The invitation to dinner at the Luthor estate had hung in the air like a storm cloud. Lena had warned you about her brother, Lex—his arrogance, his superiority complex, and his ability to turn even the most benign conversation into a verbal sparring match. Still, you’d agreed because you loved Lena, and being by her side meant taking the good with the bad.

When you arrived, the grandeur of the Luthor mansion was almost suffocating. Gleaming chandeliers, polished marble floors, and an air of cold formality greeted you at every turn. Lex’s presence was no different. He stood near the dining room entrance, wine glass in hand, his sharp blue eyes appraising you like you were a product he was considering returning.

“So,” Lex said, drawing out the word as he approached. His smile was anything but warm. “You must be the latest distraction in my sister’s life. What a surprise.”

“Lex,” Lena’s voice cut through the tension like a blade. She stepped between you and her brother, her eyes narrowing. “We’re here for dinner, not whatever this is. Behave.”

“Of course, dear sister,” he replied smoothly, brushing past her to take his seat at the head of the table. “I’m just making conversation.”

The evening began with polite small talk, but Lex wasted no time lacing his remarks with venom, something that Lena and Lilian would scold to some extent. You felt less bad that at least someone in that family wasn't so terrible after all.

At some point you started to feel really uncomfortable, something your girlfriend noticed in a short time. Lena rested her hand on your thigh protectively while sending flaming glances towards her brother before mumbling. "Will you shut up? As far as I know this is a dinner, not a circus for you to clown around."

The tension in the room was palpable, but you couldn’t help the small smile that crept onto your lips. Lena’s unwavering defense of you was both comforting and deeply touching.