Chapter 7 – The First Public Appearance

Chapter 7 – The First Public Appearance

Nathaniel Knight never did anything halfway. If he was going to convince the world that his relationship with Diana Reed was real, they had to start strong. So, Olivia took charge.

First, they went public on social media.

Nathaniel posted a picture of Diana laughing at one of his jokes, the city skyline glowing behind her. The caption read: "Unexpected things turn out to be the best."

Diana, hesitant at first, posted a more subtle picture—a blurry candid of Nathaniel, mid-smirk, with the caption: "Chaos personified."

The internet exploded.

Diana's follower count skyrocketed within hours. Influencers started making videos analyzing their relationship. Some fans shipped them instantly, while others were skeptical. Regardless, they were the hottest topic online.

Then came the big news.

Olivia, grinning like a cat with a secret, casually dropped, "Hope you two are ready. Your first public appearance is tomorrow. Big charity gala. Cameras, celebs, the whole circus."

Diana nearly choked. "You're joking."

Nathaniel just smirked. "Guess we better put on a show."

The Grand Entrance

The moment Diana stepped out of the car, camera flashes exploded like fireworks. The air was filled with the chaotic buzz of reporters shouting questions, their voices overlapping in a desperate attempt to grab attention.

"Diana! Over here!"

"Are you and Nathaniel serious?"

"Is this a publicity stunt?"

She kept her expression neutral, just like Olivia had coached her. Nathaniel, of course, was unfazed by the attention. He strolled beside her with effortless confidence, dressed in a custom midnight-blue tuxedo that probably cost more than her entire apartment.

As soon as they reached the main entrance, Nathaniel leaned in and whispered, "You're supposed to hold my arm, you know."

Diana barely resisted the urge to roll her eyes but linked her arm with his anyway. "Try anything funny, and I'm stepping on your foot."

Nathaniel chuckled. "Feisty. I like it."

They entered the grand ballroom, where chandeliers sparkled like a sea of diamonds overhead. The hum of polite conversation, clinking glasses, and soft jazz music blended into an elegant symphony. The room was filled with the city's elite, some sipping expensive champagne, others engaged in quiet business deals disguised as casual conversation.

Nathaniel guided Diana toward a group of well-dressed individuals. "Time to meet the sharks."

Playing the Role

Nathaniel's world was one Diana had never been a part of—one where billionaires and media moguls casually discussed deals worth more money than she'd ever seen in her life. Still, she held her own, responding with sharp, confident remarks whenever she was addressed.

A well-known fashion designer smiled at her. "Diana, I've seen your Instagram. You have quite the eye for style."

Nathaniel wrapped an arm around her waist, playing his part perfectly. "She's got more than an eye—she's got vision."

Diana didn't flinch, but she shot him a quick sideways glance. He was laying it on thick, but it was working. The media was eating it up, snapping photos every time he leaned close to whisper something in her ear.

She played along, smiling at his words as if they were real.

Just when Diana thought the night was going smoothly, an unwelcome face approached.

Sophia LaVelle—model, actress, and one of Nathaniel's infamous ex-flings. She looked stunning in a deep red dress, her expression dripping with fake sweetness as she greeted them.

"Well, well, Nathaniel," Sophia purred. "Didn't expect to see you here… with company."

Diana felt Nathaniel's arm subtly tighten around her waist. His grip was reassuring but also a silent warning.

Sophia's eyes flickered to Diana, her smile turning sharp. "And you must be the new flavor of the month?"

Diana's jaw tightened, but before she could fire back, Nathaniel spoke smoothly. "Actually, she's the only flavor now."

The way he said it—so casual, so certain—sent an unexpected shiver down Diana's spine.

Sophia huffed, clearly not pleased, and excused herself with a tight-lipped smile. As soon as she walked away, Diana turned to Nathaniel. "You enjoyed that way too much."

Nathaniel smirked. "What can I say? You bring out my possessive side."

Diana shook her head. "You're insufferable."

"And you love it."

She didn't dignify that with a response.

By the time the gala ended, Diana was exhausted from keeping up the act. But it was worth it. The media was already flooding social platforms with pictures of the two of them, calling them the hottest new couple of the season.

As they slipped into the backseat of Nathaniel's luxury car, Olivia handed Diana her phone. "Congrats, you're trending."

Diana scrolled through the comments. Some people adored them together, others called it a publicity stunt. She smirked. If only they knew how right they were.

Nathaniel stretched beside her, looking pleased. "Not bad for our first night, huh?"

Diana sighed. "I need a drink."

Olivia grinned. "Too bad, you've got another event tomorrow."

Diana groaned. This was going to be a long three months.