Moni_M

He was the perfect boyfriend… or so she thought.

Elena Carter is a rising detective, fearless and brilliant. But her world shatters when she's assigned to track down a ruthless mafia leader—only to find out that he shares the same face as the man she loves.

The deeper she digs, the more terrifying the truth becomes. Was Adrian Russo ever real? Or was he just a mask?

And when forced to choose between her duty and her heart, will she kill the man she loves… or die trying to save him?

A story of passion, betrayal, and secrets that refuse to stay buried.

Lies Between Us

The cozy café buzzed with warmth and chatter. Elena Carter sat with her two best friends, Ava and Riley, savoring their rare free evening.

"I still don't believe you," Riley said, stirring her iced coffee. "Your boyfriend texts you good morning every single day?"

Riley rolled her eyes. "Noah barely texts me anything romantic. The last message I got was: 'Hope you have a good day. Also, don't forget to check the electricity bill.'"

Elena chuckled. "That's not romance, Riley. That's a reminder."

Riley groaned. "Okay, but what about you, Elena? Adrian isn't exactly the sweet talker type. Does he at least send you something cute?"

Elena bit her lip. Adrian Russo wasn't the kind of man to express love with flowers and poetry. He was quiet, private, intense. But when they were alone, he had his own way of making her feel special.

Before she could answer, her phone buzzed.

She picked it up, expecting something casual. But when she saw the text, her eyes widened.

Adrian: Can't stop thinking about last night. You in that black dress… damn. You're making me lose my mind, baby.

Before she could react, Ava snatched the phone from her hand.

"Ooooh, what do we have here?" Ava wiggled her eyebrows.

Elena lunged across the table. "Ava, give it back!"

Riley peeked at the screen and gasped. "Wait. Adrian Russo just sent you a spicy text?!"

Ava grinned. "And here I thought he was all cold and mysterious." She read the message aloud in a dramatic deep voice. "Can't stop thinking about last night…"

Elena snatched her phone back and buried her face in her hands. "You guys are the worst."

Riley smirked. "So, Adrian does have a wild side, huh?"

Elena shook her head, trying to suppress a smile. She wouldn't admit it out loud, but there was something thrilling about the way Adrian made her heart race—even through simple texts.

She was completely in love with him.

After their café visit, Elena and her friends decided to take a late-night drive through the city. The streets were alive—bright lights, couples strolling, the distant sounds of music.

They parked near the pier and stepped out to stretch their legs. Elena leaned against the railing, staring at the waves. The cool breeze brushed against her skin, but something felt off.

Across the street, a man crouched down, petting a dog.

She knew that sleek black coat. Those alert, sharp ears. That was Adrian's dog. But Adrian had told her Ace was at home tonight.

Why was Ace here? And who was that man?

The stranger stood, lifted Ace into a sleek black car, and drove away.

"Hey! Wait!" she shouted, sprinting across the street.

But the car had already disappeared.

Ava and Riley ran up behind her, breathless. "Elena, what's going on?"

She couldn't answer. Her head was spinning.

Then—something even stranger happened.

On the walkover bridge above the road, Adrian was walking… with Ace.

She had just seen Ace taken away. But there was Adrian, smiling at her from the bridge, holding the leash.

Before she could process it—everything changed.

A terrifying yelp echoed from above.

Elena snapped her head up just in time to see Ace slipping from Adrian's grasp.

And Adrian—her Adrian—was falling too.

Her heart hammered in her chest as she reached the underpass, screaming for help.

She had too many questions—but right now, only one mattered.

A Perfect Lie