The Dinner Party Disaster

Zara’s POV

For a family that thrived on appearances, the Elahis had a knack for turning even the simplest gatherings into theatrical productions. Tonight was no different. The grand dining hall was adorned with glittering chandeliers, gold-accented tableware, and floral arrangements that probably cost more than my monthly wardrobe budget.

It wasn’t just any dinner party. It was a networking event disguised as a social gathering. My parents had invited business partners, influential clients, and a sprinkling of socialites to remind everyone just how powerful the Elahi name was. And, of course, Lina and I were expected to play the perfect couple.

I adjusted the sapphire necklace clasped around my throat and took a deep breath before stepping into the lion’s den.

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Lina’s POV

When Zara walked into the dining room, every head turned. She had that effect on people—effortless elegance, sharp poise, and an air of control that made her both intimidating and alluring.

She caught my eye across the room, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe. It wasn’t fair, really, how someone so infuriating could also be so stunning.

“You’re staring,” Zara muttered as she approached, her voice low enough that only I could hear.

“Only because I’m imagining you tripping in those heels,” I shot back, though my voice lacked its usual bite.

She smirked, leaning in slightly. “Careful, Lina. Someone might think you’re impressed.”

Before I could respond, my mother appeared at my side, her smile brighter than the chandeliers overhead.

“Lina, darling, why don’t you and Zara mingle a bit? Everyone’s dying to meet the happy couple.”

I bit back a groan and forced a smile. “Of course.”

Zara offered her arm, and I hesitated for half a second before looping mine through hers. Her skin was warm against mine, and the contact sent an unexpected jolt through me.

“Let’s get this over with,” I muttered.

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Zara’s POV

Working the room with Lina on my arm was both a challenge and a relief. On one hand, she had a knack for saying the wrong thing at the worst possible moment. On the other, her sharp wit and disarming charm kept people entertained and distracted from asking too many personal questions.

“This is Lina,” I introduced her to yet another guest. “My fiancée.”

The woman—a polished socialite with a predatory smile—raised an eyebrow. “Fiancée? My, Zara, you’ve been keeping secrets. How did you two meet?”

“Oh, it’s a great story,” Lina said, flashing a grin that made me nervous. “I kidnapped her dog, and she blackmailed me into going on a date.”

The woman blinked, clearly unsure whether Lina was joking.

“Lina has a very… creative sense of humor,” I said quickly, shooting her a warning look.

She just smirked, clearly enjoying herself.

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Lina’s POV

By the time dinner was served, I was ready to crawl under the table and hide. Pretending to be madly in love with Zara while dodging nosy questions was exhausting.

The food was delicious, though, and I found myself relaxing slightly as I savored the rich flavors of the gourmet meal. But, of course, the universe couldn’t let me have a moment of peace.

“So, Lina,” one of the guests—a silver-haired man with a sharp smile—said, leaning forward. “What are your plans after the wedding? Surely you’re not planning to continue running that little art gallery of yours?”

The question was clearly meant to be insulting, and I felt my blood boil.

“Actually,” I said, forcing a smile, “I plan to expand the gallery into a chain. Art deserves a bigger platform, don’t you think?”

Zara’s hand found mine under the table, her grip firm. At first, I thought she was trying to calm me down, but then I realized she was trying to signal something.

“Lina is very passionate about her work,” Zara said smoothly, cutting off whatever snide remark the man had been planning. “And I fully support her vision.”

I glanced at her, surprised. For once, she didn’t look like she was faking it.

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Zara’s POV

The dinner dragged on, but Lina held her own. I had to admit, watching her shut down the patronizing questions with her quick wit and unshakable confidence was oddly satisfying.

As the evening wound down, the guests began to disperse, and Lina and I finally found ourselves alone in the quiet hallway outside the dining room.

“Thanks for that,” she said, surprising me.

“For what?”

“For not throwing me under the bus back there.”

I shrugged. “You didn’t need my help. You were handling it just fine.”

She smiled, and for once, it wasn’t sarcastic or mocking. It was genuine.

“Maybe you’re not as terrible as I thought,” she said softly.

I smirked. “Don’t get used to it.”

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Later That Night

As I lay in bed, I couldn’t stop thinking about Lina—her fire, her determination, the way her eyes sparkled when she was holding her own against someone who underestimated her.

She was infuriating, unpredictable, and completely unlike anyone I’d ever met.

And for the first time, I found myself wondering if this arrangement might not be such a disaster after all.

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