When Pretense Turns Real

Claire swallowed her bite of steak, glaring at Louis with a mix of disbelief and amusement. "You can't be serious, Louis. Your parents are not just anyone—they're practically royalty in the business world. And you want me to lie to them? About us?" She pointed her fork at him, emphasizing each word as if it were a weapon of truth. "You said I'd be your fake date for the party. You never mentioned playing house with your parents."

Louis leaned back in his chair, an exasperated but amused smile tugging at his lips. 

"Claire, it's just for one night. My mother has this ridiculous notion that I can't function without someone by my side, and she's been trying to set me up with every eligible heiress in the city." He ran a hand through his hair, looking genuinely frustrated. "If I show up alone, she'll just get more determined."