The camera flashes illuminated the scene as the sleek black car came to a stop.
Ezra emerged from the Maybach, standing tall, exuding confidence and poise. He extended his hand in a slow, intentional manner.
Evie accepted his hand and stepped out of the car, her blue eyes locking onto his as he gave her a slight smirk.
She looked stunning in a midnight blue gown with a sweetheart neckline and a lower back design, accentuating her figure beautifully. Her red hair was styled in a low bun, with strands softly framing her face, and her makeup highlighted her features, notably her red lipstick, which paired perfectly with her smile as their eyes met. Ezra was dressed in a sharp, tailored dark suit with a white shirt and a shimmering silver chain that peeked out beneath, his top buttons undone. His hair was slicked back, with a few strands falling across his forehead.
"Are you ready?" he asked, his voice steady as it reached her ears. Evie took a moment to gather herself before nodding in response.
"Good girl," he replied softly, his eyes showing approval as he placed his hand on her lower back, drawing her closer before they began to walk.
For Ezra, it felt completely normal, as if he had done this many times before. Evie, on the other hand, felt her cheeks heat up at the closeness, but she stayed close.
As they made their way down the red carpet, camera flashes blinded them and the crowd noise was overwhelming, causing her heart to race. She had never experienced anything like this, and it was almost too much to handle. However, she focused on staying calm, remembering that Ezra was right there with her and that she needed to maintain her composure beside him.
They paused for a photo, Evie putting on her best smile despite her anxiety, while Ezra flashed his trademark confident grin, causing the cameras to go wild.
Ezra soon turned to face her, noticing her tense posture. "smile like you mean it," he whispered in her ear, and the camera captured the moment perfectly.
Evie's smile widened, and through her clenched teeth, she murmured back, "I'm doing my best."
He playfully suggested, "Maybe a kiss will make it look more genuine," prompting her to turn toward him, her eyes widening as he raised an eyebrow.
Evie then shifted her focus back to the camera, managing a smile that seemed to meet Ezra's expectations. He too directed his gaze at the camera, as the flashes from various angles recorded their poses.
Following the shoot, the paparazzi arrived, eagerly surrounding Ezra. "So, Ezra, is this your new girlfriend?" a female reporter asked, microphone in hand. Before he could respond, another voice jumped in, "Are you in love, Ezra?"
His lips curved into a confident smirk. "What do you think?" he asked, raising an eyebrow and causing the woman to flush, which made her instinctively cover her lips with her hand.
At the same time, Evie observed how everyone around them was fawning over him, their faces flushed. It was understandable; the man looked as if he had stepped out of a fantasy novel, and that smirk was undeniably disarming. She could tell that everyone present would gladly trade places with her in an instant.
A journalist approached them, this time focusing her question on Evie instead of Ezra. "Evie, would you care to address the recent controversy?" she inquired, as a group of reporters gathered, their cameras flashing in her direction.
"Ezra, were you aware of Evie's past when you decided to date her?" another one chimed in.
"How long have you been in a relationship?" The barrage of questions continued, leaving Evie little room to respond.
"Ezra, why would you choose to date someone regarded as a scam in society? Are you not concerned that this will tarnish your corporate image?" another reporter pressed.
"Evie, you are trending in the news following this controversy, with many alleging that you are negatively impacting this country. What do you have to say about that?" asked yet another.
Evie pressed her lips into a thin line, acutely aware of how the questions were targeted at her, her heart racing with a mixture of anxiety and determination.
Just as she prepared to respond, Ezra took hold of the microphone from one of the journalists and addressed the crowd, his voice resolute and commanding. "Let's make this clear—there is no scandal." His tone was unwavering as the cameras continued flashing.
"What you are hearing are merely rumors, and they have been addressed thoroughly. If anyone dares to defame Evie again, they will face serious legal consequences," he declared with conviction.
"And whoever I date doesn't concern the public, as long as I'm happy..." Ezra's voice trailed off momentarily, his gaze landing firmly on Evie. "And she's happy too." He flashed a confident smile her way, and Evie met his expression with one of her own. Once he released the microphone, Ezra turned on his heels, leading Evie decisively into the lively atmosphere of the event.
As they walked away, the relentless clicking of camera shutters surrounded them like a constant drumbeat. Now that the barrage of questions had ceased, Evie felt the tension release from her shoulders. "That was so..." she began, searching for the right words with a steady determination. Her heart, once racing, began to regain a calm rhythm.
"Stressful?" he asked, his voice low and steady, reflecting understanding as his gaze met hers.
Evie nodded; the crowd was undeniably overwhelming, and she knew that if she had faced it alone, she would have passed out. Ezra handled it all with an impressive poise that made her feel secure.
Suddenly, Evie miscalculated her step, her foot catching the hem of her elegant dress. Panic surged through her, but before she could even react, Ezra caught her effortlessly, easing her back to her feet.
She looked up at him, momentarily taken aback by his proximity."Easy now," He said, while she took in a deep breath.
"I'm right here" He added, his words smooth and calming. She blinked and nodded, regaining her composure with a newfound confidence.
"If you're uncomfortable, we can head back home," Ezra suggested, reaching up to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear with a gentle yet firm motion.
Evie bit her lower lip, his intense gaze holding hers tightly. Her heart fluttered but she quickly shook away the feeling. "No, I'm fine. I can do this," she asserted, her voice steady and resolute.
"Good," he replied, a look of approval laying claim to his features. Together, they strode into the main event.
Once inside, they commanded attention, as if the very air shifted to acknowledge their presence. Whispers fluctuated around them, but Ezra and Evie forged ahead unbothered. It was a charity gala, and when they reached their VIP table, they were promptly served fine wines by a poised waitress navigating the crowd with ease.
Before long, a well-dressed gentleman approached, exuding confidence and authority.
"Ezra," He initiated, curious. "You have a new girlfriend?"
"Indeed," Ezra replied smoothly, a hint of pride surfacing. "This is Evie, my girlfriend. Evie, meet Matthew, CEO of Matt Corp." He gestured toward the blonde-haired man.
Evie glanced at the man. "It's a pleasure to meet you,"
"I've heard a lot about you," He remarked, a sly smile breaking through. "But seeing you in person… the rumors can't possibly be real. There's no way someone as incredible as you would be involved in all of that."
Evie forced a smile. "I appreciate your kind words," she said, standing her ground.
"Mm," Matthew hummed, taking a sip of his drink while scanning between Evie and Ezra. "So how long have you two been together?"
"Two months," Evie declared without hesitation, in sync with Ezra's simultaneous reply of "Three months." They both paused, the atmosphere shifting slightly.
Matthew raised an eyebrow, skepticism etched on his face. "It's two months, right? Or am I missing something?" he teased lightly.
Ezra chuckled, attempting to diffuse the tension, casting his eyes toward Evie. "It seems I slipped. Two months it is," He assured Matthew.
"I've got a lot on my plate," Ezra added.
"Yeah, it can be a lot," Matthew agreed, with a chuckle. While Evie watched, trying to mask her nervousness as she had been the one to slip.
"Alright then, I'll let you two enjoy the evening. We'll connect again," Matthew said, winking at Evie, who returned it with a smile before nodding at Ezra.
As Matthew departed, Evie exhaled. Turning back, she found Ezra assessing her with an intense gaze that conveyed both concern and annoyance. "I'm sorry, I know we said three months," she began.
His eyebrows pulled together, displeasure evident. "Get yourself together, Evie. We can't afford any more mistakes," he stated, his voice cool and unyielding. The firmness of his tone reverberated in her chest, and Evie steeled herself in response.
This was business, she chided herself.
And she needed to do it right.
****
After, they exited the gala and climbed into the waiting car for their drive home.
The car ride was punctuated by an almost palpable silence, with Ezra leaning back, eyes closed, and Evie sitting next to him, gazing out the window. When the vehicle finally pulled up at their residence, the driver broke the stillness.
"We've arrived," he announced.
Ezra immediately stepped out, his demeanor brisk, while Evie followed behind after bowing slightly to the driver in a gesture of appreciation. They headed for their rooms. Their rooms were separate—hers just after the staircase and his directly in front. He opened his door and firmly said, "Goodnight," before stepping inside and shutting it behind him.