Olivia spent the rest of the afternoon shadowing Adrian through rehearsals, interviews, and meetings with his team. Despite his occasional arrogance, she had to admit—he worked hard. He wasn't just some spoiled billionaire playing musician; he lived and breathed his craft.
But that didn't mean she was going to let her guard down.
As the evening rolled in, Adrian's PR team insisted on attending an exclusive industry event—a high-profile charity gala filled with celebrities, executives, and reporters eager for their next headline. Olivia, much to her dismay, had been invited along.
"I don't see why I need to be there," she told Liam as she adjusted the strap of her simple black dress.
"You're writing an exclusive, aren't you?" Liam smirked. "This is part of the job."
When she arrived at the venue, she immediately felt out of place. The grand ballroom sparkled with chandeliers, and women in designer gowns sipped expensive champagne as they mingled with A-list guests. Olivia tugged at her dress, feeling miles away from the world she grew up in.
Then, she spotted Adrian.
Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, he looked like he belonged here. Effortlessly charming, he greeted guests with that signature smirk, women clinging to his every word. Olivia reminded herself that she wasn't here to admire him—she was here to do a job.
But just as she made her way toward him, the energy in the room shifted.
A group of reporters swarmed in, flashing cameras and tossing questions.
"Adrian! Who's the mystery woman you've been seen with?"
"Is this a new romance?"
"Are the dating rumors true?"
Olivia froze as the cameras turned toward her.
Wait. What?
Adrian glanced at her, a flicker of amusement in his eyes, and then—without warning—he slid an arm around her waist, pulling her in.
"Now, now," he said smoothly, flashing his most charming smile. "You know I don't kiss and tell."
The room erupted with murmurs and speculation.
Olivia's heart slammed against her ribs. What the hell was he doing?
She forced a tight smile, whispering through clenched teeth, "Let go of me."
He leaned in slightly, voice low. "Unless you want to cause a scene, I'd suggest you play along."
Her pulse pounded as she realized the truth.
The media had already decided their story.
And just like that, the rumor of Adrian Hayes and Olivia Carter's fake romance was born.