Under The Stars..

Sarah sat on the couch, legs crossed, watching as the house staff moved around, setting things up for the evening. The engagement wasn't officially announced yet, but tonight was their first public appearance together as a couple. It was a high-profile event hosted by one of their family's business associates, and both their parents agreed it was the perfect opportunity to introduce them as an engaged pair.

"This is ridiculous," Sarah muttered under her breath as she flipped through a magazine, pretending not to care.

"Oh, come on," her mother sighed, handing her a dress bag. "At least try to enjoy it. It's your first event together. You two need to show the world you're compatible.

"Sarah rolled her eyes. "Yeah, because compatibility is all about wearing fancy clothes and standing next to each other like mannequins."

Her mother gave her a pointed look. "William's mother personally picked this dress for you. Try it on."

That caught Sarah off guard. "She… picked it?" She hesitated before unzipping the bag, revealing a stunning off-shoulder navy-blue gown. It was elegant, hugging her figure perfectly, with subtle embellishments that added to its grace.

"I don't think I can wear this," Sarah said, frowning at the lack of sleeves.

"Why not?" Her mother raised an eyebrow.

"It's—" Sarah paused, imagining William's smug reaction. He'd definitely have something to say about it. "It's too much."

"Nonsense," her mother dismissed. "Now get ready.

An hour later, Sarah stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her earrings when a knock on the door made her turn.

"Ready, princess?" William's voice came through before he stepped inside, hands in his pockets.

Sarah turned to glare at him. "Do you ever knock?"

"I did," he smirked. "Twice. But I guess you were too busy admiring yourself to notice."

Sarah scoffed. "Don't flatter yourself. I was just—"

Her words trailed off when she saw William actually pause, his gaze scanning her from head to toe. For the first time, he looked… speechless.

Then, as expected, the smirk returned. "Well, well. I didn't know you could clean up this well."

Sarah folded her arms. "And I didn't know you could stare this much."

William rolled his eyes. "I'm just wondering how many guys I'll have to glare at tonight."

Sarah smirked. "Why? Jealous?"

William shrugged. "More like preparing myself for unnecessary competition."

Sarah scoffed. "Relax, Mr. Iceberg. No one's interested in me."

William leaned in slightly. "That's where you're wrong, princess."

Sarah blinked, caught off guard by the serious glint in his eyes. Before she could respond, he straightened and held out his hand. "Come on. Let's get this over with."

The Event

The venue was grand, glittering with golden chandeliers and guests dressed in their finest. The moment Sarah and William walked in together, whispers started spreading. Their parents had already informed a few people about their engagement, and now, the rest were quick to put the pieces together.

Sarah felt eyes on her, and for the first time, she regretted wearing this dress. Every time she moved, she could feel lingering stares from men across the room.

William noticed it too. His jaw clenched as he subtly moved closer, his hand resting at the small of her back, guiding her through the crowd.

"Did you have to wear this dress?" he muttered under his breath.

Sarah smirked. "I thought you liked it."

William shot her a look. "I don't like the fact that every guy here can't take their eyes off you."

Sarah feigned innocence. "Not my fault you're surrounded by competition."

William let out a low chuckle but didn't respond. Instead, he suddenly shrugged off his coat and draped it over her shoulders.

Sarah blinked in surprise. "What are you—"

"You'll catch a cold," he said casually, adjusting the coat around her. "And I'm tired of people staring at you."

Sarah stared at him, something unfamiliar fluttering in her chest. His touch was light, careful—as if he genuinely cared.

She quickly masked her surprise. "What, are you my mother now?"

William smirked. "If I were, I'd have told you to change before coming here."

Sarah scoffed but tightened the coat around her.

After the event, Sarah stepped outside to get some air. The night sky stretched above her, stars twinkling as a soft breeze brushed against her skin.

She turned when she heard footsteps. William.

"Escaping?" he asked, hands in his pockets.

"Taking a break," she corrected. "It's suffocating in there."

William leaned against the railing beside her. "Agreed."

A moment of silence stretched between them. For the first time, neither of them had anything sarcastic to say.

Sarah glanced at him. "You're not as bad as I thought, you know."

William raised an eyebrow. "Is that a compliment?"

"Don't get used to it."

He chuckled. "Noted." Then, after a pause, he added, "You looked beautiful tonight."

Sarah's breath hitched slightly. She turned away. "I know."

William laughed. "And here I thought you'd be flustered."

Sarah smirked. "You'll have to try harder than that, Professor Boring."

William shook his head, but he couldn't hide the amusement in his eyes.

Inside the venue, Lucas sat at the bar, staring at the bottom of his glass. He had never been one to drink, but tonight, seeing Sarah with William had done something to him.

He didn't even notice Ava sitting beside him until she nudged him. "You okay?"

Lucas turned, his vision slightly blurred. In the dim lighting, for a moment, Ava looked like—

"Sarah…" he mumbled, reaching out.

Ava froze. "Lucas?"

Lucas blinked, his fingers barely grazing Ava's cheek before he realized his mistake. His face twisted in frustration. "I… I need another drink."

Ava sighed, placing a hand on his arm. "Maybe you need some air instead."

Lucas let out a bitter laugh. "What I need is for this feeling to go away."

Ava watched him, unsure of what to say. But deep down, she knew—Lucas wasn't just drunk. He was heartbroken.