When independent, down-to-earth Sophia Green attends a high-society gala for her new job, the last thing she expects is to meet Liam Bennett-a billionaire known for his charm and arrogance. One accidental encounter leads to a series of humorous misunderstandings, sparking a love-hate connection that neither can ignore. With family expectations breathing down his neck, Liam makes an impulsive proposal: a fake engagement to keep his family at bay. Reluctantly, Sophia agrees, entering a world of wealth, secrets, and high-stakes romance. But as the lines between pretense and reality blur, so do the boundaries around her heart. Will Sophia and Liam find the courage to risk everything for a love they never expected, or will family pressures and old wounds tear them apart before they even begin?
Chapter 1 The Fateful Invite
Sophia's POV
Some people dream about attending lavish galas, meeting powerful people, and waltzing around in designer dresses. For me, tonight feels like a personal nightmare, served with a side of champagne.
"Just act like you belong, Sophia," my best friend, Emily, whispers as she nudges me further into the room. Her eyes are already scanning the crowd, locking onto potential networking targets like she's in some kind of upscale hunting game. She looks stunning in her red satin dress, poised and perfect, as if she's spent her life attending events like this. Me? I'm trying to remember how to walk in heels without falling.
Emily, of course, was the one invited. She works as an event planner, which puts her in direct contact with clients wealthy enough to have her on speed dial. When she told me I could be her plus-one, I thought it would be a low-key night, maybe a nice dinner and a glass of wine or two. But as I step into the ballroom, I realize this is the kind of high-profile gathering where people are wearing actual diamonds-and probably drinking champagne that costs more than my rent.
"This is a big opportunity for you," Emily says, practically bouncing with excitement. "You work in PR, Sophia! This is where you meet the people who can make things happen."
I try to hide my nerves by taking a sip of my drink, but my hands shake a little. "You know I'm not exactly... a 'networker.' I'm more of a behind-the-scenes person."
Emily rolls her eyes and gives me a little shove. "Well, tonight you're front and center! And if you want to make it in this industry, you're going to need to be comfortable in rooms like this." She pauses, glancing around with a slight smile. "Oh, and one more thing-try not to spill anything on anyone important. Liam Bennett's supposed to be here, and he's not exactly someone you want to ruin a suit for."
"Noted," I mutter, though my heart skips a beat at the mention of Liam Bennett. The man is practically a legend-a self-made billionaire who took his family business to new heights, and someone the press loves to call "New York's most eligible bachelor." I may be out of the loop sometimes, but even I know about Liam Bennett.
Emily is already drifting off to mingle, leaving me stranded in the middle of the ballroom, clutching my glass like it's a life preserver. I'm about to slink into a quiet corner when a flash of blue catches my eye. Across the room, standing in a small group, is Liam Bennett himself.
I can barely believe it's him-he's taller than I expected, with dark hair swept back and sharp blue eyes that scan the room with an intensity that makes me shrink a little. His presence is... well, commanding, to say the least. He's wearing a perfectly tailored midnight-blue suit, talking to a group of people who hang on his every word. He exudes confidence, like he owns not just the room, but the entire building.
Suddenly, he glances my way, and our eyes meet for a brief, electrifying moment. It's enough to make my stomach do a little flip. I quickly look away, praying he didn't notice my awkward stare.
Just as I try to move back toward the bar-where I can hide and enjoy the evening in peace-my heel catches on the edge of the plush carpet, and before I know it, I'm stumbling forward. My champagne glass tips, sending a splash of chilled liquid into the air... and directly onto the chest of none other than Liam Bennett.
I freeze, staring in horror at the champagne soaking into his suit jacket. My heart thuds painfully as I look up, meeting his gaze. He raises one eyebrow, glancing down at the wet stain spreading across his shirt.
"Oh my god, I am *so* sorry," I stammer, my face turning an impressive shade of red. "I didn't mean to-I was just-these heels-"
He lifts a hand, stopping me mid-sentence, and to my surprise, a smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth. "So, this is your idea of an introduction?"
I blink, completely thrown off by his reaction. I was expecting anger, maybe even security escorting me out of the event, but he seems... amused?
"No! I mean, I wasn't trying to-" I scramble for words, completely lost. "I don't usually throw drinks on people. It was an accident. These heels are... evil."
His smirk widens just a bit, and his blue eyes sparkle with humor. "Then why wear them?"
I let out a small, embarrassed laugh. "Because flats don't exactly scream 'I belong here.'"
He chuckles, and I realize he's not upset at all. In fact, he seems to be enjoying this. "Well, you've definitely made an impression."
Before I can reply, Emily appears at my side, her eyes wide with horror as she takes in the scene. "Sophia!" she hisses, clearly mortified. "Do you have any idea who this is?"
"Yes, thank you, Emily," I mutter, hoping she'll stop talking before I die of embarrassment.
Liam raises an eyebrow, glancing between the two of us. "I think she figured that part out," he says, his tone light and teasing. "And trust me, the evening just got a lot more... interesting."
He extends a hand, his gaze fixed on me with a hint of a challenge. "Liam Bennett."
I blink, trying to process the fact that *Liam Bennett*-the Liam Bennett-is introducing himself to me, even after I've drenched him in champagne. I shake his hand, feeling the warmth of his grip, and somehow manage to speak. "Sophia Green. Sorry again about, you know... ruining your suit."
"Not ruined," he says with a shrug. "Just... customized."
I can't help but laugh, the sound coming out more natural than I expected. He's still holding my hand, just for a second too long, and there's something in his eyes that makes my heart race.
Suddenly, I feel my heel slip again, and this time I stumble right into him. His arms catch me, steadying me, and I can feel his hand resting on my waist as he helps me regain my balance.
"Oh no, not again," I mutter, my cheeks flaming as I pull back.
His smirk deepens. "Are you sure you're not doing this on purpose?"
"I swear, I'm not usually this... unbalanced," I say, though even I can hear how ridiculous I sound. He just chuckles, the sound low and warm, and I can feel my cheeks burn even hotter.
"Well, Sophia Green," he says, slipping a sleek black business card into my hand, "if you ever decide to make another memorable introduction, feel free to call me."
He gives me one last, lingering look before turning and disappearing into the crowd, leaving me standing there, clutching his business card and trying to wrap my head around what just happened.
Emily grabs my arm, her eyes wide. "Sophia! You just spilled champagne on *Liam Bennett*-and he gave you his card! Do you have any idea what that means?"
"No," I say, my voice barely a whisper. "I really don't."
But as I look down at the card in my hand, one thing is certain: tonight just went from disaster to unforgettable.
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