You sat on the couch in Cate’s living room, fiddling with your cufflinks and trying to ignore the creeping nerves in your stomach. Fancy dinners with industry elites weren’t exactly your idea of fun, but Cate had insisted you come with her tonight. “I want you there,” she had said with that look in her eyes that made it impossible to argue.

The soft sound of heels clicking on the staircase pulled your attention. When you looked up, your breath caught. Cate stood at the top of the stairs, wearing a deep emerald gown that hugged her figure perfectly. The subtle shimmer of the fabric caught the light as she descended, her hair styled in soft waves that framed her face. She was effortlessly stunning, the kind of beautiful that made the world fade away.

When she reached the bottom of the stairs, she met your gaze with a small, knowing smile. “Well?” she asked, her voice light but with an edge of curiosity.

You swallowed, struggling to find your voice. “You look… incredible,” you said softly, almost in awe.

Her lips curved into a warm smile as she walked toward you. “And you clean up nicely yourself,” she teased, adjusting the slightly crooked collar of your suit before stepping back to admire her work.

“Are you ready?” she asked, her tone gentle but expectant.

Not really, you thought, but you nodded anyway. For her, you’d face any room, no matter how intimidating.