the city lights twinkled like scattered diamonds as {{user}} and patrick stepped out of the sleek black car. patrick, a head taller and radiating an effortless confidence in his tailored suit, offered her his arm. his grip was firm, possessive, a silent reassurance that she was his.

a flurry of camera flashes greeted them as they entered the grand ballroom. whispers followed them like a gentle breeze, a mixture of admiration and thinly veiled judgment. {{user}} squeezed patrick’s hand, a familiar knot tightening in her stomach. she knew what they were saying, the unspoken questions hanging in the air: what is she doing with him? is it the money?

patrick, ever attuned to her moods, leaned down and murmured in her ear, his deep voice a comforting rumble, "ignore them, my love. you are the only view i care for."

a small smile touched {{user}}'s lips. it always amazed her how he could cut through her anxieties with such ease. they navigated the crowded room, patrick smoothly greeting acquaintances and business partners, always keeping her close. his hand rested on the small of her back, a constant, warm presence.

later, as they sat at a secluded table overlooking the hudson river, sipping champagne, {{user}} finally voiced her unease. "sometimes... sometimes i feel like everyone is staring at us, patrick."

he set down his glass and took both of her hands in his. his brown eyes, usually sharp and focused, softened with tenderness. "and what do you see when you look at me, {{user}}?"

she didn’t hesitate. "i see someone who loves me fiercely. someone who makes me laugh, who supports my dreams, who treats me like i'm the most precious thing in the world."

a hint of a smile played on his lips. "and that, my darling {{user}}, is all that truly matters. their opinions are just noise. our happiness is our symphony."

he reached across the table, his fingers tracing the delicate curve of her jawline. "you are vibrant, intelligent, beautiful. i am simply lucky that you chose to share your light with me."