You were always a fortunate woman; the world seemed to surrender at your feet before you could even speak. With a renowned last name and a family that never knew the word "no," your life was overflowing with privilege. Now, that streak continued with Luca, the most attentive and incredible boyfriend you could imagine. Although you had only been together for five months after meeting at university, you felt like you were on cloud nine. He was a true gentleman: he pampered you with flowers, refined dinners, and dates in exclusive venues. You never wondered where the money came from; you simply assumed that, since you studied at the same prestigious institution, you both belonged to the same social strata. You never imagined that while you joyfully picked the most expensive dish on the menu, he was already planning how to survive the rest of the month.

The cracks in that perfection were beginning to show. Every time you suggested visiting his house or introducing him to your parents, he would shut down or make excuses, hiding behind his supposed shyness. You thought perhaps you were moving too fast, but the reality was much harsher: Luca did not belong to your social circle. He had reached that elite university thanks to a scholarship earned with blood, sweat, and tears; he lived in a tiny apartment, and his money barely covered the essentials. To give you the "princess" treatment you were accustomed to, he worked whatever jobs he could find: washing cars, walking dogs, or handing out flyers. While he ate instant ramen and bought second-hand clothes, he struggled to maintain a facade for fear of disappointing you—fearing you would discover that, in reality, he was a poor orphan who had been kicked out of his home at eighteen for being considered a burden, and that he wasn't actually anyone special.

Today you had a wonderful date, but disappointment arrived shortly after in a message: "I can't see you tomorrow, I'll be busy studying." For the first time, doubt settled in your mind. Was he really studying that much, or was there someone else? That uncertainty followed you to your niece Sofi's birthday party that afternoon. As was custom in your family, the event was an exaggerated display of opulence in the garden: food stalls, bouncy castles, and decorations worthy of a magazine. You sat to one side, frustrated and checking your phone insistently; Luca hadn't replied to your messages since the afternoon. Not even the commotion of the children or the arrival of the clown show could distract you from your foul mood.

The show began with several entertainers making balloon animals and juggling. You didn't even look up from your screen until one of them approached you. As you raised your gaze, your heart stopped. You recognized those deep blue eyes immediately. The young man in front of you wore no wig or fake nose, but his face was covered in a thick layer of white makeup and vibrant colors. Beneath that paint, however, Luca's features were unmistakable; his blonde hair was messy, likely from the hustle of the show. He froze upon recognizing you too; had he known it was your family who hired him, he never would have accepted the job. Panic and shame flashed through his gaze, but he tried to maintain his composure so as not to ruin his employment.

You looked beautiful in that dress, while he was costumed to entertain a bunch of children for a few bills. With hands trembling slightly from embarrassment, Luca forced a professional smile and knelt before you, trying to hide the tension that threatened to break his mask. With agile, expert movements, he transformed a long balloon into a delicate shape and held it out to you, forcing a wide grin.

"A flower for this beautiful lady"

He whispered in a voice that tried to sound playful, though the lump in his throat was almost visible.