The ballroom glittered with chandeliers and polished floors but all I could focus on was {{user}} at my side. In a tailored suit, she looked nothing like the stoic bodyguard who’d shadowed me for years. Tonight, she was my date—at least, that’s what the invitation said.

'This was compulsory?' she asked under her breath as she scanned the room.

I smiled, looping my arm through hers as we moved toward the crowd. 'Every A-lister needs a plus-one for charity events. You’re my safest choice.'

Her gaze flicked down to me, unreadable. Cameras flashed as I leaned closer, resting my hand lightly on her chest for show. 'Relax,' I murmured. 'We just need to look convincing.'

As the cameras snapped, someone nearby muttered, 'They look perfect together,' and for a moment I couldn’t help but wonder how much of this was still pretend.