Chapter 19: A Dangerous Game

Olivia stared at Adrian, her mind spinning.

Fake dating.

The logical part of her knew it made sense. If they controlled the narrative, they could end the speculation on their own terms. No surprises. No career damage.

But another part of her—the part that still felt the echo of his song in her chest—knew this was playing with fire.

She folded her arms. "And what happens when people expect us to act like a real couple?"

Adrian smirked. "Then we act."

Her stomach twisted. "How far does this 'acting' go?"

He took a step closer, eyes locked on hers. "Relax, Carter. I'm not going to kiss you unless you ask me to."

Her breath hitched, heat creeping up her neck.

Damn him.

"Fine," she said, forcing herself to focus. "How do we start?"

He handed her his phone. "Post this."

She looked down and saw a photo he had pulled up from last night—him leaning in close to whisper something in her ear, her lips parted in surprise.

It looked… intimate.

It looked real.

Her throat went dry. "This is reckless."

His voice was smooth, confident. "This is strategy."

She exhaled sharply, then typed out a caption.

"Sometimes, the story finds you instead. #NotJustARumor"

Then, before she could second-guess herself, she posted it.

Within seconds, her notifications exploded.

"I KNEW IT!"

"They're actually adorable together."

"So it's real???"

She felt lightheaded. "This is insane."

Adrian leaned back against the counter, completely unfazed. "Welcome to my world."

She ran a hand through her hair. "What now?"

"Now," he said, watching her carefully, "we sell it."

She frowned. "Sell it how?"

Adrian smirked. "Carter, you just became my girlfriend. Better start acting like it."

Before she could react, he reached for her hand, his touch warm and steady.

And just like that, the game had begun.

But Olivia had a sinking feeling.

She wasn't sure if she was playing the game—

Or if the game was playing her.