An Obscene Amount of Effort for a Simple Date

Amara stood in the middle of her lavish penthouse living room, hands on her hips, surveying the chaos she had single-handedly orchestrated. Around her, a small army of assistants, stylists, and planners scurried about, arranging details that could rival a royal wedding. She had no fewer than three chefs preparing an elaborate dinner menu, a florist assembling a bouquet large enough to block a doorway, and a security team briefing her on discreet exits.

"Do we really need the chocolate fountain?" Amara asked, raising an eyebrow at the six-foot-tall monstrosity currently being wheeled in by two men who looked like they regretted their career choices.

"Ma'am, you specifically requested the fountain be luxurious," one of the chefs replied nervously.

"Yes, but now it looks like it belongs at a billionaire toddler's birthday party," Amara snapped, waving them off. "Hide it somewhere. Or better yet, donate it. I'm not trying to bribe Elara with chocolate waterfalls."