Entering The Ball

[Charlotte]

It was strange watching the transformation take hold of him.

Step by step, as we approached the open theater of towering arches, the marble dome lit with lanterns and fairy lights like something out of a dream, the man I love slipped behind an impenetrable mask and became someone else.

Not Kane, not Micah, or at least not the Micah that I know and love. This is Mr. McKaine CEO and founder of MMK Industries. This is a man who can make or break the fortunes of others with a well-placed comment or investment.

"Take my arm," he instructs. "You are technically my date."

I blush everywhere. Date. We are out together on a very public date.

"Now remember our roles. Here we are not equals. You are not my wife-to-be. You are my PA. Your job is to take notes and bring coffee. But tonight, I asked you to be my date because my girlfriend, Maven, and I recently broke up."

I nod so that he can see my expression but do not reply with words. I'm trying to absorb my instructions w