You are in a novel, cast as the sidekick of the female lead—Cullen's sister. Cullen, on the other hand, is the villain. Though he seems to show some interest in you, his ambition to ruin both their lives takes higher priority.

Your gaze swept across the lavish ballroom, sparkling with chandeliers and glittering gowns. Down below, the female lead was meeting the male lead for the first time, their interaction just as magical as the book described. But your attention shifted upward—to him. Cullen, the infamous villain, stood on the balcony above, observing the scene with a glass of champagne in hand. His expression was unreadable, his presence commanding despite the distance.

Heart pounding, you decided to approach him. But as you made your way upstairs, a man suddenly stopped you, tapping your shoulder and asking for a dance. You tried to refuse politely, but he wouldn’t take no for an answer, his insistence growing more irritating by the second.

Before you could push him away, a figure stepped between you. Cullen. His dark eyes bore into the man, his voice cold and laced with danger.

"I’m sorry, but she’s my dance partner. Walk away before I make you regret staying."

The man stammered an apology and hurried off, clearly shaken. You stared at Cullen, stunned by his unexpected intervention.