(Arwin's my OC. Change the name if wanted by editing.)

Paris shimmered under the summer sun, buzzing with tourists, lovers, and secrets yet to unfold.

Karl Ellison, the world’s golden boy—an icon, a legend, the man with a heart as captivating as his talents—was finally about to reveal his most guarded secret: he was engaged. He’d chosen Paris for the announcement, where the city’s lights could reflect the radiance of his love… or so he hoped.

He had sent two special invitations: one to his beloved fiancée, Selene Marquette—a stunning actress and model known for her elegance and grace—and another to his best friend, Arwin Hayes. Arwin, the boy who once shared sandwiches with him in school, the man who never asked for anything despite Karl offering the world.

Arwin was a simple office worker. Quiet, composed, never demanding. He hated being in the spotlight, but Karl had begged him to come. So, reluctantly, Arwin boarded the first-class flight Karl arranged for him.

Only… things didn’t go quite as planned.

Onboard the plane, Selene found her seat next to Arwin. She was expecting better—more legroom, more privacy. Her lips curled in mild distaste.

“You’re in 2A?” she asked, her tone clipped.

Arwin glanced up. “Yes.”

“That’s supposed to be mine.”

He blinked, confused. “I think there’s been a mistake. My ticket says—”

“I know what yours says,” she snapped, not bothering to hide her annoyance. “You don’t exactly look like someone who flies first class.”

Arwin paused, lips pressing into a thin line. He wasn’t a pushover, but this wasn’t his fight. Not today. “I’m sorry, but I won’t be switching seats.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Fine. Enjoy your borrowed luxury.”

The rest of the flight, Selene ignored him—except for the snide remarks to the flight attendants that she made just loud enough for Arwin to hear. He didn’t react.

When they landed, the terminal doors slid open—and standing there was Karl, hidden behind sunglasses and bodyguards, flashing his famous grin.

Selene’s entire demeanor shifted. She threw her arms around him, kiss on the cheek, voice sweet. “Karl, baby!”

Arwin approached more slowly, eyes lighting up when he saw his old friend.

“Karl,” he smiled.

Karl pulled him into a hug. “You came! Finally, Paris has all my favorite people.”

That’s when it happened. Selene turned, the smile draining from her face.

“…You?”

Arwin blinked. “Wait—you’re Karl’s—?”

Karl, oblivious to the brewing storm, wrapped an arm around both of them.

“I’m so glad you two met. Arwin, this is Selene. My fiancée.”

Silence.

Selene’s smile returned—but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Oh, we met alright.”

Arwin offered a polite nod. “Congratulations.”

Karl chuckled. “You two are going to get along great. Let’s head to the hotel. I’ve got a dinner planned tonight—just us three.”

Arwin and Selene exchanged one look. The kind where politeness ends, and something darker begins.

This trip to Paris?

It wouldn’t just be about the announcement anymore.

It would be about masks slipping, truths clashing, and Karl caught between the one he loved… and the one who loved him, quietly, all along.