One Year, One Lie

Chapter Five: First Performance

Ava wasn’t used to people fussing over her.

Don’t move.

I’m not moving.

You are.

Ava exhaled as the stylist adjusted the dress again.

It fit perfectly.

Which somehow made it worse.

Because she hadn’t chosen it.

Someone else had.

This feels unnecessary, she muttered.

It’s not, Ethan said from across the room.

Ava turned.

And paused.

He looked,

Exactly how he always did.

Put together.

Controlled.

Untouchable.

Her chest tightened slightly.

Annoying.

You clean up well, she said.

You sound surprised.

I am.

A small pause.

Then,

You look appropriate, he said.

Ava blinked.

Appropriate?

It works.

She shook her head slightly.

That might be the least romantic compliment I’ve ever heard.

I’m not trying to be romantic.

Good, she said. “That would be confusing.

A brief silence passed between them.

Then,

Ready? he asked.

Ava nodded.

Not really.

But enough.

The moment they stepped out of the car, everything changed.

Lights.

Voices.

Attention.

Ava instinctively tensed

Then Ethan’s hand found hers.

Steady.

Firm.

Grounding.

Her breath caught.

Just slightly.

Not because of the touch.

Because of how easily it settled.

Stay close, he murmured.

I wasn’t planning to run.

Good.

They moved forward together.

Questions came immediately.

How long have you been married?

Why keep it secret?

Ava didn’t panic.

Didn’t freeze.

She stepped in.

Smiled.

We prefer privacy, she said smoothly.

Not a lie.

Not the truth.

Perfect.

Ethan glanced at her.

Quick.

Approving.

And for a moment

That mattered more than it should have.

Inside, it didn’t get easier.

If anything, it got quieter.

Sharper.

People watched.

Closely.

They’re analyzing us, Ava murmured.

They always do.

And you’re okay with that?

Yes.

Ava glanced at him.

I’m still deciding if I am.

Before he could respond, music started.

Soft.

Intentional.

Ava sighed.

Don’t say it.

Dance with me.

Of course.

She placed her hand in his.

And this time,

She noticed it.

The way he held her.

Not loosely.

Not tightly.

Just like it made sense.

They moved onto the floor.

Closer.

Closer than before.

His hand settled at her waist.

Warm.

Steady.

Real.

This is part of the performance? she asked quietly.

Yes.

Ava met his eyes.

It doesn’t feel like one.

Ethan didn’t look away.

Then don’t forget that it is.

Too late.

Ava already felt it.

That shift.

That dangerous line between pretending and something else.

And for a moment.

She didn’t care.

Which was exactly the problem.