Vacant

Tahir didn't expect the evening to be anything unusual. He had come only because Tylar, his stepmother, had insisted. She was the kind of woman who liked hosting small gatherings-wine on the table, soft music humming in the background, a mix of friends she thought might get along.

"You'll like her," Tylar said, adjusting the silver bangles on her wrist as she set out glasses. "Her name's Akaria. She and her husband just moved to the city. You and Amario might have a lot to talk about."

Tahir didn't answer. He respected Tylar enough to show up, but he rarely shared her enthusiasm for social introductions. People were unpredictable, and he'd learned long ago not to expect much from them.

When the doorbell rang and Tylar swept it open, Akaria was the first to step inside. She was striking-too polished, too aware of her own beauty. Behind her came Amario, a tall man with easy charm and the kind of smile that seemed genuine. Tylar greeted them both warmly, ushering them in with her usual flair.

"Tahir," she called, "come meet our new neighbors."

Tahir stood, offered a polite nod, and shook Amario's hand. He barely glanced at Akaria, but she noticed him instantly. Her eyes lingered longer than they should have, and her smile held an edge he recognized all too well.

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