The roaring applause and the shared glance with Kris during the final bow still resonated within Mia as she navigated the celebratory chaos backstage. James's hug and Leo's quiet, understanding concession were moments of comfort, but the question Kris had just whispered, "What happens to us?", pulsed with a terrifying new reality.
Before Mia could even begin to process it, a new presence cut through the hubbub. A tall, impeccably dressed man with Kris's sharp eyes and commanding presence was making his way through the crowd, a proud smile on his face. It was Mr. Windsor, Kris's father, a figure Mia had only ever heard about in hushed, intimidated tones. He was rarely seen, usually too busy with his own empire. His unexpected appearance was a shock.
Kris, who had been focused intently on Mia, stiffened the moment he saw his father. A flicker of his earlier vulnerability, the pressure Mia had witnessed, briefly crossed his face before he composed himself. He walked towards his father, straightening his posture, and offered a respectful, albeit slightly strained, smile.
"Dad," Kris said, his voice dropping to a formal tone Mia hadn't heard before.
"Kris," Mr. Windsor responded, his voice deep with pride. He clasped Kris's shoulder, a rare, affirming gesture. "An outstanding performance, son. And I heard about the Case Competition. Flawless execution. You handled it with exceptional skill, especially given the short notice." He clapped Kris on the back. "I'm very proud."
Mia watched from a slight distance, a strange mix of awe and trepidation. This was the man behind the expectations, the force that drove Kris. To see him here, validating Kris's efforts, was a powerful moment.
Then, Mr. Windsor's gaze swept across the bustling backstage, landing on Mia. Kris followed his father's gaze, and a subtle tension returned to his shoulders. He turned back to Mia, a hesitant, almost nervous, expression in his eyes.
"Mia," Kris said, a slight catch in his voice, "this is my dad, Mr. Windsor. Dad, this is Mia Brown... my Hermia." He paused, then added, "And my assistant for this past week." The last part felt strangely inadequate, a flimsy cover for the profound shift that had occurred between them.
Mr. Windsor's sharp eyes assessed Mia, a polite smile on his face. "Ah, yes. The talented young woman who has graced the stage with my son. And the one who apparently managed to keep him organized this week," he chuckled, though his gaze was piercing. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Mia. Kris has spoken... indirectly... of your involvement." His eyes flickered between them, a knowing glint in their depths.
Mia felt a blush creep up her neck. "It's a pleasure to meet you too, Mr. Windsor," she managed, feeling entirely out of her depth. "Kris performed brilliantly tonight, and the competition was a huge success." She wanted to run and hide. How did she even begin to explain this to Kris's father?
Just then, her own family appeared. Her mother, warm and effusive, immediately pulled Mia into a hug. "Mia, darling, you were wonderful! So dramatic!" Her father beamed, and then her older brother, Liam, stepped forward, his eyes alight with mischief.
"And here she is, the star!" Liam teased, playfully ruffling her hair. His gaze then landed on Kris, standing awkwardly next to Mr. Windsor. Liam's grin widened. "And Kris Windsor himself! Looking quite... flustered. What's wrong, Windsor? Did Hermia finally break your heart on stage?"
Mia's cheeks burned scarlet. "Liam! Stop it!"
Mr. Windsor, observing the family dynamic, let out a soft, amused laugh. "It seems my son is in good company. A very... spirited company." His eyes, sharp and understanding, lingered on the undeniable tension and chemistry between Kris and Mia. He clearly saw more than just a leading lady and a former assistant.
The moment was a public unveiling, far more terrifying than any stage performance. The bet might have ended, but its true consequences, the undeniable connection between Kris and Mia, were now spilling out into the open, visible to their families and the world.