Dumped and humiliated, Zoey hires a “gigolo” for revenge only to discover he’s Christian Kensington, a ruthless billionaire CEO. One public appearance spirals into a fake relationship, a family inheritance trap, and a viral scandal. As lies deepen and sparks ignite, Zoey must decide: protect her heart or risk everything for love again.
“Even so,” Christian finally said, “thank you for doing this. Especially after what you heard.” His sincere gratitude only deepened my confusion. Why was he being kind? Why wasn’t he reacting with the coldness I expected? It would be so much easier to hate him if he acted like the arrogant man who once claimed…
The following morning arrived in a whirlwind of activity that transformed the mansion. I had barely finished my coffee when the doorbell rang, announcing the arrival of a flawlessly dressed woman who introduced herself as Vivian, the Kensington family’s wedding planner. “Miss Bennett! At last, we meet!” she exclaimed, shaking my hand enthusiastically while her…
“But since we’re going to spend six months together,” I continued, spinning the glass between my fingers, “I don’t want it to be in a way that’s painful.” “Better if it’s on friendly terms, then,” he agreed, a half-smile on his lips. I pointed to the bottle beside him. “What’s this one we’re drinking now?…
I kept my expression impassive, even as my heartbeat quickened. “So you don’t believe we’re genuinely in love?” “Believe?” She arched one perfectly sculpted brow. “I don’t believe in fairy tales, Christian Kensington would never fall in love with someone like you.” The words hit their mark with surgical precision, echoing painfully against the ones…
Marcus nodded, then turned to Annabelle with a smile that could only be described as predatory. You must be the bride’s sister.” He took her hand and kissed it with theatrical flourish. “Marcus Kensington. The pleasure is all mine.” To my surprise, Annabelle blushed slightly. “The pleasure is mutual,” she replied, her voice taking on…
“I suggest Castoria,” Joseph interjected. “The family home in Montelira is empty this time of year.” Annabelle sighed dreamily. “A honeymoon in Valentia! I always knew my sister would have good taste in husbands.” “Or luck,” Matthew added with a teasing smile-the first comment he’d made in a while. “A lot of Christian lifted his…
“To your sister. Who somehow ended up in the middle of a Valentian soap opera.” The champagne went down easily, cold against my throat, contrasting with the warmth of the water. I leaned my head back against the edge, watching the stars above. “Do you think I’m crazy?” I asked, the words slipping out before…
“Yes, please.” I forced a reassuring smile. “I’ll be ready to go down in fifteen minutes, I promise.” Reluctantly, they left, Annabelle throwing me one last meaningful look before closing the door. Alone, I let the smile fall away. I stood and walked to the window, gazing down at the gardens below, where white chairs…
“We need more wine. And red roses. Lots of them,” I explained, feeling a strange rush of excitement despite everything. “And plenty of wine since I plan on drinking half of it.” “Wine? And roses?… Zoey, this is a real emergency, not the time to get drunk!” Annie protested. “Trust me.” I gripped her shoulders.…
The reception was held in the mansion’s grand hall, transformed into a paradise of lights and flowers. Joseph was the first to greet us, his eyes shining with genuine joy. “My dear, what a stunning dress!” he exclaimed, clasping my hands warmly. “A true homage to Kensington history.” “Thank you, Joseph.” I smiled, touched by…