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Rules are easier to set than to follow. Between stolen glances, whispered secrets, and an undeniable chemistry neither can ignore, their "fake" relationship starts to feel all too real. As Natalie steps into a world of attention she never wanted and Jason wrestles with emotions he's always avoided, they both must decide- is this just a game, or the beginning of something neither of them saw coming?
Natalie
The letter trembled slightly in my grip, but I refused to let frustration get the best of me. It wasn't rejection, not exactly. More like a do better warning disguised as constructive feedback.
"To remain a competitive applicant for the internship, consider elevating your social presence to reflect a well-rounded student experience."
Great. My grades, my dedication, my carefully planned future- none of it was enough. Apparently, I needed to be seen outside the library, maybe even smile in public once in a while.
The coffee shop bustled with activity, the hum of conversation blending with the occasional clatter of mugs. My laptop sat open in front of me, half a page of my research paper blinking back at me, but my mind had been hijacked by this ridiculous requirement. "What am I going to do... Where do I really start from... How's this really necessary." These were the yet unanswerable questions running through my mind.
A few tables away, a loud burst of laughter caught my attention. Jason Carter. Of course. He was surrounded by his usual entourage, effortlessly commanding attention like it was his birthright.
Campus heartthrob. Star hockey player. The kind of guy whose name alone could open doors, while people like me had to prove themselves over and over again.
The unfairness of it all gnawed at me. Then an idea took shape. If the internship committee wanted social presence, why not give them exactly that? Not through meaningless small talk or networking events, but by aligning myself with someone who already had the kind of influence they valued. Jason could be the answer.
Doubt crept in, whispering that this was a terrible idea. He'd probably laugh in my face. Or worse, say yes just to make a game out of it.
My legs carried me toward his table before my brain could fully catch up. The group of guys around him noticed me first, their amusement barely concealed. Jason leaned back in his chair, a slow grin curving his lips.
"Well, this is unexpected." His tone dripped with curiosity.
Nerves threatened to ruin my confidence, but I squared my shoulders and met his gaze head-on. "I need your help."
His brows lifted slightly. "Help?"
"A deal, actually."
Jason exchanged a glance with one of his teammates before turning his attention back to me. "You want me to help you?"
"Yes," I said firmly. "A fake relationship. We pretend to date, and it benefits us both."
Someone at the table let out a low whistle. Another muttered, "Damn, that's bold."
Jason tilted his head, amusement flickering across his face. "You think pretending to be my girlfriend is going to help you?"
"I know it will," I countered. "I need a stronger social presence for an internship. You need to-" I hesitated, choosing my words carefully. "Appear more... stable."
That got his attention.
Jason leaned forward, elbows resting on the table. "Stable?"
"Your reputation is all over the place. A serious relationship-even a fake one-could change how people see you."
Silence stretched between us. A slow, thoughtful smile replaced his usual cocky expression. "So let me get this straight. You want to use me to boost your social standing, and in return, I get to look like the kind of guy who can commit?"
I nodded. Jason tapped his fingers against the table, pretending to consider it. "What's stopping me from saying no?"
"If I thought you would, I wouldn't have asked."
The corners of his mouth twitched, like he was fighting back a grin. "Interesting."
Jason
Natalie Pierce just asked me to fake date her. That wasn't something I had on my bingo card today. The whole thing should've been ridiculous, but she stood there, arms crossed, completely serious. No hesitation. No awkward fidgeting. She wasn't like the girls who usually threw themselves at me, and maybe that's what made this even more intriguing.
Leaning back, I studied her for a moment. Straight- A student, never seen at parties, always focused on her next academic milestone. The total opposite of me.
"You're actually serious," I said.
"Completely."
"Tell me what you think this involves."
Her lips pressed together, like she had rehearsed this in her head a dozen times. "We spend time together in public. Hold hands. Maybe sit together at games or study in the library. People need to see us together."
"You left out the fun parts," I teased.
Her expression remained unimpressed. "It's not that kind of arrangement."
That only made me smirk. "Sure, sure. No fun allowed."
Someone at the table coughed out a laugh. Natalie didn't flinch.
"Are you in or not?" she asked.
The smart move would be to say no. My reputation was already a mess, and agreeing to something like this could turn it into an even bigger spectacle. But that also meant controlling the narrative. Coach had been on my case about the team's image, and my bad-boy hockey star reputation wasn't helping.
This could work in my favor. I dragged it out for a few more seconds, enjoying the way she tried not to look impatient. Then I shrugged. "Alright. Let's do it."
A flicker of surprise crossed her face before she nodded. "Good."
"But there are rules," I added.
Her arms crossed tighter. "I figured."
I lifted a finger. "One: No one can know it's fake."
"That's obvious."
"Two: We have to make it believable. That means acting like a real couple, even when we're not in front of an audience."
She hesitated slightly, but nodded.
"Three." I let the moment stretch. "No catching real feelings."
She rolled her eyes. "That won't be a problem."
That was a challenge if I'd ever heard one.
I grinned, reaching for my coffee. "Alright, girlfriend. When do we start?"
"Tomorrow."
Straight to business. No hesitation. Damn. She turned to leave, but I wasn't quite ready to let her go just yet. "Wait."
Natalie paused, glancing back. "What?"
"You're really willing to be seen with me?"
The smallest smirk touched her lips. "That's my line, Carter."
She walked away, leaving me watching her go.
Chloe Evans is a small-town girl with big dreams-dreams of launching her own fashion line and escaping the limitations of her humble beginnings. When she gets a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase her designs at an exclusive gala, Chloe is determined to make her mark. But there's one problem: the event is hosted by none other than the notorious billionaire entrepreneur, Dani Potter. Dani is a man who's built an empire from nothing, a ruthless businessman with no time for anything but his career. He's never been interested in love, preferring instead to remain emotionally detached from everyone around him. But when he meets Chloe, he's intrigued by her ambition and the spark in her eyes. For the first time in years, he finds himself wanting something more than just success. Chloe and Dani's worlds collide, and the attraction between them becomes undeniable. But the more Chloe gets to know the man behind the corporate titan, the more she realizes that Dani is hiding a painful past-one that could jeopardize everything they're building together. Chloe must decide if she can trust him with her heart, or if she's simply chasing a billionaire's dream that will only end in heartbreak.
Leila Stone's world shattered when she was rejected by her mate, **Alpha Carley Nightpaw**, the night their pack was attacked. Fleeing with a broken heart and a shattered soul, she vowed to never return to the pack that had once been her home-until a blood moon rises, and fate forces her back. Carley, now the Alpha of the Nightpaw pack, is burdened with guilt and regret. The night he rejected Leila, he was driven by fear and duty, unwilling to show weakness in front of his pack. But time has taught him the painful consequences of that decision. When a new threat emerges, one that endangers their entire world, Carley realizes that Leila is the only one capable of helping him defeat it. But winning her trust back may be his greatest challenge yet.
Three years ago, Tiana thought divorcing Sebastian Wolfe would free her from the pain of his lies and the shadows that haunted their marriage. But when tragedy strikes her family and she returns to her hometown, she's forced to confront the man who once shattered her heart-and who still lingers in her soul. Sebastian isn't the same cold, unreadable billionaire she left. He's darker, more haunted-and about to discover a secret that will change everything: the existence of their daughter.
Adele Williams has spent her life hiding among humans, unaware of the destiny woven into her blood. But when the ruthless and enigmatic Lycan King, Frank Robinson, discovers her existence, her carefully crafted life is torn apart. Frank, haunted by a prophecy that speaks of a mate who will either save or destroy him, is drawn to Adele with an irresistible force. Yet she wants nothing to do with the dominant and dangerous king who claims she belongs to him. Forced into his world, Adele must navigate the deadly politics of the Lycan court, where enemies lurk in the shadows and betrayal is a breath away.
Celeste Bennett has spent years in the shadow of New York's elite, working as a private chef for the city's wealthiest families. When she's hired for an exclusive event at the lavish estate of billionaire Jayden McGregor, she expects nothing more than a routine job. But from the moment their eyes meet, the cold, untouchable billionaire makes it clear-he wants her. Jayden is a man used to getting everything he desires. Powerful, enigmatic, and haunted by his past, he has sworn off love. But something about Celeste draws him in-a fire he can't resist, a temptation that threatens to unravel his carefully controlled world. She knows better than to fall for a man like him. He's out of her league, and their worlds are too different. But when fate keeps pulling them together, resisting becomes impossible. As secrets come to light and passion ignites, Celeste and Jayden must decide: will they risk everything for a love that was never meant to be?
In the kingdom of Eldoria, Lady Evelina is bound by duty to marry a prince she does not love, her heart already belonging to a forbidden figure - Sir Alden, a mysterious knight whose loyalty to the crown is unwavering. When a powerful curse threatens to destroy the kingdom, Evelina finds herself drawn into a perilous quest with Sir Alden, seeking the ancient relic that could save them all. As they journey through treacherous lands, their bond grows deeper, but so do the dangers that threaten to tear them apart. With the weight of the kingdom's fate on their shoulders, they must navigate the perils of both magic and their own hearts. Can a knight and a lady destined for separate paths find a way to unite - or will duty and destiny keep them apart forever?
Julia and Evan were the perfect couple-or so she thought. But everything changed when Evan abruptly ended their relationship, leaving her heartbroken and unable to tell him she was carrying his child. Years later, Julia has built a life for herself and her son, Andy, while Evan has risen to unimaginable wealth and success. Their paths cross again at a chance meeting, but Julia soon discovers Evan has moved on with someone else. Julia is done with the pain. She's fought battles alone, raising a son who deserves the truth about his father, even if Evan doesn't deserve her forgiveness. When Julia told Evan years ago she had something to say, he didn't listen. Now, it's time for him to listen. But is it too late to reclaim what he lost? "We should break up," he'd said, the words cutting through her like glass. The pregnancy test in her pocket stayed hidden, just like the child they would never share. Now, it's Evan's turn to hear the truth-and to face his deepest regret.
In order to fulfill her grandfather's last wish, Stella entered into a hasty marriage with an ordinary man she had never met before. However, even after becoming husband and wife on paper, they each led separate lives, barely crossing paths. A year later, Stella returned to Seamarsh City, hoping to finally meet her mysterious husband. To her astonishment, he sent her a text message, unexpectedly pleading for a divorce without ever having met her in person. Gritting her teeth, Stella replied, "So be it. Let’s get a divorce!" Following that, Stella made a bold move and joined the Prosperity Group, where she became a public relations officer that worked directly for the company’s CEO, Matthew. The handsome and enigmatic CEO was already bound in matrimony, and was known to be unwaveringly devoted to his wife in private. Unbeknownst to Stella, her mysterious husband was actually her boss, in his alternate identity! Determined to focus on her career, Stella deliberately kept her distance from the CEO, although she couldn't help but notice his deliberate attempts to get close to her. As time went on, her elusive husband had a change of heart. He suddenly refused to proceed with the divorce. When would his alternate identity be uncovered? Amidst a tumultuous blend of deception and profound love, what destiny awaited them?
“You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don’t we get married?” Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful tycoon. Jayden thought Elyse only married him for his money, and planned to divorce her when she was no longer of use to him. But after becoming her husband, he was faced with a new dilemma. “She keeps asking for a divorce, but I don’t want that! What should I do?”
She was a world-renowned divine doctor, the CEO of a publicly traded company, the most formidable female mercenary, and a top-tier tech genius. Marissa, a titan with a plethora of secret identities, had hidden her true stature to marry a seemingly impoverished young man. However, on the eve of their wedding, her fiance, who was actually the lost heir to a wealthy dynasty, called off the engagement and subjected her to degradation and mockery. Upon the revelation of her concealed identities, her ex-fiance was left stunned and desperately pleaded for her forgiveness. Standing protectively before Marissa, an incredibly influential and fearsome magnate declared, "This is my wife. Who would dare try to claim her?"
She thought she was the love of his life, and he became the love of her life that fateful day she had seen him at the pack's party. Selene Grace was only a replica of Alpha Leo's real mate, and when he spotted her, Leo immediately claimed her as his Luna in order to suppress the rumors of him being mateless. Being unable to conceive turns Selene's marriage into a nightmare, and as if that wasn't enough, Alpha Leo finally reunites with his long time lover and mate, rejecting a pregnant Selene as a result. 5 years later, Selene, a now successful doctor, receives an invitation to the moon shadow pack in order to rid the pack of a deadly disease which has struck it. Will Selene return back to the pack which had caused her so much pain, and what would she do when she realizes that she is mated to the Alpha who had betrayed her in the past?
Melanie married Ashton out of gratitude, but she quickly found herself entangled in a web of relentless challenges. Despite these struggles, she stayed true to her commitment to the marriage. In the hospital room, Ashton indifferently attempted to draw her blood, disregarding her discomfort. This callous act was a harsh revelation for Melanie, awakening her to the grim reality of their relationship. Resolved to prioritize her own welfare, she decided to sever ties. With newfound resolve, Melanie filed for divorce. In the process, she unveiled her concealed identities, leaving everyone in shock. Throughout these turbulent times, Melanie realized that Derek, Ashton’s uncle, had been discreetly protecting her all along.