𝒀𝒖𝒂𝒏𝒇𝒆𝒏 | 𝙏𝙤𝙣𝙮 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙠

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝟎.𝟏

The first meet (Pre-Iron Man)

Iliana Song's 22nd birthday was arranged by one of her wealthy patrons, Mr. Willberg. He was a good man who had plans to hitch her with his son in the future, though unbeknownst to him, his son was not interested in her in that way—he liked men.

According to Mr. Willberg, "You only have one life. You should enjoy it. You can meet new people and make connections with the elites. You can always write my biography later."

Mr. Willberg was kind and perceptive, and his son, Tobias, was also just like him. Mr. Willberg didn't see Iliana as a naive girl whom men could use at their disposal. He knew she was smart and cunning, qualities that had helped her survive alone for so long. That night, her patron's efforts to integrate her into high society paid off, as the grand celebration was filled with influential guests.

It was at this very event that Tony Stark first laid eyes on her. Obadiah Stane had insisted that Tony accompany him, intrigued by the girl who was rapidly rising through the ranks of high society and charming everyone along the way. Tony, however, would have rather been in his workshop tinkering away.

As they arrived at the lavishly decorated ballroom, Tony scanned the room with disinterest. The opulence was typical of such events, but his attention was drawn to a young woman descending the stairs with Mr. Willberg by her side, all the attention focused on her. She was dressed in a stylish black dress with an off-the-shoulder white ruffle that added a touch of elegance to her outfit. Her long, dark hair is styled in loose waves, and she has a black bow accessorizing her hair. She is wearing subtle makeup that highlights her features, along with pearl earrings and a delicate necklace that complement her sophisticated look.

A mic was handed to the older man. "Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Iliana Song, a literary genius and an exceptional painter. Today, we have all gathered to celebrate her 22nd birthday. I will let the birthday girl say something on her very special day." The mic was handed to the girl, who had a smile on her face.

"I feel like a debutant of the 18th Century," Iliana began, eliciting laughter from the crowd. "First and foremost, I would like to thank Mr. Willberg, who has done so much for me and become like a father figure. I would also like to thank everyone who has made time to attend this celebration. Last but not least, I would like to thank the universe for giving me this opportunity to stand in front of such successful and determined people. I hope you all enjoy this party. Thank you, everyone."

She was surrounded by admirers, her laughter ringing out like music. Her presence commanded attention, not through ostentation, but through an undeniable aura of confidence and intelligence.

"Smart girl," Obadiah whispered to Tony. "Flattering everyone in the room, yet she has an air of arrogance."

Tony nodded absently, but his eyes were fixed on Iliana. There was something about her that piqued his curiosity. Maybe it was the way she carried herself with such grace despite her youth, or perhaps it was the sharp glint of intelligence in her eyes. Whatever it was, Tony found himself intrigued.

As the night progressed, Tony maneuvered through the crowd, eventually finding himself on a small balcony, which was already occupied by the star of the evening. She sensed him the moment he set foot on the balcony.

"Mr. Stark," she greeted with her warm smile. "It's an honor to meet you."

"Happy Birthday," Tony replied. "I'll let you have some alone time."

"You don't trust me," she said, a confident look in her eyes.

"No offense, sweetheart, I don't trust anyone in general," Tony responded with a smirk. "But I must say, you have quite a presence for someone so young."

Iliana laughed lightly. "I've had to learn to hold my own. Otherwise, people are always ready to take advantage."

"That they are," Tony agreed. "But you seem to be handling it well."

"Living in a facade is dangerous," Iliana said seriously. "And you live in it like there's no tomorrow. One day, that bottle of emotions is going to burst. And on that day, you won't be able to handle them at all. You have walls as high as the Great Wall of China, and you pretend that you don't care when you do. You're afraid to let people in."

"Making assumptions on the first meeting—" Tony started to say, taken aback that someone had so effortlessly looked right through his mask.

"I told you what I felt, and deep down, you know I'm right. I am a literary genius for a reason. I can read between the lines that most people overlook," Iliana said, her voice steady and confident. She began to walk toward the exit, leaving Tony speechless. Just before she stepped out, she turned around with a genuine smile on her face.

"Until next time, Mr. Stark. Think about it, and I really think that your best friend should get paid for putting up with you." And with that, she was gone.

Tony stood there, processing her words. It had been a long time since anyone had seen through his carefully constructed façade so effortlessly. It was unnerving how she had seen through him so clearly, peeling back layers he had spent years building. Her insight, confidence, and the way she carried herself intrigued him. He watched her disappear into the crowd, her presence lingering long after she was out of sight. For the first time in years, Tony Stark felt understood, and it was both unsettling and exhilarating. He knew this wouldn't be the last time their paths would cross.

As the party continued around him, Tony couldn't shake the impact of their brief interaction. Iliana Song was a force to be reckoned with, and Tony Stark found himself looking forward to their next encounter.