The media frenzy was still buzzing from their recent public appearance, and the rumors about Ethan and Sophia had only intensified. Their "relationship" had officially become the talk of the town. Reporters lingered outside Synergy Brands Inc., and Sophia couldn't even go out for coffee without hearing whispers or seeing headlines flashing her face next to Ethan's.Sophia found herself in Ethan's office once again, the weight of their latest interaction with the press hanging in the air. She couldn't believe how quickly their situation had spiraled. And now, they needed to figure out the next step."This can't go on forever," she muttered, pacing back and forth while Ethan sat calmly behind his desk, looking far too amused for her liking."You're right," he agreed, leaning back in his chair. "But for now, playing along has its benefits. You saw how the stock prices spiked after the gala. The board is thrilled.""That's great for you, Ethan," she snapped, throwing her hands up. "But I didn't sign up to be the face of your corporate strategy. You're not the only one with a reputation on the line."Ethan studied her, and for a moment, his usual playful smirk disappeared. "You're not just some piece on a chessboard, Sophia," he said, surprising her with the sincerity in his voice. "I know this isn't what you wanted, and I didn't expect it either, but believe me, you're not just being used."Sophia stopped pacing, her gaze softening slightly as she met his eyes. "It feels like that sometimes, Ethan. I never wanted to be in the spotlight like this, and now... it's everywhere I turn. The press is ruthless, and my reputation—" She hesitated, emotion creeping into her voice. "I can't afford for people to see me as some sort of pawn in a corporate game."Ethan stood up, walking over to her. "I didn't ask for this either," he admitted quietly. "I'm not just thinking about Synergy. I'm thinking about you too."Sophia's heart skipped a beat. The way he looked at her, it felt different this time—like he wasn't just seeing her as part of a business deal, but as a person. She shifted awkwardly, trying to shake off the growing tension between them."This... it's just for show, right?" she asked softly, feeling the need to clarify. "You're not getting... I mean, this isn't real."Ethan's eyes lingered on hers for a moment longer than necessary before he turned away, his hand running through his hair. "Of course," he said, his tone suddenly more guarded. "It's just part of the plan."Sophia nodded, though she couldn't quite ignore the feeling that something unspoken was hanging in the air between them. She needed to refocus, needed to remember why they were doing this in the first place.But before she could say anything more, Ethan broke the silence."You're not wrong, though," he said quietly. "I've done some things in the past that made it hard for people to trust me. This whole thing with Natalie... it's not something I'm proud of. I made mistakes, but I've moved on from that."Sophia could sense the vulnerability in his words. He wasn't the cocky, playboy Ethan she'd always assumed he was. This was something deeper—something that weighed on him more than he let on."It's hard to move on when people don't let you forget," she said, her voice softening. "I get that."Ethan looked up at her, his expression unreadable. "You're different, Sophia. I don't want to screw this up."The admission caught her off guard. For a moment, all the barriers she'd put up between them began to crumble. She could feel the tension melting into something else, something she hadn't expected.Before she could respond, Ethan's office door swung open, and in walked Brian Turner, Synergy's Vice President of Public Relations, holding a folder and wearing a look of pure satisfaction."Great news, Ethan!" Brian said, ignoring Sophia's presence. "The media is eating this up. They've already started calling you two a power couple. Synergy's engagement is skyrocketing."Ethan's expression quickly shifted back to business, his smile widening as he heard the news. "That's what I like to hear. Keep feeding them what they want."Brian glanced at Sophia, offering her a polite smile. "Sophia, I hope this arrangement isn't too overwhelming for you. I know it's a lot to ask, but your involvement has been a game-changer."Sophia forced a tight smile. "I'm just doing what I can."