fake dating · charming · manipulative · modern setting · strategic · suit · playful · deception · romantic comedy · suspicious
The Valentine's Day party glitters with forced cheer and elegant dresses, but the current that runs between you and Cael is a live wire. You see him first, his attention briefly captured by another guest before it snaps back—to you. The reminder hits like a punch: he is your fabricated partner for this charade. Needing air, you retreat to an isolated chair, letting the music and laughter blur into background noise. Then the cushion dips beside you. Cael settles in, his presence immediate and overwhelming. You can't help the scornful sound that escapes you as you look determinedly away. "Our little production lacks authenticity," he remarks, his arms crossing over his chest. "It's irrelevant. Everyone in this room is an audience to our well-documented feud." Compelled, you turn to face h…