For one brief second—
Stephan genuinely forgot how to move.
The stylist stepped aside slowly near the doorway.
And then—
Pixel walked in.
Everything inside the room became silent.
Not actual silence.
Because somewhere downstairs people were still talking, staff members were moving around, Stevan was probably shouting dramatically at someone.
But none of it reached Stephan properly anymore.
Because his entire attention stopped on her.
Pixel stood near the entrance nervously adjusting one side of her dress slightly under his stare.
The dark gown fell softly around her, elegant without trying too hard, the subtle details catching the warm light quietly every time she moved.
Her hair rested loosely around her shoulders.
Minimal jewelry.
Soft makeup.
Nothing excessive.
And somehow—
that made her even more beautiful.
Stephan simply stared.
Actually stared.
Completely motionless.
Pixel's heartbeat instantly became uncontrollable under his gaze.
"…Say something."
His throat suddenly felt dry for absolutely no reason.
And honestly—
that annoyed him slightly.
Because this woman still affected him too easily.
Finally—
very quietly—
"You're beautiful."
The sincerity in his voice weakened her instantly.
Not because of the compliment.
Because of the way he said it.
Like he genuinely forgot everything else for a second after seeing her.
Pixel looked down briefly trying to hide how affected she was.
"You're staring too much."
"I can't help it."
God.
He said things so naturally now.
So openly.
Stephan slowly walked closer toward her afterward, his eyes never leaving her face properly.
And somehow—
the closer he came—
the more nervous Pixel became.
When he finally stopped in front of her, his expression softened even further.
Then quietly—
"…You came here looking like this willingly?"
Pixel blinked slightly.
"What kind of question is that?"
"A dangerous one."
Her cheeks warmed instantly.
Stephan's eyes lowered briefly toward the dress again before returning to her face.
And honestly—
he looked genuinely affected.
Like he was trying very hard to remain calm.
Pixel noticed immediately.
Which somehow made things even worse.
"You look nice too," she whispered softly.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"Nice?"
"You're impossible. I was trying to compliment you."
"That sounded emotionally weak."
Pixel stared at him in disbelief.
"You are literally winning business awards tonight and still demanding better compliments?"
"Yes."
She crossed her arms slightly.
"Fine. You look unfairly good."
"There."
He looked satisfied instantly.
"That's better."
A laugh escaped her before she could stop it.
And the moment Stephan heard it—
his expression softened again automatically.
Like her laughter physically relaxed him now.
For a few moments neither spoke.
They simply stood there quietly looking at each other.
And honestly—
the atmosphere had already become dangerous again.
Because Stephan kept staring at her like he forgot the entire event existed.
Pixel noticed immediately.
"You're doing it again."
"What?"
"That look."
"What look?"
"The one where you stop blinking."
A faint smile touched his lips.
"Not my fault tonight."
Her heartbeat stumbled again.
"Stephan."
"You really look beautiful."
The softness in his voice completely ruined her composure this time.
Pixel looked away instantly.
And Stephan quietly enjoyed every second of it.
Then slowly—
his hand lifted toward her carefully.
Gentle.
Unhurried.
His fingers brushed lightly against a loose strand of hair near her face before tucking it softly behind her ear.
The small touch alone made her breathing uneven again.
Stephan noticed immediately.
Of course he did.
"There it is."
Pixel closed her eyes briefly.
"You really need new hobbies."
"You are my favorite one."
She physically looked offended now.
"You cannot keep saying things like this."
"Why?"
"Because normal people don't survive conversations with you."
A low laugh escaped him again.
God.
She loved that sound too much.
Before either of them could continue—
the room door suddenly burst open dramatically.
Stevan froze immediately after seeing both of them standing close together.
Then loudly—
"OH MY GOD."
Pixel instantly stepped back slightly.
Too late.
Johan appeared behind Stevan and gasped emotionally.
"I KNEW IT."
Hill walked in last.
Took one look at Stephan's face.
Then calmly nodded.
"He's gone."
Stephan looked completely unimpressed.
"All of you need boundaries."
"No," Stevan replied dramatically. "WE NEED PHOTOS."
And suddenly—
the chaos started again immediately.
Johan forced Stephan near the large window for pictures.
Stevan emotionally adjusted Pixel's dress like an overinvested wedding planner.
Hill quietly tried to stop everyone from destroying the room.
Meanwhile Stephan's eyes kept drifting back toward Pixel every few seconds anyway.
Johan noticed instantly.
"Oh this man is FINISHED finished."
Unfortunately—
that was probably true.
By the time they finally left the mansion—
the atmosphere inside the car had become strangely quiet.
Not awkward.
Just heavy with anticipation.
Outside, the city glowed brightly beneath the night sky while long lines of luxury cars moved toward the grand award venue in the center of the city.
The event was massive.
One of the biggest business nights of the year.
Politicians.
Investors.
International CEOs.
Media houses.
Industry leaders.
Every powerful name in the business world was expected tonight.
And unfortunately for Stephan—
that also meant attention.
Too much attention.
The long black luxury car finally slowed near the entrance while camera flashes already lit up the entire venue outside.
Reporters stood behind barricades calling out names rapidly as guests arrived one after another.
The moment Stephan's car stopped—
the atmosphere outside visibly shifted.
People noticed immediately.
Because everyone knew that car.
Stevan looked out the window dramatically.
"Oh God. Civilization has arrived."
Johan fixed his suit seriously.
"If anyone embarrasses me tonight, I'm leaving emotionally."
"You embarrass yourself naturally," Hill replied calmly.
Meanwhile beside Stephan—
Pixel suddenly felt nervous again.
The crowd outside looked overwhelming.
Camera flashes.
Security.
Luxury gowns.
Powerful businessmen everywhere.
It felt like stepping into another world completely.
Stephan noticed immediately.
Without saying anything—
his hand quietly moved toward hers inside the car.
Warm.
Steady.
Pixel looked at him softly.
His expression remained calm.
But his thumb moved lightly once against her hand.
A silent reassurance.
I'm here.
And somehow—
that alone steadied her heartbeat slightly.
Then finally—
the car door opened.
Instantly—
camera flashes exploded everywhere.
"STEPHAN SIR!"
"Sir, this way please!"
"Congratulations on the nomination!"
"Sir, one picture please!"
Security moved quickly around the entrance while Stephan stepped out first from the car.
And immediately—
the atmosphere changed.
Even among powerful businessmen—
Stephan stood differently.
Calm.
Sharp.
Intimidating without trying.
The black suit only made him look even more untouchable tonight.
Then—
he turned back toward the car.
And extended his hand toward Pixel naturally.
The camera flashes somehow became even brighter after that.
Pixel slowly stepped out while holding his hand carefully.
For one brief second—
the noise outside softened in her ears.
Because suddenly she became aware of how many people were staring.
Not just at Stephan.
At them.
Together.
Whispers started almost immediately.
"Who is she?"
"That's the senior developer from his company."
"No, I heard she's close to him personally."
"Look at the way he's holding her hand."
Meanwhile Stephan looked completely unbothered by any of it.
His attention remained only on Pixel.
"You okay?" he asked quietly.
She nodded softly.
"Yes."
The warmth in his eyes softened slightly after hearing that.
Then naturally—
he guided her toward the entrance beside him while the others followed behind.
Stevan looked emotionally proud already.
Johan looked ready to fight reporters.
Hill alone looked mentally stable.
Mostly.
Inside the venue—
everything looked even grander.
Massive crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling while soft golden lighting reflected across marble floors and elegant tables arranged across the enormous ballroom.
Powerful businessmen stood discussing deals near one side.
International investors gathered near another.
The entire atmosphere carried wealth, power, and influence.
Pixel quietly looked around taking everything in.
And suddenly—
she understood even more clearly just how huge Stephan's world really was.
Not just successful.
Powerful.
Deeply powerful.
Then softly beside her—
"You're overthinking again."
Pixel looked toward Stephan immediately.
"How do you always know?"
"You make the same face every time."
"I do not."
"You do."
A faint smile appeared on his face again.
And somehow—
that softened her nervousness instantly.
Several major businessmen approached Stephan almost immediately afterward.
"Stephan."
"Good to see you."
"Congratulations on the nomination."
He greeted them calmly and professionally while Pixel stood quietly beside him.
And despite how powerful these people were—
everyone treated Stephan with visible respect.
Real respect.
Not fake politeness.
That itself affected her deeply.
Because now she could physically see what he had built.
How far he had reached.
Then suddenly—
the atmosphere shifted slightly again.
From across the ballroom entrance—
another familiar figure entered.
Natasha.
Wearing an elegant silver gown, calm and composed as always.
And beside her—
Clark.
Perfectly dressed in a black suit while walking slightly behind her naturally.
Pixel noticed them immediately.
So did Stephan.
For one brief second—
silence settled quietly between both sides across the ballroom.
Not tension exactly.
Something calmer now.
Something finished.
Natasha's eyes moved toward Stephan first.
Then toward Pixel standing beside him.
And strangely—
there was no bitterness in her expression anymore.
Only quiet understanding.
Then slowly—
her gaze shifted toward Clark beside her.
And for the first time—
Pixel noticed something clearly.
Clark never took his attention far from Natasha for long.
Not possessive.
Not obvious.
Just quietly there.
Watching her carefully.
Protectively.
Natasha noticed too.
A small softness appeared briefly in her expression before disappearing again.
Then suddenly Stevan leaned toward Johan dramatically and whispered—
"Oh my God. This feels like a final boss meeting."
Hill closed his eyes briefly.
"Please behave like adults for one night."
"No," Johan replied immediately. "Emotionally impossible."
Meanwhile across the ballroom—
Natasha and Stephan exchanged one final calm look.
No anger.
No resentment.
Just acceptance.
Then Natasha gave the smallest respectful nod toward Pixel.
And somehow—
Pixel understood it immediately.
A silent message.
Take care of him properly.
Pixel's chest softened quietly after that.
And beside her—
Stephan's hand tightened slightly around hers instinctively.
Like without realizing it—
he already knew exactly where he belonged tonight.
The ballroom slowly filled with more people as the night continued.
Soft classical music played in the background while waiters moved elegantly between tables carrying drinks and food. Giant screens displayed the award categories across the stage while business leaders continued networking around the venue.
But somehow—
despite the crowd—
people's attention kept drifting back toward Stephan.
Because tonight he wasn't alone.
And that itself had become the biggest discussion of the evening.
Whispers followed them everywhere.
"That's her?"
"The one from his company?"
"I've never seen Stephan bring someone personally before."
"Look at him. He doesn't stop looking at her."
Unfortunately—
that last part was true.
Even now, while speaking with several investors near one side of the ballroom, Stephan's attention kept shifting toward Pixel every few seconds unconsciously.
Johan noticed immediately.
And looked personally exhausted.
"This man is genuinely incapable of acting normal anymore."
Stevan nodded dramatically while eating dessert.
"Love destroyed him professionally."
Hill calmly sipped his drink.
"At least he looks happy."
That part was impossible to deny.
Because tonight—
Stephan looked lighter than he had in years.
Still intimidating.
Still calm.
Still carrying that same untouchable presence.
But softer around the edges now.
Alive.
And everyone could see it.
A little later, after another round of greetings and conversations, Pixel finally stepped slightly away from the crowd toward the quieter balcony area beside the ballroom.
The cool night air immediately relaxed her.
Inside the venue everything felt overwhelming.
Too many powerful people.
Too many cameras.
Too much attention.
For a few moments she simply stood there quietly looking at the city lights below.
Then—
"You disappeared."
Stephan's voice came softly from behind her.
Pixel turned slightly.
"You were busy."
"I noticed you left."
The simplicity of that answer made her chest soften again.
Of course he noticed.
He always noticed.
Stephan slowly walked beside her near the balcony railing, loosening his tie slightly now that nobody important stood nearby.
For a few moments neither spoke.
The distant city lights reflected softly in his eyes while the noise from the ballroom became quieter here.
Then finally—
"You're handling tonight well."
Pixel looked at him in disbelief.
"I internally panicked at least fourteen times."
A faint laugh escaped him.
"No one noticed."
"That's because I'm talented."
"You are."
The sincerity in his voice instantly weakened her again.
Stephan looked toward the city quietly for a moment before speaking softly—
"I hate events like this."
"Why?"
"Too loud."
A pause.
"…Too fake."
Pixel understood immediately.
Because Stephan was someone who valued real things deeply.
Real loyalty.
Real emotion.
Real connection.
And places like this rarely carried any of that.
Then softly—
"Why did you come then?"
His eyes moved toward her again.
"Because they said I had to."
A small pause.
"…And because you're here."
God.
This man genuinely had no survival instincts anymore.
Pixel looked away immediately while her heartbeat betrayed her once again.
Stephan noticed instantly.
"There it is."
She sighed softly.
"One day I'm actually banning you from mentioning my heartbeat."
"No."
"You don't even think before speaking now."
"I wasted enough years thinking before speaking."
That answer quieted her immediately.
Because underneath all the teasing—
there was still pain there.
Three years of it.
Stephan looked at her quietly after noticing her expression soften.
Then very gently—
his hand moved toward hers again.
Warm fingers intertwining naturally with her own.
Like it had already become instinct for both of them.
Pixel looked down briefly at their hands.
Then softly—
"You know everyone inside is staring at us."
"I know."
"And?"
"And nothing."
She looked up at him carefully.
"You really stopped caring what people think."
His expression softened slightly.
"No."
A pause.
"I just started caring more about what matters."
The honesty in his voice settled deeply inside her chest.
Before she could respond—
the ballroom lights suddenly dimmed slightly behind them.
An announcement echoed softly through the venue speakers.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the award ceremony will begin in five minutes."
The atmosphere inside immediately shifted.
People started returning toward the main ballroom seating area while conversations quieted gradually.
Pixel's heartbeat suddenly became nervous again.
Stephan noticed immediately.
"You're nervous."
"For you."
A small silence followed.
Then unexpectedly—
Stephan smiled softly.
Not the confident public smile.
Not the cold business expression.
A real one.
Quiet.
Warm.
And somehow vulnerable.
"You know what's strange?"
"What?"
"I genuinely don't care if I win anymore."
Pixel blinked slightly.
"What?"
His thumb moved lightly against her hand.
"Tonight already feels enough."
The softness in his voice completely stole her breath for one brief second.
Because suddenly—
she realized something important.
For years Stephan chased success endlessly because he had nothing else emotionally.
Now?
Now success no longer felt empty to him.
Because now—
when he looked beside himself—
someone was there.