John_Ceptre

Olivia Carter is a sharp, no-nonsense journalist with one rule—never fall for the men she writes about. But when she’s assigned to cover a feature on Adrian Hayes, the world’s most charismatic and successful billionaire musician, her resolve is tested. She loves his music, but she despises the man behind it—too arrogant, too overrated, and too dangerously charming for his own good.
Adrian, used to adoration and headlines, is intrigued by the one woman who seems immune to his fame. When a fake dating rumor sparks a media frenzy, they’re forced to navigate the chaos together. But Olivia’s skepticism runs deep, fueled by a past betrayal that makes trusting Adrian impossible.
As she uncovers the truth about his past and he discovers a secret about hers, the lines between love and career blur. When Olivia is faced with a choice between the career she’s built and the man she never expected to love, she must decide—will she walk away from the biggest story of her life, or risk everything for a love that could be the realest thing she’s ever known?
A sizzling enemies-to-lovers billionaire romance filled with passion, secrets, and second chances, The Rich Musician is a love story that proves sometimes, the heart knows the truth before the mind is ready to believe it.

The Rich Musician

Olivia stared at Adrian, her mind tangled in a mess of emotions.

Wanted to trust that he wasn't the man Madeline had warned her about.

But the uncertainty gnawed at her.

"Tell me everything," she said finally. "No more half-truths. No more evasions."

Adrian exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "You really won't let this go, will you?"

She shook her head. "Not when it affects us."

His gaze softened at that, but when he spoke, his voice was careful, measured.

"The contract was a control move," he admitted. "Madeline was more than my partner—she was the person managing my career. In the beginning, it was fine. She helped me navigate the industry, build my brand."

Olivia nodded, urging him to continue.

"But at some point, she stopped being just my manager and started acting like she owned me. She made decisions without consulting me, signed deals in my name." His jaw clenched. "Then she tried to make it legally binding."

Olivia's breath caught. "You mean the contract—"

"She wanted me to sign over my rights," he said bitterly. "Not just to my music, but to myself. Any deal, any project—I wouldn't have been able to make a move without her approval."

A chill ran down Olivia's spine. "And you refused?"

"Of course." His blue eyes darkened. "That's when she turned on me. She leaked false stories to the press, painted me as the villain. By the time I fought back, the damage was done. I walked away with my name, but barely."

Olivia swallowed, processing his words.

If he was telling the truth, then Madeline had spun the story to make herself the victim.

But if she was telling the truth…

Olivia hated the spiral of doubt twisting inside her.

Adrian took a step closer. "Do you believe me?"

And that was enough to make something flicker in his eyes—hurt, disappointment.

"I want to," she admitted. "But I also know that there's more you're still not telling me."

Adrian let out a bitter laugh. "So no matter what I say, you'll always doubt me."

"Yes, it is." His voice was quiet, but the weight of it settled between them. "Trust is a choice, Olivia. And you have to decide if you're going to make it."

Her heart pounded as she met his gaze.

The moment where she had to choose.

Did she believe in the man standing before her, flaws and all?

Or did she walk away before she lost herself in something she couldn't control?

Chapter 29: A Line in the Sand