The sleek black Lamborghini glided through the city streets, pulling up to the red carpet amid a storm of flashing cameras and excited screams. Jeff squeezed Liam's hand, his thumb brushing soothing circles over his knuckles.
"Ready?" Jeff asked, eyes sparkling with excitement.
Liam took a deep breath. "As I'll ever be."
Mark, another bodyguard stepped out first and scanned the crowd before opening their door. The moment Jeff emerged, the roar became deafening. Fans chanted his name, waving signs and phones. Jeff waved with that charming, villainous smile that had made him famous, then turned and extended his hand to Liam.
The crowd's volume spiked as Liam stepped out beside him—tall, strikingly handsome in his deep navy suit, exuding quiet intensity. Jeff didn't hesitate. He wrapped an arm around Liam's waist and pulled him close.
"Everyone, this is Liam," Jeff announced proudly to the reporters and fans swarming them. "My boyfriend."
Whispers and cheers erupted. Jeff showed Liam off without shame—introducing him to interviewers, posing for photos with an arm around his shoulders, even stealing a quick kiss on the cheek for the cameras. Liam stayed composed, but a small, genuine smile broke through whenever Jeff looked at him.
At the far end of the carpet, a cluster of competitors watched with tight expressions. Their smiles were forced, eyes narrowed. Jeff noticed but didn't care. He leaned in and whispered to Liam, "Let them stare. They're just jealous I have the best man here."
Inside the grand venue, the atmosphere buzzed. Abbey, dressed in a sparkling silver gown, was in her element. The social butterfly flitted from group to group, complimenting designers, chatting with actors, and taking selfies. She was used to this world thanks to her brother's fame and handled it with effortless charm.
The night flowed smoothly. Jeff and Liam mingled, laughed with friends, and enjoyed the performances. Jeff kept Liam close, their fingers intertwined most of the evening.
Then came the awards.
The host announced the first category: Sexiest Villain. Jeff's name was called. The room erupted. He kissed Liam hard before heading to the stage, waving his award with a grin.
Next: Most Dangerous Villain. Jeff won again. The applause thundered.
Finally: Most Loved Villain. Three awards in one night — a record-breaking sweep.
Jeff stood at the podium for the third time, holding the golden trophy. The crowd quieted expectantly. Instead of the usual thank-yous, he looked straight at Liam in the audience.
"This one… this one is for the man who makes every villain role worth playing. The one who makes me want to be better. Liam — you're my real victory."
The room awed. Cameras swung toward Liam.
But Jeff wasn't done. He stepped off the stage, walked directly to Liam, and pulled him up. Gasps rippled through the crowd as Jeff dropped to one knee right there on the stage, under blinding lights, in front of the entire industry.
He pulled out a sleek black box and opened it, revealing a stunning diamond ring that caught every flash.
"Liam," Jeff said, voice steady but full of emotion, "I don't want another day without you as my husband. Will you marry me?"
The venue exploded. Abbey, who had clearly been in on it, cheered loudly while recording everything on her phone.
Liam's eyes welled up instantly. Tears slipped down his cheeks as he stared at the man kneeling before him — the one who had saved him, loved him, and made him feel safe. "Yes," he choked out, voice thick. "Yes, I'll marry you."
Jeff slipped the ring on his finger, stood, and kissed him deeply as the entire room roared in applause and cheers. It was the sweetest, most viral moment of the night — raw, real, and unforgettable.
The after-party was electric. Music pulsed, drinks flowed, and celebrities mingled. Jeff and Liam floated on cloud nine, accepting congratulations left and right. But not everyone was happy.
One of Jeff's competitors — a smug actor named Victor Kane — "accidentally" bumped into Liam while holding a full glass of red wine. The liquid splashed across Liam's shirt.
"Oops. My bad," Victor smirked, clearly not sorry.
Liam's fist clenched. Old instincts screamed for violence. He stepped forward, but Jeff grabbed his arm, holding him back.
"Not worth it," Jeff whispered calmly, though his eyes promised consequences later. "He's just bitter."
They laughed it off with friends, joking about jealousy on the ride home. Jeff couldn't keep his hands off Liam in the back seat, whispering filthy promises about what he'd do once they got home.
Meanwhile, back at the estate, Smart had the main living room to himself — or so he thought. Rylan had been assigned to stay behind and keep an eye on things.
Smart pulled out his guitar, sat cross-legged on the couch, and started playing. His voice was beautiful — soft, soulful, haunting. He sang one of his anonymous hits, the kind that dropped mysteriously online and climbed charts without anyone knowing the artist behind "Anonymous."
He recorded a new verse, humming softly, completely lost in the music.
When he finished and turned, he nearly jumped out of his skin. Rylan stood a few feet away, arms crossed, listening with a soft, genuine smile.
"Hi—hey! I didn't know you were home," Smart stammered, cheeks flushing. He set the guitar down quickly.
Rylan's smile widened. "You have a beautiful voice. Why hide it?"
Smart looked down, fiddling with his sleeves. He was pretty in a delicate way — soft features, expressive eyes — contrasting sharply with Jeff's bold handsomeness and Abbey's vibrant energy. He felt like the odd one out sometimes.
"I… got bullied pretty badly in university," Smart admitted quietly. "People said my voice was too soft, too girly. I just… I don't want the world to judge me the same way. So I stay Anonymous. Please don't tell Jeff or anyone. Promise?"
Rylan stepped closer, his expression kind but serious. "Your secret's safe with me. But for what it's worth — your voice is special. Don't let assholes dim it."
Smart blushed deeper, nodding. There was something comforting about Rylan's steady presence.
Back in their wing, Jeff barely waited for the door to close before he was on Liam.
He pushed Liam against the wall, kissing him hungrily, hands already working on his stained shirt. "Been dying to get you out of this all night," Jeff growled.
Clothes hit the floor in a trail toward the bedroom. Jeff made good on every promise — slow and teasing at first, then passionate and intense, worshipping every inch of his newly engaged fiancé until both of them were exhausted, sated, and wrapped in each other's arms.
As they drifted off, rings glinting in the low light, the future felt brighter than ever.