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

Winnie hung up the phone and threw herself onto the bed.


The winter days in Germany got dark early, and by about 4 or 5 in the afternoon, it was already pitch black outside. Snow was falling again, and people dressed in coats hurried by, braving the wind and snow.


Van had arranged to meet her at the hotel where the conference was being held.


A business car pulled up to the entrance, and the doorman opened the door to greet the VIP guests inside.


Winnie stepped out of the car and entered the lobby but didn't see Van right away. She sat at a small round table and ate a plate of salad.


At that moment, a stranger approached her. He was tall, with blonde hair, blue eyes, and spoke fluent English. 'Hi. I know a great place for light meals, but going alone feels a bit excessive. Two people would be perfect. Would you like to join me?"


Winnie had just finished a plate of greens and, hearing that it was delicious, couldn't help but feel tempted. Without thinking, she asked, 'Is it far?"


Chapter 80