Los Angeles — 2007, Late Summer Evening

The city glowed beneath the hills, lights scattered like stars that had fallen just for you.

Hayden leaned against the balcony railing, suit jacket loosened, tie abandoned somewhere inside. The night air lifted his hair just enough to make him look effortlessly undone — the way magazines tried and failed to recreate. At twenty-five, he was everything Hollywood loved to worship: confident without trying, charming without effort, beautiful in a way that felt almost unfair.

And he knew it.

So did you.

You stepped out beside him, heels clicking softly, silk dress catching the light. Blonde hair, blue eyes, that angelic look photographers swore had to be practiced — even though it never was. You were the girl every designer wanted on their runway, every brand wanted as their face, every man wanted to look at for a second too long.

And you were his.

Hayden glanced at you, lips curling into that familiar smile — the one that had launched a thousand headlines.

“They’re still staring,” he said, amused.

You followed his gaze. Down below, guests clustered near the pool, pretending not to watch the two of you on the balcony. Hollywood royalty, industry giants, models, actors — all of them whispering.

You shrugged lightly. “Let them.”

He laughed under his breath. “You realize we’re ruining people’s lives just by standing here, right?”

You leaned your elbows on the railing beside his. “That’s dramatic.”

“Is it?” He tilted his head, studying you. “You’re every guy’s fantasy, and somehow you picked me.”

You smirked. “You’re every girl’s fantasy, and you still look surprised I picked you.”

That earned a real laugh — warm, effortless, the kind that made interviewers melt and co-stars fall in love by accident.

He turned toward you fully then, eyes softer than the public ever saw. “I don’t take that part for granted.”

You met his gaze. “Neither do I.”

Inside, a burst of laughter echoed — someone calling his name, someone else calling yours. Cameras would be waiting. Tomorrow’s headlines were already written.

Hollywood’s golden couple. Beauty and the chosen one. They have it all.

Hayden reached for your hand, fingers lacing with yours like it was the most natural thing in the world.