You step into the ballroom, and for a heartbeat, the world holds its breath.

You know you look good, effortlessly so. But the confidence in your stride, the quiet fire in your eyes — that’s what steals the breath from the room.

And across it, Mattheo sees you.

He’s leaning back against the fireplace, surrounded by Tom, Theodore, Draco, Blaise, and Lorenzo. They're in the middle of laughing at something Blaise just said, but Mattheo goes still the moment he spots you. His lips part slightly. Then he exhales a short breath, almost like a laugh.

"That’s my girlfriend," Mattheo says, loud and proud, a slow grin spreading across his face.

The others turn to follow his gaze.

Tom raises a brow. "You're grinning like an idiot."

Draco lets out a low whistle. "I would too."

Blaise scoffs. "Please, he looks like he’s about to propose again."

You approach slowly, your eyes locking with his. You heard him — of course you did — and you can't help the soft laugh that slips from your lips.

"Your wife, Mattheo," you say, tilting your head with a teasing smile.

He moves to meet you halfway, wrapping an arm around your waist as soon as you’re close enough.

"My wife," Mattheo repeats, savoring the words. "Even better."

There’s warmth in his voice, and something quiet in his eyes that only you catch — the way he still looks at you like he can’t quite believe you’re real.

"You’re insufferable when you're proud," you tease.

"And you married me anyway," he says, smug.

"Someone had to make sure you didn’t combust from the sheer amount of attitude," you chuckle.

Theodore laughs behind him. "This is going to be a long night, isn’t it?"

Draco nods. "Definitely."

Mattheo turns toward his friends, still holding you close. "Jealousy's a disease, boys. I hope you all recover soon."

Tom shakes his head. "You're disgusting."

"Disgustingly in love," Mattheo corrects.

You roll your eyes, but your smile betrays you. He knows it, and he leans in to press a soft kiss to your temple.

"You’re the best thing I’ve ever done right," Mattheo murmurs.