Chapter: SECRET TRUTHCHAPTER 22.Secret Truth Following the incident of the past day, I've now learned to be more careful while expecting the worst to happen.As I walked through the dark atmosphere, I couldn't help but wonder what had happened to Akira, as a result of yesterday's drama.However, I was going to meet her, and I believed that I'd get answers to my inquisitiveness.As I walked along the lonely paths, I couldn't help but notice the shivers and cold sensation that pierced through my skin. Indeed, the entire atmosphere was cold, and I could feel it in my soul.That was it. It was the moment that I'd been waiting for.After walking for what seemed like an eternity, I could finally see the abandoned oak tree, the venue for our meeting.Standing there and waiting for me was Akira. Immediately when I walked out of the darkness, to the warehouse, I finally heard the voice of Akira, speaking to me. At that moment, the color of her hair illuminated the entire atmosphere, as I took my time to proces
Last Updated: 2026-02-14
Chapter: THE AWAKENINGCHAPTER 21.The Awakening.As I walked through the lonely path of the forest, I couldn't help but notice as the sun slowly began to go down. At that moment, even the air that I breathed in the bush felt charged and electrifying, like it was going to magnet me at that moment.Soon, my heart began to ponder heavily, like the weight of our whole city had been placed on it. It was already late, and I didn't know what might be lying in wait for me.As I got close to the clearing that Akira had described to me earlier, the trees began to lean closer, with their branches clapping in mystery. At that moment, the beatings of my heart intensified.In an overwhelming panic, I ran a hand through my hair, while glancing through my immediate environment.At that instant, my gut began to twist in uneasiness, as if it was ready for another shocking revelation."Rory!"I suddenly turned. Immediately I heard my name, and lo, it was Akira, standing just beside the middle of the clearing, with her sha
Last Updated: 2026-02-14
Chapter: THE HIDDEN TRUTHCHAPTER 20.The hidden truth.As I stood in the middle of the pack's ancestral home, I felt the entire weight of my entire existence being placed on my shoulders.At that moment, the entire atmosphere was covered with the scent of old wood and dust. From what I could see, it was a reflection of the past wisdom of our ancestors, and now the present doom of my generation. As each second passed, and I continued to flip through the pages of the book, I realized that my life had become a mystery that I didn't know anything about.To make matters worse, Kaiden's worried voice kept echoing in my mind."Rory, there's more to this. " The mysteries that surround this incident are bigger than you." His words kept piercing my soul, as I tried to figure out where my problems were coming from.At that moment, I angrily stamped my right foot on the ground in frustration, as I ran my hand through my head.Everyone who was supposed to be on my side on this journey has now become like a ghost sent to
Last Updated: 2026-02-09
Chapter: THE SECRET OF REJECTIONCHAPTER 19.The secret of Rejection.I walked around the faded floorboards of my room, with deep unspoken words, as I inhaled the night breeze.From the look on Kaiden's face, I could tell that he was deeply terrified to the core.He didn't say goodbye, neither did he look at me.The way he left at that moment was okay by me. It was just as if he was running away from something.With each second that passed, I could hear the constant echo of his footsteps. Maybe it was just a figment of my emotions. With all that was happening lately, I knew for sure that I really needed to do more.“What could Kaiden be hiding from me?” I asked myself in utter confusion, as I ran my fingers through my hair. Even though it seemed like my world was clouded with evilness, my only form of solitude was looking at the oak tree outside my house, which was already engulfed by shadows.Another place that was like a sanctuary to me, was Miller's vine grove. It served as a resting place for me, amid all the ch
Last Updated: 2026-02-09
Chapter: THE MIDNIGHT ENCOUNTERCHAPTER 18.The midnight encounter.The sunset finally enveloped the entire atmosphere, as Kaiden and I walked towards our den.Indeed, it was a stressful day, but I was glad that we pulled through.As we took each step, my heart pondered in full uncertainty, as I couldn't tell what might be waiting for us.The atmosphere had the smell of damp soil and fresh leaves, which gave a warm earthly smell, whilst letting us know that it'd just rained.As we moved further, I could hear the sound of the crickets and the melodious songs of the birds, which was typical of a forest.“Do you think it'll rain again?” I asked him with a whisper, as I tried very hard to distract myself from the cloud of worry that had overwhelmed me.Immediately, Kaiden looked up to the sky, like he was searching for something. "I don't think it'll rain. However, who knows? " Given the time of the year that we're in, it's hard to tell when it'll rain or not." He said with a calm voice, but as he spoke, I couldn't hel
Last Updated: 2026-02-06
Chapter: THE MYSTERIOUS ALLYCHAPTER 17.The mysterious ally.As I stood there in darkness, aside from the moon's constant gaze, we could've been in absolute darkness. I was still mesmerized by the fact that Kaiden came to save me. His calm disposition had shifted the entire aura of the atmosphere, and it was really overwhelming. However, I couldn't shake off the fact that I felt like something was off.I was worried about what I didn't know about."Thank you very much," I said with a tensed voice. " Even though I was scared, I was still very grateful that he came through for me. “Honestly, I didn't know what would've happened if you didn't come to my rescue. Thank you for coming back to save me."Kaiden immediately leaned on a vine tree at the other end of the corner, as he began to look into my eyes."Rory, you don't need anyone to step up and fight for you. You're strong, and I bet you don't know the kind of strength you possess!""Are you for real?" I looked at him with scorn written on my face. “And what do
Last Updated: 2026-02-06
Chapter: FAKE DATING MY EX'S TEAMMATEChapter TwelveMaya's POVAt 4 PM, Lina abandons her usual duties and helps me into the black velvet gown.Eva's gown.The one I have to return in perfect condition or we're both screwed.I turn slowly in front of my mirror, taking in my reflection.The waist is snatched so tight I can barely breathe. The off-shoulder neckline sits lower than I'd like. Not revealing, exactly, but close. The train pools around my legs like dark water. One wrong step and I'll face-plant in front of Chicago's elite.Perfect."You look..." Lina gasps behind me."I look what?" I glance at her in the mirror, smiling slightly. "Come on. Say it.""Alright." She reaches for the zipper and pulls it up the rest of the way. "You look good."I give her a pointed look. "Are you joking with me? Be serious, Lina.""I am serious!" She giggles. "Just make sure nothing happens to it, or…""We're both screwed." I finish her sentence. "I've got this. Don't worry."I pair the dress with silver earrings. Knockoffs, but they
Last Updated: 2026-01-18
Chapter: FAKE DATING MY EX'S TEAMMATEChapter ElevenMaya's POVThe closet door swings open.I step out slowly, one foot at a time, like I'm walking through a minefield. Heat crawls up my neck. My face is burning.This is mortifying.Jax stands in the hallway, arms crossed. His eyes meet mine first, then slide past me to where Finn is emerging from the closet behind me.Finn doesn't flinch. Just stares back at Jax, jaw set, shoulders squared."What's going on here?" Jax's voice is calm. Too calm. "Everything okay?""Fine." The word comes out too fast. Too high. "Everything's fine."Jax's eyes narrow slightly. "I told you to stay away from my girl."He's looking at Finn now. The air between them crackles.Finn scoffs. He brushes past us without another word. "We're done here."Jax watches him disappear around the corner. He doesn't move until Finn's completely out of sight.Then he looks at me."What was that about, Maya?""What? You mean Finn?" I force a laugh. It sounds hollow. "He just wanted to discuss the PR strategy.
Last Updated: 2026-01-18
Chapter: FAKE DATING MY EX'S TEAMMATEChapter TenMaya's POVFinn pulls me into the service closet before I can react.The door clicks shut behind us, and suddenly we're surrounded by darkness. The smell of cleaning supplies burns my nose. A mop handle digs into my shoulder blade.I yank my hand away from his grip. "What is wrong with you?""We need to talk.""In a closet?" My voice comes out louder than I intended. I force it down to a harsh whisper. "What do you think people will say if they see this? You're ruining everything for me."“I don't have to be involved with you. Do you hear me? Don't you understand?Tara made it clear that…”"I don't care." His voice is too close. Too rough. "Let them say whatever they want."I can feel his breath on my face. Hot. Unsteady.The space is impossibly small. Maybe three feet wide. Our bodies are inches apart, and every time I try to step back, I hit a shelf or a bucket or the damn wall."Finn, this is insane…""I need to hear the truth, Maya.""What truth?" I push at his chest,
Last Updated: 2026-01-18
Chapter: FAKE DATING MY EX'S TEAMMATEChapter NineMaya's POVI couldn't sleep at night. I am anxious about how bad things could get if Ray happens to know where i live.It felt like i was standing guard for Leo, while he slept.It wasn't a nice experience. My eyelids feel very heavy, and i find myself dozing off every minute. I suddenly wished for Leo to grow up quickly. If he was bigger, we would have taken turns.The stress is on another level.I finally fall face down on my bed by 1 PM.That is when i felt less threatened. And exhaustion has won me over.I shouldn't be going to bed by this time. I'll wake up disoriented in the morning.And I have to show up early at practice at the agency tomorrow.The practice rink smells like ice and sweat and too many bodies crammed into one space.I walk in slowly, gripping my clipboard like it's the only thing keeping me upright. Reporters line the walls, cameras already raised. Of course they're here. They're always here now.The practice session today could get messy if I'm not
Last Updated: 2026-01-15
Chapter: FAKE DATING MY EX'S TEAMMATEChapter EightMaya's POV"You can head home early today."I look up from my desk. Tara stands in the doorway of her office, tablet in hand, looking almost... pleased?"Really?""You've earned it." She taps the screen. "Keep doing what you're doing with Jax. We're getting the exact response we need."I nod, not trusting myself to speak.The second she disappears back into her office, I grab my bag and practically sprint for the elevator. I don't want to run into Celeste. Or Jax. Or,God forbid—Finn.The doors close, and I finally exhale.Lina's surprised when I walk through the door at three in the afternoon."You're home early!" She's folding laundry on the couch, one of Leo's dinosaur shirts in her hands."Tara gave me the rest of the day off." I drop my bag by the door. "You can go. I've got it from here.""You sure?" She glances toward Leo's room, where I can hear the faint sounds of him talking to himself—probably narrating some elaborate adventure with his toys."Positive. You des
Last Updated: 2026-01-15
Chapter: FAKE DATING MY EX'S TEAMMATEChapter SevenMaya's POVTen steps. Twenty. Thirty.I count each step as I walk into the agency, like the numbers can shield me from what's coming. By the time I reach forty, I know it's not working. I wanted to feel safe and let my guard down.But eyes follow me down the hallway. A woman from the accounting department.Sarah? Sandra?watches me pass, her lips curled into a smirk. Two guys from the marketing department lean against the wall, whispering. One of them doesn't even try to hide his stare. Like I've commited the worst crime and they are about to throw me to the dogs.I glance down at my pants. There’s no terrible stain. Nothing out of place.So why do I feel like I'm walking naked through a firing squad?The whispers start behind me. Soft at first, then louder. I can't make out the words,I wish i could. But I catch the tone. Judgment,Amusement,Speculation.My face burns. I walk faster.Don't react. Don't give them anything.I'm about to turn the corner toward my desk when a
Last Updated: 2026-01-15