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Chapter 35: The Kiss That Changed Everything.

Author: Maraz_Pen
last update Last Updated: 2025-07-25 21:20:46

Riley POV

The music swelled as Michael’s hand slid to my waist.

He didn’t press, just rested it there like he had done it a thousand times before.

Our fingers linked, his palm cool and soft, the moment we stepped into the rhythm, I remembered the rules.

We were here as a couple, not real couple, just strategic for the image.

A story for the cameras.

But the moment his eyes met mine, that line began to blur.

We moved through the space as if the rest of the room had dimmed. Like nothing existed beyond the circle of candlelight and sound around us.

His hand tightened just slightly at my back, steadying the turn. I followed, but not because I had to, but because I wanted to.

"You’re calm," he said softly, without looking down.

"Should I not be?"

“I figured you’d be spiraling by now, with all this attention and noise.”

I lifted my chin. "I have faced worse. You’ve seen it yourself."

He let a small smile show, just for a second. "Yes. I have."

Cameras flashed softly at the edges of the bal
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