Leon wasn’t supposed to be here. He only came for one drink—anything to avoid another Chris-and-Rebecca intervention about therapy, trauma, and “healing.” His head already hurt.
He didn’t even notice his wallet fall. Bending down to grab it, he heard heels clicking, fast. Then—bam. Someone collided with him.
Before he could react, a hand cupped his jaw. Lips met his.
“Please play along,” the woman whispered against his mouth, her voice sharp with panic.
Leon blinked. The bar buzzed. Cameras. Flash. Gasps.
She turned sharply, eyes locked on a tall blond man across the room—famous model Alex Delano, now arm-in-arm with another woman.
“See, Alex?” she snapped. “I moved on too.” Then louder, for everyone to hear:
“Yes, I’ll marry you!”
Leon was still on one knee. Still holding his wallet. Still very much not engaged.
“…What?”
His brain short-circuited. He wasn’t sure if it was the kiss, the proposal, or the sea of phones pointed at him.
What the hell just happened?
All he wanted was a drink. Not a headline. Not a fake fiancée. Not this heat crawling up his neck or the way her hand lingered like she needed saving.
He stared at her, utterly baffled.
“…What?”