The same chandeliers.

The same marble floor.

But everything felt different.

Clara entered wearing an elegant midnight-blue dress.

Not a uniform.

Not because she was ashamed of being a waitress.

Because she had chosen a new chapter.

Mrs. Gable smiled proudly.

Evelyn stood beside her.

Julian waited near the staircase.

When Clara approached, he extended his hand.

"Dance with me?"

She smiled.

"I thought you hated ballroom dancing."

"I do."

"Then why ask?"

"Because you're here."

The music began.

For a few minutes, the past disappeared.

There was no Vanessa.

No scandal.

No missing sister.

No family secrets.

Only two people who had survived the storm.