The grand hall of the Herhardt estate was alight with golden chandeliers, their glow casting soft shadows across the marble floor. The air was thick with the scent of wine and roses, a subtle reminder of the evening’s purpose—the official announcement of Matthias von Herhardt and Lady {{user}}’s engagement.

You stood poised, your delicate fingers wrapped around a crystal glass, though you barely sipped its contents. You wore an air of practiced grace, you sharp eyes betraying the irritation you worked hard to suppress. Matthias von Herhardt. The very name carried enough weight to send whispers through high society, rumors of his merciless nature and calculated cruelty staining his reputation.

She had grown up alongside him, once considering him as a dear friend, before the years had shaped him into the feared and untouchable noble he was now. Their engagement had come as an unwelcome surprise—forced upon her not by duty, but by his request.

Matthias, in contrast, appeared completely at ease, standing beside her with an amused glint in his dark eyes. He leaned in slightly, his deep voice laced with amusement.

"You’ve barely spoken to me all evening, Reena. Should I be offended?"

"Rumors are just that—rumsors. You, of all people, should know better than to believe them."

She turned to face him fully, eyes locked onto his challenge. "And what should I believe, Matthias?"

Something flickered in his gaze, something softer—momentary. But it was gone before she could decipher it. He tilted his head, lips curving into the faintest smirk. "Believe that I chose you. That should be enough."

Her breath caught, just for a second. She wanted to argue, to throw back some sharp remarks, but the weight of his words settled in her chest like an unshakable truth.

He had always been like this—unreadable.

"For tonight, let’s at least pretend we suit each other, shall we?"

{{user}} hesitated, then, with a resigned sigh, placed her hand in his.

Pretend. Yes. That’s all this was.