Beautiful evening gowns filled the display window.
She stepped inside hesitantly.
The saleswoman greeted her warmly.
"Good morning, miss."
"How may I help you?"
"I'm looking for..."
She swallowed nervously.
"A dress for a charity dinner."
"Of course."
The saleswoman led her through rows of elegant gowns.
Celina's eyes sparkled.
They were breathtaking.
Soft silk.
Elegant satin.
Delicate embroidery.
She picked up a pale blue gown.
"It's beautiful."
"It would look lovely on you."
The saleswoman smiled.
"Would you like to know the price?"
Celina nodded.
The woman quietly mentioned the amount.
Celina's smile disappeared.
It was nearly three months of her salary.
She carefully returned the dress to its hanger.
"I'm sorry."
"I think I've made a mistake."
She turned to leave.
Just then...
A gentle voice stopped her.
"Sometimes..."
"The most beautiful dresses aren't the most expensive."
Celina turned.
An elegant elderly woman stood nearby, smiling kindly.
She wore a cream-colored suit and carried herself with effortless grace.
The boutique owner immediately greeted her respectfully.
"Mrs. Hart."
The woman nodded before looking back at Celina.
"I couldn't help overhearing."
Celina looked embarrassed.
"I'm sorry."
"You have nothing to apologize for."
Mrs. Hart walked toward a quieter corner of the boutique.
She selected a simple emerald-green gown.
It wasn't covered in jewels.
It wasn't extravagant.
Its beauty lay in its graceful design.
She held it against Celina.
A smile touched her lips.
"This one."
"It suits your eyes."
Celina stared at the dress.
"It must be expensive."
Mrs. Hart smiled.
"Elegance isn't measured by the price tag."
"It's measured by the woman wearing it."
Celina hesitated.
"I still can't afford it."
Mrs. Hart looked at the boutique owner.
"Consider it..."
"...my gift."
Celina's eyes widened.
"Oh no."
"I couldn't possibly—"
"You can."
The older woman gently squeezed her hand.
"One day..."
"You'll do the same for someone else."
Before Celina could ask another question...
Mrs. Hart simply smiled and walked toward the exit.
Standing outside...
Mrs. Hart paused beside her car and looked back toward the boutique.
A strange emotion flickered across her face.
"Interesting..."
She got into the car without another word.
As the vehicle disappeared into the evening traffic, Celina remained inside the boutique, completely unaware that someone had just taken an unexpected interest in her.