The Unspoken Accord
The eruption of sound in the ballroom below was deafening, a volatile mix of applause, shocked gasps, and the furious click of high end camera shutters. Mimi felt William’s hand tighten on her waist, a proprietary, guiding touch that was entirely public, entirely fake, and entirely necessary to sell the lie. She held the flawless, beaming smile until her cheeks ached, her entire being focused on holding the professional pose she was being paid millions to maintain.