The following day was announced as a shortened workday due to the evening event. Arevik was eagerly waiting for Mrs. Gayane — too many questions had accumulated, and it made her uneasy. And, to be honest, it wasn’t only that. There was a chance she might see him again, and the mere thought of it made her feel restless.

  “Good morning, everyone,” Gayane said, and noticing Arevik’s agitated state, added with surprise, “Is something wrong, Arevik?”

  “Mrs. Gayane, I have a few questions about today’s event,” Arevik said, nervously fidgeting with her fingers.

  “Of course, go ahead,” Gayane replied, trying to hide her own excitement.

  “Could you please tell me what kind of event it is and how we’re supposed to prepare for it?” Arevik asked hesitantly, attempting to put her worries into words.

  “Well, it’s our annual event — and probably the most anticipated one,” Gayane said enthusiastically. “On that day, we wear our most beautiful dresses and enjoy the entire evening.”

  “I see…” Arevik said with a hint of disappointment. “Then I don’t have a suitable dress.”

  “Today, I’m relieving you of your work duties. Go buy yourself a beautiful dress and get ready. You deserve it,” Mrs. Gayane said with a smile.

  “Thank you, Mrs. Gayane,” Arevik said sincerely, then added, “I wouldn’t have achieved all this without your support.”

  “And I’m grateful to you for increasing the value of our department and making it visible,” Gayane replied.

  “I did it with great pleasure,” Arevik said.

  “I don’t doubt that,” Gayane said, placing her hands on Arevik’s shoulders. “Now go — don’t waste any time. I’ll see you this evening.”

  She turned Arevik around and gently guided her toward the exit.

  “See you later, Mrs. Gayane!” Arevik called out from the doorway.

  “See you,” Gayane replied softly, with a tender smile.

  Buying a dress turned out to be no easy task. For several hours, Arevik wandered through the shopping mall, exhausted, a cup of coffee in her hand. Eventually, she decided she would attend the event in the modest outfit she already owned.

  But just before leaving, she gave herself one last chance and stepped into another boutique. A friendly sales assistant approached her immediately.

  “Hello, how can I help you?” she asked.

  “Hello, I’m looking for a dress,” Arevik replied.

  “For what kind of event?”

  “It’s our annual event… It’s my first time attending, and to be honest, I don’t really understand what kind of evening it is,” Arevik admitted, more from exhaustion than embarrassment.

  “Then you need to make an impression,” the assistant said with a smile. “The first evening is always remembered.”

  “I don’t really like being the center of attention,” Arevik objected cautiously.

  “Trust me — everyone loves being the center of attention. And I think I already have the perfect dress for you.”

  “If I don’t understand any of this,” Arevik sighed, “then I’ll trust you.”

  “Then let’s head to the fitting room. I’ll bring the dress right away,” the sales assistant said, pointing in the right direction.

  “Thank you,” Arevik replied and followed her.

  A few minutes later, the assistant returned with the dress. Arevik put it on and stepped out to see herself under the lights. For a few moments, she studied her reflection, then turned to give her opinion — and suddenly froze. She noticed that several people in the store were looking at her with admiration.

  “I knew this dress would look perfect on you,” the assistant said, stepping closer.

  “The slits are too high,” Arevik remarked uncertainly.

  “On the contrary. You have such harmonious proportions that the slits look completely natural,” the sales assistant replied confidently.

  “I don’t know… it feels like too much,” Arevik objected.

  “I can offer you another dress,” the assistant said gently, “but this one will definitely attract the attention of the person you want.”

  Arevik remained silent. That was unusual for her.

  “I thought so,” the assistant said, taking the silence as agreement.

  “You’ve convinced me. I won’t try on another dress,” Arevik finally said. “Please, I’ll take this one.”

  “An excellent choice. Congratulations,” the assistant said, handing her the bag.

  “Thank you. Goodbye,” Arevik replied and left the store with mixed feelings.

  She’s a true professional… I can’t believe how easily she convinced me, Arevik thought as she headed home to prepare for the evening.

  Arevik spent several more hours on her hair and makeup. When she finally finished and looked at herself in the mirror, she was seized by genuine shock. Standing before her was a charming, beautiful, sensual, and confident woman.

  Arevik had never seen herself like this before. It frightened her — and at the same time, it drew her in. She liked this new version of herself: a woman ready to go after whatever she desired.

  But what is it that I want? — the thought suddenly surfaced. She caught it, then immediately pulled away, unwilling to go further or even think about the real answer.

  The event was held in the institution’s own building. It was a tradition preserved since the day it was founded. Although the organization could easily afford any luxurious restaurant, it consistently adhered to these customs, which everyone treated with respect.

  The grand hall had been completely transformed. It looked so beautiful and almost fairy-tale-like that it could easily rival the most expensive restaurant. Arevik looked around in admiration, at the same time trying to spot her colleagues.

  “Arevik, over here,” Astghik called out, appearing on her right. “Our seats are in that row.”

  She lingered for a moment, looking at Arevik, then added,

  “You look wonderful.”

  “Thank you very much. You look beautiful as well,” Arevik replied warmly.

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  At the same time, a group of managers standing at the other end of the hall were engaged in conversation.

  “Mr. Shalunts, you were saying something and suddenly stopped,” one of them remarked, trying to ease the sudden silence.

  “Oh, yes…” Hayk said, as if returning to reality. “Let’s not talk about work tonight. Let this evening be simply… pleasant,” he suggested with a light smile.

  “Great idea,” the others agreed and drifted away, dissolving into the festive atmosphere.

  “Was it that girl in the inappropriately beautiful dress who distracted you?” Anna remarked quietly when they were left alone.

  Hayk didn’t answer. He only gave her a guilty look — and that was enough for Anna to understand everything.

  Music filled the hall, and the guests moved to its rhythm almost unconsciously. The atmosphere invited lightness and joy.

  Soon the director’s speech was announced, and Arevik, her heart trembling, focused all her attention on the stage.

  Hayk stood up, smiling and greeting the audience with a wave.

  God… how that smile suits him, Arevik thought, not even noticing that she smiled back.

  He was dressed informally, which made him even more charismatic. Strands of hair falling into his eyes, replacing his usual strict hairstyle, gave him an unexpected softness and allure. Arevik noticed every detail — and her heart began to beat faster.

  The speech was brief. Hayk thanked all the departments, acknowledged the year’s achievements, urged everyone to keep up the momentum, and announced a new major project with China, the successful completion of which would become an important national achievement. Finishing his address, he wished everyone a pleasant evening and returned to his table.

  The celebration was truly lively: guests danced, unexpected toasts were made, and the atmosphere was filled with joy.

  For everyone — except Arevik.

  As time passed, she began to feel bored. The atmosphere felt foreign and unfamiliar; her colleagues had scattered around the hall, and most importantly — Hayk had disappeared from her field of vision.

  A single thought flashed through her mind, and surrendering to it, Arevik quietly left the hall and headed toward the garden.

  What awaited her there was a surprise she would never have dared to imagine.

  Hayk was standing by the sandbox, a glass of whiskey in his hand. His back was turned to her, and he hadn’t noticed her arrival.

  Arevik held her breath. She didn’t want to miss the chance to see him once more, yet she knew — if she lingered too long, he would surely notice her.

  I need to leave… If he realizes again that I’m watching him, he’ll think I’m following him.

  She turned to leave the garden, but the hem of her dress caught on one of the tools lying on the ground. A sharp metallic sound rang out — clattering, loud, far too loud.

  Hayk turned instantly.

  Arevik was exposed.

  “Arevik, what are you doing here?” Hayk asked.

  “I’m sorry, Mr. Shalunts,” Arevik replied quickly. “I just wanted to see the garden at night.”

  What an idiot I am… flashed through her mind. I need to leave. Right now.

  “I’m already going. I’m sorry again,” she added and turned to leave.

  “Wait, Arevik, don’t go,” Hayk called after her unexpectedly.

  “I don’t want to disturb you,” she said quietly.

  “You’re not disturbing me,” Hayk replied with a gentle smile. “You’re right — this garden should be seen at night. It’s magnificent.”

  The calmness of his voice gave Arevik courage. She took a few steps forward, almost to the very center of the garden, and lifted her head. This was exactly why she had come.

  The glass ceiling was so transparent that the starry sky seemed to pierce the entire space. The stars appeared so close it felt as though one could reach out and touch them. Moonlight fell softly over the plants, turning the garden into something magical.

  “How wonderful…” Arevik whispered.

  “Yes,” Hayk agreed. “Very beautiful.”

  Hearing his voice so close, Arevik flinched. Just moments ago, he had been standing at a distance — now he was beside her. It unsettled her and stirred a sense of тревога.

  “I need to go,” she said, trying to step away — but couldn’t. Hayk had taken her hand.

  “Don’t go. I need to talk to you,” he said.

  “There’s no need to speak with me, Mr. Shalunts,” Arevik replied seriously.

  “You’re so certain you already know what I want to say that you’ve decided there’s no need for it?” Hayk said in a calm, almost conciliatory tone.

  “I’m sorry if I was tactless,” Arevik said guiltily.

  Once he was sure she wouldn’t run away, Hayk released her hand and began to speak, slowly walking through the garden.

  “I don’t know what Grish told you about the garden, but many years ago I failed to convince him to restore it. You succeeded. And that brought me great relief… and peace of mind.”

  Arevik said nothing.

  That’s why the garden was called ‘Restored — for spiritual peace,’ she thought.

  Hayk stopped by the sandbox.

  “I should have told you this long ago, but there was never a right moment. I’m grateful to you for the garden, Arevik. And your report helped me greatly in making decisions.”

  “There’s no need, Mr. Shalunts… I was just doing my job,” she replied, embarrassed.

  “And does the garden also fall within your job?” Hayk asked with a subtle hint.

  “No… the garden is a different case,” Arevik said, immediately realizing how awkward it sounded, and lowered her head.

  “A different case?” Hayk asked, surprised. “Then tell me — what kind?”

  “I can’t,” she answered softly.

  “You can’t?” he repeated, his voice rising slightly.

  “I’m sorry, Mr. Shalunts,” Arevik said, her eyes filling with moisture.

  “Come on, Arevik,” Hayk softened. “I’m asking you not as a supervisor, but as a friend. Stop being so formal… at least here.”

  “Please understand me correctly,” she said, agitated. “I truly don’t know how to explain it. I just realized that this garden had to be restored at any cost. I’m sorry… but I can’t say anything more.”

  Hayk fell silent. Then he smiled.

  “Alright. I accept your answer and your apologies. But on one condition.”

  He held out his hand to her.

  “If you dedicate this dance to me.”

  Silence followed. Only then did Arevik notice that the music from the hall reached them softly, muted — and his offer no longer seemed so outrageous.

  It’s just a dance, Arevik thought, and accepted Hayk’s invitation.

  Hayk took her hand very carefully and placed his other hand at her waist. Everything about what was happening felt unusual. The music drifted in faintly, almost inaudibly, and in that quiet the soft rustle of Arevik’s dress brushing the floor could be heard clearly.

  But that wasn’t the strangest part — the dancing couple was looking at each other.

  They moved slowly, perfectly in time with the music. Arevik felt as if she were hypnotized, looking straight into Hayk’s eyes. She had never been indifferent to his appearance before, but now it was his eyes that held her captive. Dark brown, perceptive, they drew her in; the longer she looked, the deeper she sank into that bottomless depth. She didn’t look away — because at that moment she had made a choice to surrender to it.

  Suddenly, Hayk spun her around. Caught off guard, Arevik lost her balance and instinctively pressed against him. Hayk lifted the hand holding hers, gently placing it on his shoulder, and tightened his other arm around her waist. The distance between them shrank to a dangerous closeness. Arevik could clearly feel his breath — warm, carrying a faint trace of mint and whiskey.

  This won’t end well. I should stop, a thought flashed through her mind.

  But curiosity and desire were stronger, and Arevik ignored that quiet voice of reason.

  “You look very beautiful tonight…” Hayk suddenly broke the silence. “Indescribably beautiful.”

  Arevik didn’t know what to say. Hayk’s compliment caught her off guard, and she widened her eyes in surprise as she looked at him. Noticing her expression, Hayk smiled and gently brushed aside a loose strand of hair that had slipped from her hairstyle and fallen across her face.

  Meeting no resistance, Hayk allowed himself to take the next step. He slid his hand behind her neck and slowly brought his face closer to hers. Arevik’s heart began to race even faster.

  What is he doing? What should I do? Maybe… let whatever happens, happen? she decided.

  That was the wrong decision, Arevik realized when Hayk came too close. But it was already too late. Only a few millimeters separated their lips. Hayk paused for a moment, as if trying to understand her desire — if she were against it, she would have resisted.

  In another situation, Arevik truly would have been able to resist. But not now. Realizing that the brief moment given for choice had passed, she simply closed her eyes.

  Hayk could no longer be stopped. He pressed his lips to hers. At first the kiss was cautious, almost uncertain, but when Arevik began to respond, it grew bolder. Neither of them thought about what was happening — they simply gave in to their desires, perhaps for the first time in their lives. Everything felt perfect.

  An awkward movement during the kiss exposed part of Arevik’s chest. Hayk noticed it as he caught his breath and, yielding to the impulse, cupped her breast in his hand and squeezed. A sharp surge of sensation shot through Arevik’s mind, making her body tremble.

  At another time, it might have only intensified desire — but for Arevik, the effect was the opposite. Hayk felt it immediately. Her heart was beating so fast that he thought it might burst.

  He pulled his hand away abruptly — almost at the same moment Arevik pushed him away. She hurriedly adjusted her dress, cast one last frightened look at Hayk, and ran out of the garden.

  Everything had happened so quickly and unexpectedly that Hayk froze in place. He knew he should do something, but his body refused to respond. He stood there, watching Arevik flee from him in terror.

  She immediately called a taxi, and soon she was home — in comfortable clothes, without makeup or her hairstyle. From time to time, Arevik smiled, again and again returning in her thoughts to what had happened. Her adrenaline was still too high for her mind to assess things rationally; only a warm, thrilling feeling remained.

  I’ve fallen in love, she thought.

  No… I love him, Arevik admitted honestly to herself, and collapsing onto the bed, she hugged her pillow and fell asleep.

  At the same time, Hayk was in a completely different state.