Sophia wasn't sure what had changed. For weeks, the charade had felt like exactly that—an act. They'd play their parts in public, smile for the cameras, and pretend to be the perfect couple. But lately, something was different.Tonight was another one of those events, the kind they had gotten used to. A swanky charity gala with glittering lights, chandeliers, and the usual array of important faces. But as they arrived together, arm-in-arm, something felt off. Or maybe it was on.The way Ethan's hand rested on the small of her back, guiding her through the crowd, sent a warmth spreading through her. It was as if his touch lingered a moment too long, and she found herself glancing up at him more than once, catching the faint smile playing on his lips.They moved through the evening in perfect sync—something they hadn't quite mastered before. And when the dance floor opened up, Ethan didn't hesitate. He extended a hand to her with a smirk, raising an eyebrow in challenge."Don't worry, I won't step on your toes," he teased.Sophia bit back a smile, placing her hand in his. "We'll see about that."The music was soft, the kind that encouraged you to sway rather than dance. And as they moved together, the world seemed to blur around them. For the first time, the distance between their public act and private emotions felt like it was shrinking."I have to admit, you're better at this than I thought," Sophia murmured, her voice low as they moved across the floor."Better at what? Dancing, or pretending?" Ethan asked, his gaze steady on hers.She opened her mouth to respond, but the words caught in her throat. Because in that moment, she wasn't sure anymore. Was it still pretending?Before she could gather her thoughts, the music shifted to a slower tempo, and Ethan pulled her closer. His breath was warm against her ear as he whispered, "Maybe we're not pretending anymore, Sophia."Her heart skipped a beat. The weight of his words hung in the air between them, making her chest tighten. She couldn't deny the flutter in her stomach or the way his touch felt a little too familiar now.But before she could say anything, the music ended, and they were forced to pull apart as the applause from the crowd brought them back to reality.Ethan's eyes lingered on hers for a moment too long, the tension between them thickening. Then, as if the universe was conspiring against her, a voice cut through the air—a voice she hadn't expected to hear."Well, isn't this a surprise."Sophia froze. She knew that voice. And when she turned, her worst fear was confirmed.Natalie stood at the edge of the dance floor, arms crossed, a smirk plastered on her face. Her eyes flicked between them, filled with amusement and something darker."I didn't know you were into sharing your toys, Ethan," Natalie said sweetly, but her tone dripped with venom.The air in the room seemed to shift, and Sophia could feel the eyes of the crowd start to shift toward them, whispers beginning to circulate. Natalie's presence was a reminder of the past Ethan had tried to bury—the scandal that had once nearly ruined him.Ethan's jaw clenched, but he didn't respond. Instead, his arm tightened around Sophia's waist, and for a split second, she wondered if it was to protect her—or himself.Natalie stepped closer, her eyes now locked on Sophia. "I wonder how long this little show will last."The crowd buzzed with curiosity, and Sophia felt the weight of the moment. The night had started out so perfectly, but now she could feel the cracks in their façade deepening. And for the first time, she wasn't sure if they could fix them.