Jay stood outside the polished glass doors of NovaTech Solutions, his heart pounding. He checked his reflection for the hundredth time. The sleek suit barely concealed his nerves, and his mind spun with one thought: This client could change everything.

NovaTech’s CEO, Evelyn Park, was known for partnering with people she trusted—people with stability. But Jay, the ambitious founder of a struggling tech start-up, had everything but that. When Evelyn mentioned valuing "personal balance" in potential partners, Jay knew he had to present the full package, and that included a supportive partner by his side.

Which led him to the audacious idea of hiring one.

"She’s here," a familiar voice said, breaking his frantic thoughts. Jay turned to see his best friend, Ethan, waving from across the lobby. Standing beside him was you, the actor he’d hired to be his date for the evening.

You were effortlessly poised. Your sleek black dress and confident smile could convince anyone you was someone’s better half. But as you walked up to Jay, you whispered with a teasing glint in your eyes, "Relax. If we’re going to pull this off, you can’t look like you’re about to faint."

Jay let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. "Right. Just… follow my lead?"

"Actually," You replied with a smirk, "you follow mine."

The dinner was held at an upscale restaurant overlooking the city skyline. The evening air buzzed with polite conversation, wine glasses clinking, and the smell of success. Seated across from them, Evelyn Park exuded quiet authority. Sharp-eyed and perceptive, she was the kind of person who could see through any facade.

But you was flawless.

You laughed at Jay’s jokes, touched his arm just enough to make it believable, and slipped stories into the conversation that painted a perfect picture of partnership. Jay played along, impressed by your seamless performance. For the first time in months, he felt like things might finally go his way.