the moment we walked into the venue, i couldn't stop smiling. imogen was beside me, and for once, the flashing cameras didn't seem so suffocating. they weren't looking at me anymore — they were looking at us. and that felt different. the air was lighter, less heavy with expectations, just because she was here. standing next to me.

i glanced down at her and saw the way she smiled at me, her eyes warm, making me feel like everything was alright in the world. when she caught my gaze, her smile only widened, and i felt like the happiest man in the room. it didn't matter that i was here for business or that i'd be shaking hands with people i barely knew — all that mattered was imogen, and how comfortable and happy she made me feel.

"you okay?" i asked her softly as we walked further into the venue. the buzz of conversations and the hum of clinking glasses filled the air, but with her by my side, it felt quieter, somehow. "you're not getting overwhelmed, are you?"

"i'm good, louis," she reassured me, squeezing my hand. "i'm just not used to this much... attention, i guess."

i gave her a reassuring smile. "don't worry. i'll protect you from all the flashing lights. you're safe with me."

"thanks," she said, but i could see her face flushing just a little as people began to look over. there was still a little hesitance in her eyes, but i could tell she was adjusting.

as we made our way further into the venue, a few familiar faces from the industry approached us. imogen didn't seem bothered at all as they came up to us, and to my surprise, she greeted them with ease.

"hi, i'm imogen," she said with a friendly smile, extending her hand to a woman in a sleek black dress.

the woman looked her over with a smile, clearly impressed. "you must be louis' girl, then?"

imogen glanced up at me, her cheeks just a little pink. "i am," she said, nodding.

"well, louis," the woman said, turning to me with a wink, "you've got a good one. don't let her go."

i grinned at her, my heart swelling with pride. i wasn't sure how much i was letting on, but in that moment, all i could think was how lucky i was that imogen was by my side.

as the conversation continued, imogen was so gracious, charming everyone she met. she wasn't fake or trying to impress anyone — she was just being herself, and that was what made her so captivating. i found myself leaning in a little closer, just so i could hear the sound of her voice.

when the crowd parted for a moment, i pulled her a little closer. "you're handling this so well. you're like a pro at this."

imogen rolled her eyes playfully, but she smiled. "i'm just trying not to die from nerves."

"well, you're doing a damn good job," i said, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "and, hey," i added with a teasing grin, "if anyone gives you trouble, just let me know, yeah?"

she laughed and nodded, but i could tell she was still feeling the nerves just beneath the surface. "i'm good, louis. i just need a minute to breathe. let's go grab a drink."

i nodded. "come on, let's make our escape."

we made our way over to the bar, and i could see her relaxing a little as we sat down, away from the crowd for a moment. it felt nice to just have her to myself for a second. the room was still buzzing, but with imogen sitting next to me, it was like everything else faded away.

"what are you thinking about?" i asked her quietly, looking at the way her fingers played with the edge of her glass.

"just how... crazy this all is," she admitted. "like, i never thought i'd be in a place like this. with you, of all people."

"you think i'm crazy?" i said with a grin, raising an eyebrow.

she smiled softly, shaking her head. "no, not crazy. just... unexpected."

"well, if i'm being honest," i said, leaning back in my chair, "i'm just glad you're here with me. i don't think i could've handled all this without you."

"you're sweet," she said with a soft laugh, resting her hand on top of mine.

i looked down at her hand, feeling the warmth of her touch, and a little thrill ran through me. i never thought i'd enjoy the chaos of an event like this, but somehow, with imogen beside me, it was a whole new experience. one i didn't mind.

"you know," i said, giving her a mischievous grin, "you're making me look good. everyone's talking about you, i can tell."

imogen glanced around, slightly nervous. "they're really staring?"

"yeah," i said, smiling proudly. "but it's not because they're judging you. it's because you're stunning, and you're walking around like you own the place."

"well, maybe i should start owning it then," she said with a teasing grin, nudging me playfully.

"don't tempt me," i said, feeling my heart skip a beat at the way she looked at me. "if you start owning it, we might end up stealing the show tonight."

imogen laughed, but i noticed the shift in her demeanor. she seemed to settle into the night, and for the first time, i could see her enjoying herself. i couldn't help but feel proud of her — proud of how well she was handling all of this. this world of fame and lights? it didn't faze her. and that only made me admire her more.

as the night wore on, i found myself wanting to keep her close, wanting to make sure she was okay, that she was enjoying herself. i'd seen the way she reacted to the questions, to the flashes of the camera, and i could tell she was still adjusting. but no matter how many questions were thrown our way, no matter how many pictures were taken, all i cared about was being there for her.

when the night finally wound down, and people started heading for the doors, i stood up and held my hand out to her. "ready to go?"

imogen smiled up at me, her face glowing. "yeah, let's go home."

as we walked out of the venue, hand in hand, the outside air was cool against my skin. i glanced over at her, not caring about the people around us. all that mattered was imogen, and the way her presence made me feel. and with that feeling in my chest, i knew this night had only just been the beginning.