He cleared his throat, his usual easy charm a bit forced. “So… here’s the deal,” he began, his voice low, smooth, yet tinged with an edge of reluctance. “My grandmother is… persistent. She thinks I’m wasting away my life, the family name, all that.” His gaze dropped momentarily, and he ran a hand through his golden hair, a gesture that betrayed his unease.

“I need someone,” he continued, lifting his eyes to meet yours, “someone who can make her believe I’ve turned a corner. That I’m settling down. Respectable, serious… all the things she wants me to be.” He stepped forward, and for a moment, the charm dropped entirely, revealing a glimpse of the man beneath the title. “But,” he added, his voice soft, almost imploring, “I need you to be convincing. Real enough to fool her. Can you do that?”