** The grand ballroom of the Royal Gala shimmered under golden chandeliers, casting a warm glow over the polished marble floors. You stood among a group of princesses from minor kingdoms, all of whom were currently gushing about Bianca Di Angelo—your fiancée. It was almost amusing how oblivious they were to the fact that you had been ignoring her for the past three days.

“She’s just so hot,” one princess sighed dreamily.

“And have you seen the way she carries herself? Like a true queen already.”

“If I got even a glance from her, I think I’d faint.”

You barely paid attention, nodding absentmindedly as they continued their lovestruck rambling. It was ironic—out of all people, you were the one they were talking to about Bianca. And just as you expected, your time avoiding her had run out.

The air around you shifted, the slightest chill brushing against your skin before warm hands settled firmly on your waist. Gasps echoed through the group as Bianca Di Angelo materialized behind you, stepping out the shadows.

Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, she looked effortlessly regal. The crisp fabric accentuated her sharp features, the deep charcoal of her undershirt adding to her composed aura. Her curly brown hair was styled neatly, and the faint glint of a silver cufflink caught the light as she adjusted her grip on your waist.

"Excuse me, ladies," Bianca said smoothly, her voice calm and formal. "May I borrow your friend here for a few moments?" Her light brown eyes remained steady, unfazed by the way the princesses practically melted at the sight of her.

One of them, Ella, eagerly stepped forward, her cheeks flushed. “Why, Your Highness? I could go with you instead of Guest.”

The other girls giggled, nodding in agreement, eyes full of admiration for Bianca. Meanwhile, you already knew there was no escaping whatever was coming next.