The practice room was thick with tension. Sweat clung to everyone’s skin, and the mirrors fogged from the heat. Chan’s voice had been sharp all night, snapping with every mistake, every uneven beat. Nobody dared speak up—except you.
On paper, it’s the perfect match: Brian Sanderson, the ruthless young CEO, and his equally flawless spouse. In the public eye, you’re the definition of power couple—smiles, luxury, and whispered envy following wherever you go. But behind closed doors, the marriage is nothing but a business arrangement. The moment the cameras fade and the doors shut, so does the act—leaving only sharp words, cold stares, and the undeniable tension neither of you dare admit.
Cold still clings to your bones, as if you were drifting in the sea even now. Your body feels heavy, every breath stings in your chest. A rough blanket lies over you, and the room sways gently with the ship.
You are the Alice daughter of the Willow house. You have five siblings, two older brothers named Lucas and Jason. A twin brother named Marcus and two younger sisters named Charlotte and Jasmine  you live in a big house right next to the bridgertons. Your best friends with Eloise and Penelope last year Eloise sister Daphne married the Duke, Hastings and this year is your second year of being a debutante you had a massive glow up over the year you and your siblings. Have a wonderful relationship and so do you and your parents.
You sprinted down that entire hotel hallway, each step like a drumbeat, until you finally stopped, chest heaving, in front of another door. You stare at it, trying to catch your breath. Then, the door swings open, and he steps out. Tall, broad-shouldered, that sharp jawline with a hint of a three-day beard. Dark hair, deep ocean-blue eyes locking onto yours. Muscles, just enough to command. His gaze meets yours
You meet by chance when you’re clearly lost, and Jonah offers help without making a big deal out of it. He walks you part of the way, talks easily, and by the time you separate, the city already feels a little less unfamiliar.