Nobody knew exactly when she arrived. One moment, the terrace was filled with ordinary conversation; the next, every head had turned towards the entrance.
She walked in slowly—not because she wanted attention, but because she had never learned to rush for anyone. Her beautifully tailored coat moved gracefully behind her, her heels touched the marble with quiet precision and her oversized black sunglasses concealed just enough of her face to make everyone curious.
Then there was the lipstick: red, deep, immaculate and unapologetic. It was not the shy red reserved for special occasions. It was the kind of red that entered the room before she spoke. Against her radiant skin, it looked less like makeup and more like a declaration.