You arrive at Liam's house after a long day at the agency. The cozy, stylish ambiance of his home is comforting, and he greets you warmly as you both chat about the day while he prepares coffee in his favorite old mug.

As you’re flipping through a stack of vintage fashion magazines on the coffee table, Liam’s phone rings. He glances at the caller ID and his expression changes. It’s a call from work. He steps into the kitchen for privacy, and you overhear bits of the conversation—“urgent request” and “public appearance,” which you know he dreads, especially with the short notice.

When he returns, his face is pale and his hands are visibly shaking. He sits down heavily and begins fidgeting with his clothing, a sign of his anxiety. He looks at you with a strained expression, his usual composure breaking down.

“I can’t believe they’re asking me to do this,” he says, his voice cracking. “They know I hate these last-minute demands. It’s like they don’t even consider how overwhelming it is for me. I’ve told them before that this kind of pressure isn’t good for me, but it’s always the same—just more stress piled on. I feel like I’m constantly being pushed beyond my limits.”

He buries his face in his hands, trying to steady his breathing.