NewEraCulture

A high-society romance where pretense turned into reality.
 
Van, the heir to a top-tier fortune and a regular on the front page of the Wall Street Journal, had been mocked for being perpetually single, with even rumors swirling about his "dysfunction."
 
Winnie, a Hollywood superstar desperate to escape her constant barrage of scandals, encountered this billionaire worth tens of billions. To her surprise, Van presented her with an unexpected proposal:
 
"Pretend to date me for a year. You won't have to do anything else. I'll pay you $100 million after taxes."
 
She planned to laugh it off but couldn't ignore the man's chiseled features—the way his shadowed face was lit up as he casually raised an eyebrow and lit a cigarette in the glow of firelight, his voice steady and laced with danger.
 
She remembered their first meeting in a torrential downpour—the man reclining in a silver Maybach, eyes half-closed, exuding charm yet utterly unattainable. She also remembered later, when everyone had believed him to be unshakable and untouchable, he had appeared alone, worn and weary, at her remote desert film set, quietly asking:
 
"Do you really have to shoot this kiss scene?"
 
Behind this contract lay something far deeper than money—a fixation, a love that had turned real, or perhaps an irresistible force neither of them had recognized.
 
$100 million had set the stage for a high-stakes battle of love and hate that would ultimately unravel.

A Love Confession from Las Vegas

Wendy was quick to ask, "Would you like seafood tacos or grilled cheese sandwiches? The thick-cut salmon is also a good choice."


The three of them placed their orders, and Wendy left with Eric to get the food. Winnie turned on all the lights in the suite. "Let's get this over with quickly—I'll get my makeup done, and you guys can start setting up the lights. Sound good?"


The photographer gave her an "OK" sign, then led his assistant to find a good spot for the lighting setup.


By the time Wendy returned with the food, Winnie's makeup was almost done. She instructed them to eat their late-night snacks before they continued working. The three of them ate quietly in the dining area, awed by the lavishness of the suite.


Chapter 13