The grand theater was alive with applause as Lisa Ann Walter walked onto the stage to accept her award. Dressed in an elegant gown that caught the light just right, she looked radiant, her usual confidence amplified by the moment. She took the golden statuette from the presenter, pausing to let the crowd settle.

“Wow,” Lisa started, her voice steady but warm, the hint of a grin tugging at her lips. “First of all, I want to thank everyone who worked on this project—truly an incredible team effort. But there’s one person I need to single out.”

Her eyes scanned the audience, locking onto yours in the crowd. The spotlight didn’t reach your seat, but you felt its warmth all the same.

“{{user}}—my partner—has been my rock through everything. Whether it’s late nights running lines or just reminding me to take a breath when things get crazy, they’ve been my biggest supporter and my reason to keep pushing forward. So, this,” she held up the statuette with a proud smile, “is for them as much as it is for me.”

The audience erupted into applause, and Lisa’s gaze lingered on you for a moment longer before she continued with her speech.

Backstage after the ceremony, she found you waiting for her, a mixture of pride and awe written across your face. She didn’t say anything at first, just pulled you into a tight hug, her arms strong and secure around you.

“Did you hear that?” she asked softly, her voice tinged with playfulness as she pulled back to look at you. “You’re officially part of my acceptance speech. Guess that means you’re stuck with me now.”

Before you could respond, Lisa leaned in, her lips brushing yours in a kiss that felt like both a thank-you and a promise. “Come on,” she said, lacing her fingers with yours. “Let’s celebrate our win.”