Vanessa's POV
I stood in front of my closet at six PM, staring at exactly three dresses.
All of them were wrong for Marcus's engagement party. Too cheap. Too plain. Too disgraced former CEO who lost everything.
We're going shopping, Maya announced from my bedroom doorway. Right now.
The party's in three hours!
Then we'd better hurry. She grabbed my arm. Jake transferred money this morning. 'Wardrobe advance' he called it. Let's go spend his money.
An hour later, I stood in a boutique dressing room wearing a dress that cost more than my first car.
Emerald green. Fitted. Elegant. The kind of dress that announced I'm thriving and you didn't break me.
That's the one, Maya said when I stepped out. You look like a woman who's dating a billionaire and loving every second of it.
But when I looked in the mirror, all I could think about was that text message.
Jake Morrison destroys everything he touches.
Stop it, Maya said, reading my face. Whatever you're thinking, stop.
What if it's true? What if he's dangerous?
Then why hasn't he hurt you yet? Lyn, he's had six weeks to do whatever evil thing you're imagining. Instead, he's invested in your company, protected you from police, and is fake-dating you to save your reputation. Maya squeezed my shoulders. That doesn't sound like a dangerous man. That sounds like a man who cares.
It's all fake, remember?
Is it? Maya's eyes were knowing. Because from where I'm standing, the only fake thing is you pretending you don't have real feelings for him.
Jake arrived at seven-thirty, dressed in a black tuxedo that should be illegal.
When I opened the door, he went completely still.
Vanessa. His voice came out rough. You're
Too much? I can change
Perfect. You're absolutely perfect. His eyes traveled down my dress slowly, like he was memorizing every detail. Marcus is going to lose his mind.
That's the plan.
No. Jake stepped closer, his hand touching my waist gently. The plan is making everyone believe I'm the luckiest man alive. Which, fake or not, isn't hard to believe right now.
My face burned. You're good at this.
At what?
Making it seem real.
Something flickered in his eyes. Maybe I'm not pretending as much as you think.
Before I could process that, his phone buzzed. Car's here. Ready?
No. Yes.
The ride to Marcus's venue was silent and tense. Jake's hand rested on the seat between us, close enough to touch but not touching.
I wanted to reach for it. Hated that I wanted to.
About that text message, Jake said quietly. The one about my ex-girlfriend
You don't have to explain.
Yes, I do. He turned to face me. Her name was Sarah. We dated for three months. She was brilliant, funny, kind. Then one night she was driving home from dinner and a drunk driver ran a red light. She died instantly.
My chest ached. Jake, I'm so sorry.
Marcus and David used it against me. Spread rumors that I'd been in the car, that it was somehow my fault, that I was dangerous to be around. None of it was true. But the rumors stuck. His jaw clenched. Someone's trying to scare you away from me using Sarah's death. I won't let them.
Who would do that?
Someone who wants us separated. Marcus, David, or someone we haven't identified yet. His hand finally found mine. But I promise you—you're safe with me. Always.
I believed him. God help me, I believed him.
The car stopped in front of the venue. Paparazzi swarmed immediately.
Ready to sell this? Jake asked.
Ready.
His hand moved to my waist as we exited the car. Camera flashes exploded like lightning.
Ms. Chen! Mr. Morrison! How long have you been dating?
Is this serious?
What does Marcus think?
Jake pulled me closer, his hand warm and possessive on my hip. I leaned into him naturally, and his breath hitched.
Smile, he murmured. Like you're falling in love with me.
I'm trying, I whispered back.
Try harder. You look terrified.
Because I am terrified.
His lips brushed my ear. So am I. But we're doing it anyway.
A reporter shoved a microphone in our faces. Mr. Morrison, how did you two go from enemies to dating?
Jake's hand tightened on my waist. I felt his hesitation—we hadn't prepared an answer.
The reporter's smile was predatory. No answer? Is this relationship real or just publicity?
Every camera turned toward us, waiting.
Jake pulled me closer until we were chest to chest, his eyes locked on mine with an intensity that stole my breath.
When you stop hating someone, he said clearly, his voice carrying to every microphone, sometimes you realize you never really did.
His hand cupped my face, thumb stroking my cheek. The gesture was so tender, so real, that I forgot we were pretending.
Sometimes, Jake continued, his eyes never leaving mine, the person you think is your enemy is actually the person who sees you most clearly.
The cameras went wild.
I stared at him, my heart pounding. Was he still acting?
Vanessa, he whispered, so quiet only I could hear. Kiss my cheek. Now. Sell it.
I rose on my toes and pressed my lips to his cheek, lingering just long enough to make it meaningful.
When I pulled back, Jake's eyes were dark with something that looked dangerously like desire.
Inside, he said roughly. Before I forget we're pretending.
We walked through the entrance, his hand never leaving my waist.
The party was massive. Crystal chandeliers, hundreds of guests, a string quartet playing softly.
And standing at the center of it all, Marcus and Lily.
Marcus saw us first. His smile dropped. His face went red.
Lily grabbed his arm, whispering urgently.
He's furious, I murmured.
Good. Jake's hand tightened possessively. Let's make him more furious.
We crossed the room. Every eye followed us.
Marcus straightened as we approached, forcing a smile. Vanessa. Jake. So glad you could make it.
Wouldn't miss it, Jake said coldly. Congratulations on your engagement.
Thank you. Marcus's eyes fixed on me with something ugly. Vanessa, you look... different. New dress? Must be expensive.
The implication was clear: I couldn't afford it before Jake.
Jake bought it, I said sweetly. He loves spoiling me.
Jake's arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me against him. I love making her happy. It's my new favorite hobby.
Lily's laugh was sharp. How romantic. When did this start? Last week? Yesterday?
Six weeks ago, Jake said smoothly. We've been keeping it private. Until now.
Marcus's jaw clenched. Six weeks. Right. So this started around the time Vanessa got kicked out of Chen Technologies.
This started, Jake corrected icily, when I realized the smartest woman I know was being destroyed by mediocre men who couldn't handle her success.
The room went silent.
Marcus's face turned purple. Careful, Morrison. You're at my party.
Then behave like a host instead of a jealous ex. Jake's voice was dangerous. Or we'll leave and make your engagement party the story about my relationship instead.
You
A glass shattered somewhere behind us.
Everyone turned.
A massive screen on the wall flickered to life.
My stomach dropped.
It was surveillance footage. Black and white. Dated two weeks ago.
The footage showed me outside Chen-Reeves Technologies' building. Late at night. Alone.
What is this? I whispered.
Then the video showed me typing on my phone. The camera zoomed in on the screen—I was accessing something. Files. Company files.
That's not—I never— My voice died.
Marcus's smile was victorious. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you proof that Vanessa Chen has been hacking into my company's servers. Just like I told the police.
The room erupted in gasps.
That's fake! I shouted. I was never there! Someone doctored that footage!
Funny, Marcus said. The police don't think it's fake. In fact, Detective Park is on her way here right now to arrest you for corporate espionage.
Jake pulled me behind him protectively. You set her up.
I protected my company from a criminal. Marcus's eyes gleamed. Take her away, officers.
Two men in suits appeared—but they weren't police. They wore security badges.
Marcus's private security.
You can't arrest me, I said, my voice shaking. This is fake. All of it.
Maybe, Marcus said. But by the time you prove it, your reputation will be destroyed. Again. And your fake boyfriend? He looked at Jake. He'll realize what everyone else knows—you're toxic. Damaged. Not worth saving.
Jake's hand found mine, gripping tight. We're leaving.
Actually, you're not. David Chen appeared from the crowd, his smile cold. The doors are locked. No one leaves until the police arrive.
I looked around wildly. Every exit was blocked by security.
We were trapped.
Jake pulled out his phone. I'm calling my lawyer.
Go ahead, David said. By the time she gets here, Vanessa will be in handcuffs. Every camera in this room will capture it. Every tech blog will run the story. 'Disgraced CEO arrested at ex's engagement party.' He smiled. Perfect headline.
My knees went weak. This was it. Everything I'd fought for, destroyed in one night.
Jake's arm wrapped around me, holding me up. I've got you, he whispered. I won't let them win.
They already won.
No. They haven't.
He pulled out his phone and made a call. Grace? I need you. Now. And bring everything we have on David Chen.
He hung up and turned to face Marcus and David.
You wanted a show? Jake's voice carried across the silent room. Let's give them one. Because I have something you don't know I have.
What's that? David sneered.
Proof that you've been embezzling from Chen-Reeves Technologies for six months. Proof that you framed Vanessa. And proof— Jake's smile was deadly, —that Marcus isn't the genius he claims to be. Because every line of code he's ever written was stolen. From Vanessa.
The room exploded.
Marcus went pale. You're lying.
Am I? Jake looked at his phone. Because I'm about to send this evidence to every reporter in this room. Unless you let us walk out of here. Right now.
David and Marcus exchanged panicked looks.
You're bluffing, Marcus said.
Jake hit send.
Every phone in the room started buzzing.
People pulled out their devices, reading, their faces changing from curiosity to shock.
Oh my God, someone whispered. It's all true.
Marcus lunged at Jake. You bastard
Security grabbed Marcus, holding him back.
Jake took my hand. We're leaving.
The crowd parted as we walked toward the exit.
At the door, I looked back.
Marcus was screaming. David was on his phone, clearly panicking. Lily was crying.
We'd won.
Outside, Jake pulled me into his arms. Are you okay?
You just destroyed them, I breathed. How did you, when did you
I've been investigating David for two years. Tonight, I finally had enough evidence. His hand cupped my face. And no one threatens you and gets away with it.
Jake
My phone rang. Unknown number.
I answered on speaker. Hello?
A distorted voice came through. Congratulations on your victory tonight. But this isn't over. Jake Morrison has more secrets than you know. And when you discover the truth about why he really wanted to date you, you'll wish you'd never trusted him.
The line went dead.
I looked at Jake, my heart pounding. What does that mean?
His face had gone pale. Vanessa
What secrets, Jake? Why did you really propose this fake dating arrangement?
I told you. To win the award. To fight Marcus.
And?
He looked away. And because I needed to protect you from something you don't know about yet.
Protect me from what?
Jake's hands cupped my face, his eyes desperate. From David's real plan. The one that involves destroying both of us completely.
What plan?
I'll tell you everything. But not here. Not now. His thumb stroked my cheek. Do you trust me?
Did I?
After tonight, after he'd saved me, after he'd risked everything
Yes, I whispered. I trust you.
Then come with me. There's something I need to show you. Something that explains everything.
He led me to his car, and as we drove away from Marcus's ruined party, I couldn't shake the feeling that I'd just agreed to something dangerous.
Something that would change everything between us.
And I had no idea if I was ready for it.