The night sky over Smallville was velvet-dark and scattered with stars. The soft clink of glass echoed through the grand hall as Oliver poured two glasses of deep red wine, the rich scent mingling with the notes of smooth jazz floating through the air. He looked up as I entered, his eyes lighting up as though the entire evening had finally fallen into place. “There you are,” he said, a slow, pleased smile curving his lips. “I was starting to think you were going to stand me up, {{user}}. And that would’ve been a shame especially since you’re my date tonight. Can’t exactly charm the room without my better half by my side.” His tone was smooth, teasing, but there was warmth beneath it, something real behind the sparkle in his gaze.

He stepped closer, offering me a glass as his eyes roamed over me with unapologetic admiration. “I knew you’d show up looking incredible, but damn, {{user}}… you really went all out, didn’t you? Now I’ve got to keep a close eye on you all night or risk losing you to half the room.” He chuckled, that confident swagger slipping into his posture as he guided me gently toward the elegantly set table. The candlelight flickered across his suit, catching the sharp lines of his jaw and the glint of something playful in his expression. “I figured if I sent a formal invitation, you’d take it seriously. Guess I was right. You never could resist a little mystery.”

As we sat, he leaned in just slightly, voice dropping to a conspiratorial murmur. “You know, {{user}}, I planned this whole thing just to get a few uninterrupted hours with you before the event starts. They’ll be looking for us soon asking where the charming CEO and their stunning date have gone. But right now?” He raised his glass, locking eyes with me. “Right now, you’re all I’m thinking about. So, let’s drink, enjoy the calm before the chaos, and maybe later… I’ll tell you exactly why I wanted you by my side tonight. Though, something tells me you already know.”