My Fake Boyfriend, My Real Baby

Chapter 1 – The Contract

I never imagined my life would change in a glass-walled office that smelled like leather, money, and quiet power.

I stood in front of the tallest windows I had ever seen, clutching my worn backpack like it could protect me from the man sitting behind the massive black desk. The city stretched endlessly below us, glittering like a world I had never belonged to.

And probably never would.

“Miss Carter.”

His voice was deep, calm, and dangerously composed. Not cold. Not warm. Just… controlled.

I turned slowly to face him.

Adrian Blackwood.

The billionaire CEO whose face appeared on business magazines and gossip blogs alike. The man people described as untouchable. Ruthless. Brilliant. A legend in tailored suits.

And here I was — a broke university student with overdue tuition, standing in his office like I didn’t look completely out of place.

“You may sit,” he said, gesturing to the chair in front of him.

I sat, my knees brushing the edge of the desk, my heart pounding far louder than it should. I kept telling myself this was just a meeting. Just a strange, unexpected meeting arranged by a woman who claimed to be his assistant.

But nothing about this felt normal.

He studied me quietly. Not like men usually did. Not with hunger or judgment. With calculation.

It made my skin prickle.

“You’re probably wondering why I asked to see you,” he said.

“Yes,” I answered immediately. “Very much.”

The corner of his lips lifted slightly — not a smile. More like amusement.

“Good. I prefer honesty.”

He folded his hands together. “I need a girlfriend.”

I blinked.

Once.

Twice.

“A… what?”

“A girlfriend,” he repeated calmly. “Specifically, a fake one.”

I laughed.

Not because it was funny — but because my brain refused to accept that this was real.

“I’m sorry,” I said, shaking my head. “You called me here because… you need a fake girlfriend?”

“Yes.”

My laughter died slowly.

“You don’t look convinced,” he added.

“That’s because I’m not,” I replied, suddenly aware of how ridiculous this sounded. “Why me? There are literally models outside your building.”

“You were recommended,” he said simply.

“By who?”

“My assistant,” he replied. “She says you are intelligent, discreet, and… desperate.”

The word hit harder than I expected.

Desperate.

He wasn’t wrong.

Between tuition I couldn’t pay, a part-time job that barely covered rent, and a scholarship hanging by a thread — desperate was exactly what I was.

But hearing it from a billionaire CEO stung more than it should have.

“I’m not—” I began.

“I will pay you,” he interrupted.

The room went silent.

“How much?” slipped out of my mouth before I could stop myself.

He leaned back in his chair, eyes never leaving mine.

“Enough to cover your tuition for the year. And your living expenses.”

My breath caught.

That was… impossible money to me.

“What do you want me to do?” I asked carefully.

“You will accompany me to public events,” he said. “Appear affectionate. Convincing. You will smile when needed. Laugh when required. And remain silent about everything you see or hear.”

I swallowed. “And in private?”

“In private,” he replied, “you will simply be yourself. Nothing more is expected.”

I studied his face, searching for some sign of deception. Some smirk. Some hint that this was a joke.

There was nothing.

“You’re serious,” I whispered.

“Yes.”

My mind raced.

This was insane.

But then I thought of the unpaid bills. The emails from the school. The landlord’s warnings. The nights I spent staring at the ceiling, wondering how long before everything collapsed.

“How long?” I asked quietly.

“Six months,” he said. “After that, our arrangement ends.”

“And if I say no?”

His gaze softened just a little.

“Then you walk out that door and this conversation never happened.”

I stared at the floor.

This was wrong.

It had to be.

And yet… something about the way he spoke, the way he offered control instead of pressure, made it feel strangely safe.

I raised my eyes back to his.

“What’s the catch?” I asked.

“There is no catch,” he replied. “Only rules.”

“Like?”

“You don’t fall in love,” he said. “And neither do I.”

A strange tightness formed in my chest.

As if something inside me already knew that rule would be the hardest one to follow.

He slid a folder across the desk toward me.

“The contract,” he said.

I stared at it.

Six months.

Fake girlfriend.

Enough money to change my life.

I reached for the folder with trembling fingers.

And that was when my phone vibrated in my pocket.

A message from the school.

Final notice.

I closed my eyes for a brief second… then opened the folder.

“I’ll do it,” I said softly.

Adrian Blackwood’s eyes darkened.

And then he said the words that made my heart stop.

“Good. Because starting tonight… you’re mine.”

When danger finds Valerie, Adrian appears — but can she trust him, or is this only the beginning?

Chapter 2 – The First “Date”

I couldn’t stop staring at the contract folder sitting on my desk. Six months. Fake girlfriend. Enough money to save my life.

And I had said yes.

Now, as I walked toward the sleek black car waiting outside the university, my stomach twisted in knots. This was real. This wasn’t a practice run. And Adrian Blackwood — the man who could buy and sell my entire city — was waiting inside.

“Miss Carter.” His deep voice sliced through my panic as I approached.

I froze.

He opened the door with that signature controlled calm, his sharp eyes scanning me briefly before letting the faintest smirk tug at his lips.

“Shall we?” he asked.

I swallowed. “Yes… sir.”

The ride was silent, and not the comfortable kind. The kind where every second feels like it’s counting down to something catastrophic. I tried to look out the window, but the city lights blurred into streaks of gold and silver, my reflection staring back at me like a stranger.

Finally, he spoke. “You understand what’s expected tonight?”

I nodded, trying to sound casual. “Yes. Smile, look affectionate, pretend like I… like you.”

He tilted his head slightly. “Good. Remember, authenticity is key. People can tell when it’s fake. Even your smiles.”

My heart skipped a beat. Did he just say my smiles?

The car stopped in front of a high-end rooftop restaurant, glittering with crystal lights. My mouth went dry. How on earth was I supposed to act like I belonged here?

He got out first, and I followed, clutching my clutch bag like it was a life raft. Cameras flashed from the media outside the entrance — I didn’t even know there would be paparazzi. My knees nearly buckled.

Adrian noticed. “Relax,” he said softly, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “Just follow my lead.”

I nodded, though I could barely breathe.

As we stepped onto the red carpet, I tried to smile naturally. Every muscle in my face screamed “panic.”

And then he did something unexpected. He wrapped one arm around my waist, pulling me slightly closer, and whispered, “Breathe. You’re with me now. They’ll only see what I want them to see.”

My stomach did a complete flip.

We walked into the restaurant, the waiters nodding politely. I tried to calm my racing heart and match his poised expression.

We were seated, and I tried not to notice the way the other patrons glanced at us. The billionaire and his “girlfriend,” the rumor mills would say. Pretend girlfriend, I reminded myself, my hands clammy in my lap.

He glanced at me, and that smirk again appeared. “Nervous?”

“Just… new environment,” I muttered, forcing a casual tone.

“You’ll learn fast,” he said, picking up the menu. His presence was suffocating, magnetic, and somehow… comforting.

We ordered. I tried to make small talk, but every word felt clumsy, my brain constantly reminding me: Don’t fall. Don’t screw this up. Don’t let him see the real you.

Then, as the appetizers arrived, something happened that made my heart nearly stop.

He leaned in slightly, eyes locking on mine. “Do you know why I chose you?”

I shook my head. My throat was suddenly dry.

“Because,” he whispered, “you’re honest. And honest people are… dangerous.”

I blinked. “Dangerous?”

He smiled faintly, a shadow of amusement crossing his face. “Because they make me feel things I don’t like to feel.”

My stomach dropped. He made me feel things already — tension, fear, excitement — and we hadn’t even kissed. Not yet.

Then the waiter came with a champagne glass, and Adrian’s hand brushed mine lightly. My pulse jumped. I wanted to pull away… and yet I couldn’t.

The night passed in a blur. We laughed at small jokes, shared glances that lingered a second too long, and walked the line between fake and something dangerously real.

By the time he dropped me off at my apartment, my head was spinning. I had survived the night. I hadn’t fainted. I hadn’t embarrassed myself — too badly.

But just as I stepped out of the car, my phone vibrated in my pocket.

A message from an unknown number:

“I know who you are. And I’m watching. Don’t mess with him.”

I froze, my heart thudding in my chest.

I turned to Adrian instinctively, but he was already walking away.

And I realized… my life had just become far more complicated than I ever imagined.

A mysterious warning shakes Valerie’s world… and Adrian’s secrets might be even darker than she imagines.

Chapter 3 – The Contract’s First Test

The next morning, I woke up with a knot in my stomach that didn’t seem to want to go away. The memory of last night — the way Adrian had looked at me, the hand on my waist, the cryptic text — replayed over and over in my head.

I tried to convince myself: It’s just a contract. Nothing more. Just six months. Easy.

Easier said than done.

I arrived at the campus, backpack heavier than usual with textbooks and my growing sense of anxiety. Every glance from a classmate or a stranger felt like a threat. What if someone recognized me from last night’s paparazzi photos?

“Miss Carter,” I whispered to myself. “Breathe.”

My phone buzzed. Another unknown number. I froze, but it was only a reminder from my tuition portal. Still, the tension lingered.

Later that afternoon, Adrian called — not his assistant, him. The sound of his voice on the phone sent a strange warmth through me.

“Meet me at the cafe near the plaza in thirty minutes,” he said, calm as ever.

I hesitated. “Now?”

“Yes. We need practice.”

Practice. Like I could rehearse how to pretend my heart wasn’t racing every time he looked at me.

I arrived, and he was already there, hands folded neatly on the table, eyes sharp and unreadable. I sat down, trying to appear casual.

“You’re doing well,” he said. “But remember, people notice small details.”

“What kind of details?” I asked, nervously twisting my ring finger.

“Your posture, your expressions, even the way you sip coffee,” he replied. “If you seem fake, they’ll know.”

I nodded, silently praying I could fake confidence.

We sat in silence for a few minutes, and then he spoke again, leaning slightly closer. “Imagine people staring. Imagine whispers. You have to act like you want to be here. And trust me — you will get better at it.”

I laughed nervously, the sound betraying me. He noticed, of course. He always noticed.

The next hour was a delicate dance. I smiled when he smiled. I nodded at his jokes. I learned to let my hand brush against his just enough to seem natural but not too much. I could feel my pulse in my throat.

And then… disaster.

From across the cafe, I saw her. My best friend — someone who knew everything about me. She froze when she saw me with him, her jaw dropping. I felt my stomach twist painfully.

Adrian’s hand brushed my lower back as he leaned in, whispering, “Relax. I’ve got this.”

I wanted to relax. I wanted to trust him. But as she walked toward our table, eyes wide, the world seemed to slow.

My mouth went dry. My heart slammed against my ribs.

And before I could think of what to say…

She stopped, pointed, and whispered to the person beside her:

“Isn’t that… Valerie with Adrian Blackwood?!”

I felt every muscle in my body freeze.

Adrian’s gaze met mine, calm but sharp. “Stay composed,” he murmured.

I tried. I really did. But inside, I was screaming.

And just like that, the first real test of our contract had begun.

Just as Valerie starts to trust Adrian, a new threat lurks closer than she thinks.

Chapter 4 – Close Call

The next morning, I couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching me. Every glance over my shoulder made my chest tighten. My best friend’s shocked expression from yesterday still burned in my mind.

I tried to convince myself: It’s fine. Nobody saw anything. Breathe.

But as I walked across campus, my phone buzzed again. Another photo. This one was from a gossip account — Adrian and I, yesterday evening at the rooftop cafe. The caption?

“Billionaire Adrian Blackwood spotted with mystery girl. Could this be his new flame?”

My stomach dropped. I had promised myself I wouldn’t care, that it was just a contract. Yet the world had already started whispering.

Then my phone rang. Adrian.

“Valerie,” he said, his voice low, calm. Too calm. “Are you okay?”

I swallowed, trying not to sound panicked. “I’m… fine. Just… a little worried about people noticing.”

He chuckled softly, the kind of laugh that made your stomach do flips. “Relax. Let them notice. It’s part of the act. And trust me, I know how to handle it.”

I wanted to believe him. I wanted to feel safe. But the fear lingered.

That evening, he insisted on meeting me for dinner — private this time. “No cameras, no whispers. Just us.”

I hesitated but agreed. I couldn’t deny I craved some normalcy with him, even if it was fake.

The restaurant was small, dimly lit, intimate. He led me to a corner table where the lights barely reached, and I could feel my shoulders relax slightly.

“Better?” he asked, sliding into the seat across from me.

“A little,” I admitted.

He studied me quietly, eyes sharp yet soft. “You’re doing well,” he said finally. “But you have to understand — the public eye isn’t kind. One mistake, and rumors fly. One slip, and your life could get… complicated.”

I nodded, trying to hide how much his words affected me. Complicated was an understatement.

We ate in near silence, but the tension was thick. Then he leaned forward slightly, voice dropping to a whisper.

“Valerie… there’s something you should know.”

My heart skipped. “What is it?”

“You’re not the first woman to walk into my life thinking she could handle… me,” he said, eyes darkening. “Most leave, eventually. Some break. Some… survive.”

I blinked, unsure how to respond. The weight of his words pressed down on me. Did he mean me? Did he see me as just another name on a long list?

Then, without warning, he reached across the table, brushing my hand lightly. I flinched, then froze.

“I don’t want to break you,” he murmured, voice low, almost vulnerable. “But if you stay in this, you have to understand — there’s no going back.”

I swallowed hard, heat rising in my cheeks. The closeness, the brush of his fingers, the intensity in his eyes — everything about him made my brain short-circuit.

Before I could respond, the waiter brought dessert. I tried to focus on the chocolate tart, on anything but him. But he didn’t let go of my hand, and I could feel the tension building between us.

Then, just as I was about to regain control, the door opened.

A familiar laugh, sharp and confident, cut through the quiet of the restaurant. My stomach sank.

Her.

Adrian’s ex. Or someone who clearly thought she had a claim to his attention.

She walked straight to our table, eyes glinting, and smiled — the kind of smile that promised trouble.

“Adrian Blackwood,” she said, voice dripping amusement. “I didn’t expect to see you here… with her.”

I tried to shrink into my seat, but Adrian didn’t move. He just looked at her, calm, controlled — like he always was. But I felt my chest tighten.

This was the first real test of our “perfect” act. And I had a sinking feeling it wasn’t going to be easy.

Every step feels safer… until the shadows whisper that nothing is what it seems.

Chapter 5 – Unexpected Chemistry

I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Adrian’s ex was still glaring across the table, clearly trying to make some kind of point. My hand shook slightly as I clutched my glass.

“Stay calm,” Adrian whispered, his voice low and steady against my ear. He leaned slightly, brushing a strand of hair behind my shoulder. His closeness made my stomach do a flip, and I had to remind myself — it’s fake.

“Right,” I muttered, trying to sound confident.

The ex finally left, smirking over her shoulder like she’d won some silent victory. I exhaled, relief flooding me. Adrian’s eyes never left me.

“You handled that well,” he said, almost casually, but I could hear the edge in his tone. “Most women would have panicked.”

I flushed. “Thanks… I think.”

He smirked, and suddenly, the playful glint in his eyes made my heart pound. I realized something dangerous — I was actually enjoying this. The tension, the closeness, the power he had over me… it was intoxicating.

After dinner, he suggested we walk. I hesitated — it wasn’t far to my apartment, but walking with Adrian Blackwood? My mind raced.

“Trust me,” he said, sensing my hesitation. “Just a short walk.”

The night air was cool, brushing against my cheeks. The city lights shimmered off the wet pavement from an earlier drizzle, casting a golden glow around us. I tried to focus on the sidewalk, but I kept sneaking glances at him. He was effortless, tall, commanding — yet there was something soft in the way he looked at me.

We stopped at a quiet corner near the park. He turned to me, eyes locking on mine. “You’re doing better than you think,” he said softly.

“Better?” I asked, unsure if I wanted to hear it.

“Better at pretending,” he said, leaning slightly closer. My pulse spiked. “But you don’t have to pretend with me. Not tonight.”

My breath caught. My entire body hummed with something I couldn’t name.

Suddenly, a light drizzle began. I shivered. He shrugged off his jacket and draped it over my shoulders. The warmth hit me instantly, and my cheeks flamed.

“You’re freezing,” he said, hand brushing against mine as he adjusted the jacket. My pulse raced faster, and I had to fight the urge to lean in.

“Thanks…” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

We stood there in silence for a moment, just the two of us, the city bustling faintly around us but feeling worlds away.

Then he did something I didn’t expect. He moved closer, just enough that our faces were inches apart. My breath hitched. My chest tightened.

“Valerie…” he murmured, and my name sounded like a caress. “You’re dangerous. You make me feel things I don’t… like.”

My stomach flipped. I wanted to pull away, but my body betrayed me. I wanted… more.

Before anything could happen, a sudden shout broke the spell.

“Adrian! There you are!”

We both turned. From across the street, a woman waved — another person from his world, someone I didn’t know. My heart sank. The moment was gone, replaced by the reality of his life.

He glanced at me, giving a small, almost apologetic smile. “We’ll continue this later,” he said, and with that, he walked away.

I stood there, heart hammering, rain soaking through the jacket he’d lent me, and realized something terrifying…

I was falling.

An unexpected encounter leaves Valerie questioning who’s friend, who’s foe, and what Adrian really wants.

Chapter 6 – Secret Revealed?

The morning after the rooftop walk, I woke with a dull ache in my chest — and no, it wasn’t from the rain. It was him. Adrian Blackwood. Every thought seemed to spiral back to him, his eyes, that smirk, the way he made me feel… alive and terrified all at once.

I shook my head. Focus. The contract. That’s all this is.

But fate, apparently, had other plans.

At lunch, I was walking through the student plaza when I felt it — the unmistakable buzz of someone watching me. I turned sharply.

Her. My best friend. And next to her, a tall figure I didn’t recognize. They whispered, glancing my way, and my stomach sank.

I tried to sidestep them, but it was too late.

“Valerie?” she called, stepping forward, eyes wide. “Hey! Is that… you with him? The billionaire guy?!”

My mouth went dry. I opened it to answer, but she beat me to it.

“People are talking, you know. He’s got a… reputation. And you—”

I grabbed her arm gently, trying to stop her from spilling too much. “Please… not here. I can’t—”

But the words stuck in my throat as my phone buzzed. Unknown number. Again.

“I know your secret. One wrong move, and everything changes.”

My heart jumped into my throat. Secret? Who could know? And what secret did they mean?

I felt hands on my shoulder. I turned, and there he was. Adrian. Calm. Collected. But his eyes flicked to my phone.

“You got a message?” he asked, voice low, almost dangerous.

I swallowed hard. “Yes… I think it’s nothing.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Nothing doesn’t usually say things like, ‘I know your secret.’”

I felt my cheeks burn. Why can’t I just tell him everything?

He didn’t press further, though. He just offered his arm, and for some reason, I took it. The weight of his presence grounded me.

We walked silently, side by side, the tension thick between us. Every step reminded me that this wasn’t just pretend anymore. Somewhere along the line, I had started… caring.

And he knew it.

Later that evening, he invited me to his penthouse for a “strategy session” — I suspected it was code for practice our fake relationship.

The view from his floor-to-ceiling windows was breathtaking, but my mind was elsewhere. He offered me wine. I hesitated.

“You’ll learn to enjoy it,” he said with a small smirk, swirling his glass. “Wine, tension… life.”

I sat across from him, trying to focus on the papers he slid in front of me. Charts, schedules, contracts. Boring adult stuff, right? But I couldn’t concentrate. Not with him watching me, leaning back casually, arms crossed, eyes dark and unreadable.

Suddenly, he leaned forward, one hand resting near mine on the table. “You know,” he murmured, voice low, “keeping secrets can be dangerous.”

I swallowed. “I… I’m careful.”

“Careful isn’t enough,” he said, gaze intense. “Especially when the world isn’t yours to control.”

My pulse raced. I wanted to protest, to tell him it’s just a contract, nothing more. But my throat went dry. Words escaped me.

He leaned back slightly, a teasing smile playing on his lips. “Don’t worry,” he whispered. “I won’t let anyone hurt you. Not yet.”

And then… the lights flickered.

A shadow moved behind him in the reflection of the window.

I froze.

“Who’s there?” I whispered.

Adrian’s calm smirk returned. “I think we just found your first real problem.”

Fear and desire collide — Valerie and Adrian’s connection deepens, but danger waits in the wings.

Chapter 7 – Confession / First Kiss Tease

The night had never felt quieter. The city lights twinkled below Adrian’s penthouse, but all I could see was him. The air between us was heavy, charged with unspoken words, unacknowledged feelings.

I sat on the couch, clutching a blanket around my shoulders, trying to calm my racing heart. He had been unusually quiet all evening, just watching me. The kind of watchful that made you feel exposed yet safe — confusing, terrifying, and thrilling all at once.

“Valerie,” he finally said, his deep voice breaking the silence, “do you ever wonder if this… whatever this is… could be real?”

I froze. My stomach flipped. Real? Not the contract, not the fake relationship… but real feelings?

“I…” My voice caught in my throat. I didn’t know what to say. “I try not to think about it.”

He leaned back, eyes darkening. “Do you?”

I avoided his gaze, pretending to focus on the blanket. “I… maybe.”

A beat of silence. Then he stood and moved closer, just close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating off him. My pulse surged. Every rational thought I had about contracts, rules, and boundaries vanished.

“You don’t have to pretend with me,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

I wanted to believe him. I wanted to trust him. But my heart, stupidly, had already betrayed me.

He sat down next to me, just inches away. I could feel his hand brush against mine. My skin tingled, and I had to fight the urge to move closer.

“Valerie,” he said softly, “I don’t usually…” He paused, struggling with words he clearly didn’t give out lightly. “I don’t usually let anyone in. But with you… I don’t want to pretend.”

My breath caught. His honesty, raw and vulnerable, made my chest ache. I wanted to tell him the same — that the lines between fake and real had already blurred, that I was falling… but fear held my tongue.

He leaned in, just a whisper away, and I could feel his breath against my cheek. My heartbeat thundered in my ears. I wanted to close the gap, to let him in, to feel the warmth of his lips…

Then, the sound of the penthouse door clicking shut made me jump.

I froze. Adrian’s eyes narrowed slightly, alert. I turned my head, and my stomach dropped.

Someone was there. Watching.

Before I could even react, a shadow moved along the wall. My heart leapt into my throat.

Adrian stood instantly, pulling me behind him slightly. “Stay here,” he whispered, protective and dangerous all at once.

The figure stepped forward — someone from his world, someone I didn’t recognize but immediately knew was trouble.

Adrenaline shot through me, and yet, even in fear, I couldn’t ignore the ache of losing that intimate moment, the almost-kiss hanging between us like a thread stretched too thin.

Adrian’s hand found mine again, gripping tightly. “I told you,” he murmured, voice low and intense, “staying in my world isn’t easy. But I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

I swallowed hard, heart pounding, mind racing. This is not what I signed up for… and yet… I don’t want to leave.

The shadow moved closer. And in that moment, I realized — the real test of our fake relationship, and everything it had become, was just beginning.

A hidden message hints at betrayal, leaving Valerie’s heart and trust on the edge.

Chapter 8 – Rising Tension

The shadow in the penthouse didn’t move immediately. I couldn’t see their face clearly, but the energy in the room shifted instantly. Fear, anticipation, something I couldn’t name… it wrapped around me like a tight cord.

Adrian stood protectively in front of me, posture rigid, jaw tight. “Who’s there?” His voice was calm, but I could feel the undercurrent of danger.

The figure stepped into the light. My stomach dropped. It was his ex from before, the woman who had interrupted us at the rooftop cafe — and she wasn’t smiling this time. Her expression was sharp, predatory, like she was ready to dismantle anything in her way.

“You brought her here?” she asked, eyes narrowing on me. “This little arrangement of yours… you expect me to believe it?”

Adrian’s lips pressed into a thin line. “She’s my guest,” he said firmly. “And I suggest you leave before I make you.”

I felt my pulse race. This is real. This is happening. Right here. The tension between Adrian and his ex made my chest ache in a way I hadn’t expected.

“Guest?” she repeated, mockery dripping from her voice. “A guest doesn’t come between me and Adrian.”

My stomach twisted. I had a front-row seat to their dangerous dance — and I was in the middle of it.

Adrian moved slightly closer to me, his hand brushing my back lightly, grounding me. The warmth of him against my skin made my knees weak. I had to remind myself: This is fake. It’s just a contract.

But his eyes… they didn’t look fake. They were intense, dark, protective. I’m not just a part of a contract to him, am I?

Before I could think further, the ex smirked and turned on her heel. “This isn’t over,” she said over her shoulder, voice like a knife. “I’ll be watching.”

As she left, the door clicking shut behind her, the tension didn’t leave. I sank into the couch, trying to steady my breathing. Adrian sat beside me, hand resting lightly on mine.

“You handled that well,” he murmured. “Most would have panicked.”

I felt my cheeks flush. “I… I tried.”

“No,” he said softly, his thumb brushing the back of my hand, “you did more than try. You surprised me.”

I swallowed, heart pounding. His praise, subtle touch, and that dangerous smirk had my mind spinning.

Then, just when I thought I could breathe again, my phone buzzed. Unknown number. My stomach dropped.

“I see you. I know what’s going on. Don’t think this is safe.”

I froze. The message wasn’t vague this time — it was personal, threatening.

Adrian saw it and snatched the phone gently from my hands. He read it quickly, jaw tightening. “Someone is testing us,” he muttered. “Trying to see how far they can push you… push me.”

I felt a chill run down my spine. The fake relationship was already more complicated than I imagined, and now someone was playing a dangerous game.

He leaned closer, voice low, almost tender. “Stay close to me,” he said. “No one is touching you. Not while I’m around.”

My chest tightened. I want to trust him… I want to believe that…

But before I could respond, there was a knock at the door. Sharp. Insistent.

Adrian’s eyes narrowed, and I felt a cold knot form in my stomach. Whoever it was… they weren’t here to be polite.

Secrets from the past surface — and Valerie realizes the danger is far from over.

Chapter 9 – Secrets and Whispers

The morning sun streamed through my blinds, but I couldn’t enjoy it. My phone had been buzzing nonstop since last night — unknown numbers, gossip accounts, and even a message from someone claiming to “know everything about me.”

I sat on my bed, clutching the blanket, heart pounding. This was supposed to be simple — six months, fake relationship, paycheck. But now? Now it felt like I was trapped in a storm I couldn’t escape.

My thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock at the door.

“Valerie?” Adrian’s voice. Calm, smooth, commanding.

I opened it, heart hammering. He stepped inside, hands in his pockets, eyes scanning me carefully. “You didn’t answer my calls this morning.”

“I… I was busy,” I lied, my voice barely above a whisper.

He didn’t reply immediately. Instead, he stepped closer, and the faintest smirk tugged at his lips. “Busy avoiding the consequences of your fame?”

I blinked. “I… it’s not that…”

He raised an eyebrow. “The photos, the messages… people are talking. And I know you’re trying, but… this isn’t just a game anymore.”

I swallowed. He was right. Everything was spiraling faster than I could control. And yet, the thought of him, his closeness, his protective presence, made my chest ache in a way I didn’t want to admit.

“Adrian…” I started, but he placed a finger gently on my lips.

“Shh,” he said softly, eyes darkening. “You don’t have to explain. Not now. Just… stay close.”

The words sent shivers down my spine. My rational mind screamed: This is fake! It’s a contract! Don’t fall!

But my heart… it wasn’t listening.

Later that day, as we walked through the city, someone stepped out of the shadows. I froze. My stomach dropped.

“Valerie Carter,” a deep voice called.

I turned, and my blood ran cold. It was him — someone I never wanted to see again. Someone who knew my past, my secrets, my fears.

Adrian stepped in front of me, protective and dangerous all at once. “Stay back,” he warned, voice low.

The man smirked, a hint of menace in his eyes. “I think you need to know,” he said, glancing at me, “some people know things… and they’re watching.”

My heart pounded. I could feel Adrian’s tension radiating, and I realized — nothing about this fake relationship was going to stay simple.

As the man walked away, leaving a chilling warning in the air, Adrian’s hand found mine. He squeezed gently, grounding me. “Don’t worry. I won’t let them hurt you.”

But inside, I knew the danger wasn’t gone.

Adrian’s protective instincts are tested, and Valerie’s trust hangs by a thread.

Chapter 10 – First Real Emotional Connection

The penthouse was quiet, but my mind was anything but. The events of the past few days — the photos, the threats, Adrian’s ex, the mysterious messages — swirled in a chaotic storm I couldn’t escape.

I sank onto the couch, feeling utterly drained. Adrian sat across from me, watching me with those dark, intense eyes that made my heart race without permission.

“You’re quiet,” he said softly, voice low, carrying that dangerous calm that made me tremble.

“I… I’ve been thinking,” I admitted. “About everything. About the contract, about… us.”

He tilted his head slightly. “Us?”

I swallowed hard, words catching in my throat. “I mean… about how this isn’t just pretending anymore. I don’t know how I feel exactly… but it’s not what I expected.”

His expression softened, just slightly, but enough to make my chest flutter. He stood and moved closer, careful, deliberate.

“Valerie,” he murmured, reaching out, “I don’t want this to be fake either. Not for me.”

My breath caught. His hand brushed against mine, a featherlight touch that sent sparks up my arm. I wanted to pull away, to remind myself of the contract, the rules, the danger. But I couldn’t.

The room felt smaller, the world outside irrelevant. Just him, just us, in this fragile bubble of tension and possibility.

“You… you don’t understand,” I whispered, voice trembling. “I’m not supposed to feel like this. It’s dangerous. You’re dangerous.”

He smiled softly, a rare vulnerability showing in his eyes. “Maybe. But you’re stronger than you think. And maybe… we’re both risking more than we should.”

He leaned closer, and for a heartbeat, the world stopped. I could feel his breath, his warmth, the faint scent of him — intoxicating, addictive.

Our faces were inches apart. I could hear my own heartbeat pounding in my ears, feel it in my chest. The almost-kiss hung in the air like a promise, a test, a warning.

And then… the phone rang. Sharp, insistent.

I jumped, breaking the spell. Adrian’s eyes darkened, protective and tense. He grabbed my hand, fingers interlacing with mine.

“Stay close,” he whispered. “Whatever happens… don’t let go.”

I nodded, heart racing. Even in fear, even in chaos, I couldn’t.

As the phone continued to ring, a shadow appeared outside the window. My stomach dropped. Another threat? Another twist?

Adrian pulled me behind him, calm but ready. “Looks like our first real test together isn’t over yet,” he murmured, eyes scanning the room, calculating, protective.

And in that moment, I realized something terrifying and thrilling: I didn’t just want to survive this… I wanted to face it with him.

A sudden threat forces them to flee — but can they survive together?

Chapter 11 – Unexpected Threat

The morning sun did nothing to lighten the weight in my chest. Adrian’s penthouse felt different now — less like a safe haven and more like the eye of a storm. Every whisper, every shadow seemed to carry a warning.

I tried to focus on the papers spread across the kitchen counter, but my hands kept shaking. The phone buzzed again. Unknown number. I stared at it, feeling the same chill I had felt the night of the first threatening message.

“Valerie.” Adrian’s voice cut through my panic like a lifeline. He was standing in the doorway, looking effortlessly calm as always. “Another message?”

I nodded silently, showing him the screen.

He read it, his jaw tightening imperceptibly. “Someone is testing our boundaries,” he muttered. “Trying to see how far they can push you… push us.”

I felt a shiver run down my spine. “Why me?”

“Because you’re mine,” he said simply. His words, though possessive, were strangely reassuring. My heart raced, both from fear and… something else. Something I wasn’t supposed to feel.

He moved closer, hand brushing lightly against mine. “I need you to trust me.”

I wanted to. I tried. But fear clawed at the edges of my mind.

The day passed in a blur. Every text, every call, every look I received from strangers felt like a threat. I felt the walls closing in, and I realized — I wasn’t ready for the real world of Adrian Blackwood.

That evening, he suggested we go for a drive. Just us. I hesitated but followed, knowing that resisting him was useless.

The city lights blurred past as we drove in silence. I kept glancing at him, trying to read his expression. But he was unreadable, as always.

Finally, he spoke. “I’ve arranged something. A private event. No media, no interruptions. Just us.”

I swallowed, heart pounding. “What kind of event?”

“Something that will help you get used to… attention,” he said, eyes glinting. “And test how well you can handle it.”

My stomach twisted. Every instinct screamed to run, but another part of me — a part I hated admitting — wanted to stay, to be close to him.

The venue was elegant, private, away from prying eyes. But no matter how secluded, the tension in the air was thick. I tried to follow his lead, but every movement felt amplified, every glance noticed.

Then… it happened.

A man appeared near the entrance. Not a guest, not staff. Someone with a familiar intensity in his gaze that made my blood run cold.

“Valerie Carter,” he said, voice low and dangerous.

I froze. My heart hammered in my chest. This was the same man from the plaza — someone who knew too much.

Adrian immediately stepped between us, protective and commanding. “You’re not going anywhere,” he said, eyes locked on the intruder.

I could feel his hand tighten on mine. The warmth, the protection, the danger — it was all too much. My body betrayed me, wanting to cling, to stay close.

The man smirked, clearly unimpressed. “I’ll be seeing you again,” he said, then disappeared into the shadows.

Adrian exhaled slowly, turning to me. “Are you okay?”

I nodded, voice trembling. “I think so.”

His gaze softened, and he brushed a strand of hair from my face. “I won’t let anyone hurt you. Not now, not ever.”

I wanted to believe him. I wanted to trust him. But as we drove back, the shadow of danger lingered, reminding me that in Adrian Blackwood’s world, nothing was ever simple… and nothing was ever safe.

The enemy closes in, and Valerie must decide whether to follow her heart or her instincts.

Chapter 12 – Dangerous Secrets

I couldn’t sleep that night. Every shadow in Adrian’s penthouse seemed to shift, every creak of the floorboards made my heart race. The memory of the man from last night — the one who had appeared out of nowhere and threatened me — kept replaying in my mind.

I sat on the edge of the bed, phone in hand, staring at the messages that had come through all day. Unknown numbers. Threats. Warnings. I felt trapped.

Then Adrian’s hand was on my shoulder. Calm. Solid. Grounding.

“Can’t sleep?” he asked softly. His presence alone made my heartbeat accelerate.

I shook my head. “I… I keep thinking about last night. That man…”

He followed my gaze to the phone. “I saw the messages. Don’t worry about him. I’ll handle it.”

I swallowed, trying to trust him, but fear clung stubbornly. “What if he comes back?”

Adrian’s expression darkened. “He will regret it if he tries. You’re under my protection now. That’s not negotiable.”

Even saying the words, he sounded like a king commanding his territory. And the part of me that was drawn to him — dangerously drawn — couldn’t help but feel safe, even amidst the threats.

The next morning, I tried to go about my day normally, but every sound made me jump. At school, I kept glancing over my shoulder. Every whisper, every glance from someone unfamiliar made my stomach knot.

By afternoon, Adrian called. “Meet me at the office,” he said, voice low and urgent. “I have something to show you.”

I hesitated. “The office? Here?”

“Yes. It’s private. Trust me.”

I did. I followed him, heart pounding. When we arrived, he led me into a sleek, glass-walled room. On the table lay a folder. Inside, I saw photos of me — everyday shots from the plaza, the cafe, even from inside my apartment.

I froze. “How…?”

“They’ve been watching you,” he said, voice calm but with an edge of danger. “Someone doesn’t want this contract to succeed. They want leverage. And I intend to make sure they don’t get it.”

My stomach churned. “Who… who would do this?”

He didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he took my hand, pulling me close. “It doesn’t matter. I’ve got you. I’ve always got you.”

The closeness, the warmth of his hand, the intensity in his eyes — I felt my resolve crumble. My pulse raced, and I realized… I wasn’t just relying on him for protection. I was starting to… trust him. Care about him. Want him.

Then he leaned closer, voice barely a whisper: “But Valerie… you have to be honest with me. There’s something I need to know about you. Something that could change everything.”

My breath caught. My mind spun. Was it the secret he was referring to? Or something else entirely?

Before I could answer, the office door clicked. My heart jumped. Another figure entered — familiar, yet I couldn’t place them immediately.

Adrian’s posture stiffened, protective as ever. “Stay close,” he murmured.

And as I clung to his arm, I realized something terrifying: in his world, danger was everywhere. Secrets had a way of finding you… and once they did, nothing would ever be the same.

A shocking betrayal shakes everything — can Adrian and Valerie still trust each other?