Chapter 5 When Pretending Becomes Real

Julian's lips crashed against Lily's, and this time, there was no audience. No cameras. No reason to pretend.

So why wasn't he stopping?

Lily's heart pounded as she melted into him, her hands gripping his tux jacket like it was the only thing holding her upright. His fingers slid up her spine, pulling her closer, and for a second-just a second-she forgot this was fake.

She forgot he was a billionaire with his own reasons for this arrangement. She forgot this was a contract, a business deal.

Because right now? It felt real.

Too real.

She pulled away, breathless. "Julian..."

He looked at her like he was seeing her for the first time. Like maybe-just maybe-he was just as confused as she was.

But then, just like that, his expression shuttered. The cool, untouchable businessman was back.

"This is getting too complicated," he muttered, turning away.

Lily swallowed, her chest tightening. "So, what? We pretend that didn't happen?"

Julian didn't answer. He just loosened his tie, looking anywhere but at her.

A sharp ache bloomed in her chest. She hated this-the push and pull, the hot and cold.

Before she could say something she might regret, the door to the penthouse swung open.

Ava, Julian's assistant, stormed in like she was on a mission.

"Julian," she said, her face grim. "We have a problem."

Julian frowned. "What kind of problem?"

Ava hesitated, her eyes flickering to Lily.

Then she dropped the bombshell.

"Your father is in town. And he knows about Lily."

The air in the room turned to ice.

Julian went rigid, his jaw clenching so tight it could break steel.

Lily frowned, confused. "Why is that a problem?"

Julian didn't answer.

Because if there was one person he couldn't lie to-one person who could ruin everything-it was his father.

And if the old man got even the slightest inkling that this engagement was fake?

The deal was over.

And so was everything Lily had been fighting for.