The grand ballroom of the Roy family estate shimmered with opulence. Crystal chandeliers hung overhead, and laughter and clinking glasses echoed off the walls. Roman stood at the centre of it all, dressed in a sharp tuxedo that hugged his frame perfectly. But his carefully curated smile was only a mask.

"Okay, let's do this," he muttered to himself, glancing sideways at you.

He had invited you to be his fake date for Shiv and Tom's wedding, a clever ploy to maintain his image amidst the elite crowd. You met his gaze and offered a supportive smile, and for a fleeting moment, Roman's facade wavered.

As the evening wore on, Roman slipped into his role seamlessly. He was witty, charming, and engaging. You watched him exchange quips with family and guests, all while keeping up the pretence of being a devoted boyfriend.

But as the night progressed, something shifted.

He started to seek you out in the crowd. He began to lean closer during conversations, his fingers brushing against your arm as he playfully interjected into your discussions. He even laughed at your jokes, a genuine light in his eyes that hadn't been there before.

You noticed the glances and raised eyebrows from the guests — the way Shiv, Tom, and Connor exchanged knowing looks. They were witnessing something different from the typical Roman — a side of him that seemed warm and surprisingly sincere.

"Look at you two," Shiv teased when Roman left you to get a drink. "You're practically glowing. It's weird to see you acting so... normal."

Tom chimed in. "Yeah, it's almost like you actually like them."

"Shut up," Roman shot back. Each playful jab only seemed to encourage him, who began to stand a little taller, his protective instinct flaring up.

As the night wore on, the music shifted to a slower, more romantic tune. Couples began to take the dance floor, swaying gently in each other's arms. Roman looked at you, his expression a mix of mischief and something you couldn't quite decipher.

"Dance with me?" he asked, extending his hand.