Fake Date, Real Fate
"Block him."
"He's technically still my boss."
"Then block him with dignity."
The call ended again.
And then started again.
I let out a sound somewhere between a growl and a sob, then finally answered with the enthusiasm of a snail crawling through salt. "Yes, Mr. Walton?"
"Have you changed your mind yet?"
I collapsed onto the towel and gazed at the sky as though it might consume me entirely if I pleaded sweetly enough.
"Do you ever take a break?" I asked, shielding my eyes with one hand.
"You're avoiding the question."
"Because it's a dumb question."
He exhaled, the sound sharp and irritated even over phone. "It's not a dumb question. It's a business offer."
"It's a weird offer-one that I already said no to."
There was a brief pause, and I could practically hear him clenching his jaw through the speaker.
"You are acting unreasonably."
" Unreasonable?" I sat up. "I'm not the one drafting fake girlfriend contracts like it's a normal Tuesday."
"Isabella-"
"Certainly not, Mr. Walton." I mimicked his tone perfectly. "I told you I'm not doing it. You need to find someone else to play pretend with."
SYNOPSIS
Isabella Miller thought saying no to her boss’s fake dating offer was the end of the story.
But Adrien Walton doesn’t take no—especially not when he’s convinced she’s a gold digger.
Suddenly, her student loans are piling up, her father’s vet clinic is on the brink of eviction and her brother is about to be kicked out of college. Coincidence? She thinks not.
Adrien Walton is calm, calculating—and he's just pulled every string to corner Isabella into the perfect position.
Now she’s stuck choosing between pride and survival.
So she agrees to his offer: be his fake girlfriend.
No feelings attached. No drama. Just business.
Or so she thought.
"Conference Room B. Fifteen minutes," he said, passing by without a glance.
The folder he pushed across the table landed with a thud.
I opened it. The contract. All of it.
---
Enemies to lovers? Check.
Slow burn? Hmmnyea.
Banter so sharp it might file your nails? Yes.
Delicious workplace tension? Of course.
Tension that could melt steel?Absolutely.
Smut?? Wanna find out?
Welcome to corporate romance warfare. There’s no escaping this contract.
good story... you just need to keep reading 👍
CHAPTER 89?? I haven't recovered. I don’t think I will recover. The way the tension finally snapped??? If you’re reading this and still on Chapter 30 or 40, TRUST ME, keep going. You're gonna thank yourself later.
From the very first paragraph, this story pulls readers into a vivid world rich with emotion, depth, and imagination. The author masterfully balances character development with a compelling plot, ensuring that every scene carries weight and significance. The protagonist’s journey is not only engaging but deeply relatable, filled with moments of joy, struggle, and quiet introspection. The pacing is well-measured—never too fast to lose the emotional gravity, and never too slow to dull the intrigue. The use of language is both poetic and precise, with imagery that paints each moment in striking detail without overwhelming the reader. What truly stands out is the story’s emotional resonance. Whether it’s the tension of an unresolved conflict, the warmth of an unexpected friendship, or the quiet heartbreak of loss, the author makes every emotion feel real. The ending, satisfying and thoughtful, lingers long after the final line—leaving readers with questions, reflections, and a deeper appreciation for the journey they’ve just experienced.
I'm gonna have to review this again. AUTHOR. COME OUTSIDE. I JUST WANNA TALK 😤 Author... what is WITH Chapter 52 and 53??? HOW DARE YOU 😭 I was just here for a lil fake relationship slow burn, not to be emotionally body slammed!! I felt single, married, divorced and reborn in the span of two paragraphs. 😩💋 I had to pause mid-chapters to hydrate, stretch and scream into a pillow Those chapters was a full emotional mugging. I came out of it feral, broken and somehow still rooting for him??? Why is he like this? Why is she so strong? Why do I love it here?? 💔✨ Can’t wait for the next chapter to make me cry again. Final rating: -10 sanity points, +20 years on my soul, 1 restraining order against Adrien for emotional whiplash. I'm gonna go reread and pretend like I’m not mad. (But I AM. I am SO mad. AND OBSESSED.) 💅💔 Author you are crazy for this 😂 I love you. Never stop!! Also stop. Please I am exhausted and yet spiritually fed.
Someone recommended this book to me, and I’m so hooked[img=Loving it]. 10/10 so far! Just when I thought I had the plot figured out, the story flips the script and keeps me on my toes. The characters feel real and flawed and the slow burn keeps the tension alive without feeling rushed. Every chapter left me wondering what would happen next, and it never disappoints. Definitely a wild ride nd I’m excited to keep reading![img=update]
so far from what I've read, this story hooks you with characters you can't help but root for. Isabella is strong, relatable, and real, while Adrien Walton is the perfect brooding, possessive CEO hiding a storm beneath his cold exterior. What begins as a chance encounter soon spirals into a slow-burn romance filled with tension, vulnerability, and secrets that simmer beneath the surface. The author skillfully balances humor with heartfelt moments, grounding even the most dramatic twists in raw, believable emotion. The pacing is deliberate but never dull, allowing the tension to build organically—from icy glares and cutting words to stolen moments of softness. The dialogue sparkles with bite and honesty. Every interaction between the characters carries weight, whether it’s laced with anger, desire, or quiet understanding. conclusively, the chemistry is electric, the emotions hit hard, and the story beautifully balances humor, heartache, and suspense. It’s an addictive journey with twists that keep you turning pages. Highly recommended!
I’ve never written a review on a book before but this one so far? it’s to die for 😩🔥 Isabella is bold and impossible not to root for, Adrien is the definition of emotionally constipated (and I love him for it) Aria is an absolute gem 😂 I adore her energy every scene with her is gold! Cameron’s lowkey iconic and Levi just entered the chat and Adrien’s already malfunctioning. the tension? Chef’s kiss. The banter? Addictive, the drama? Premium. I’m obsessed! Author, you’ve got me hooked. Please never stop[img=recommend][img=Loving it]