A LOVE TOO REAL TO FAKE

Chapter 2: The rain came again that night, thin as mist and cold was too much. Eden stood outside the Arcadia Grand Hotel in the alley where she parked her bike, the envelope Cassian had handed her clutched so tightly in her palm she could feel the imprint of the cash through the paper. Her stomach twisted. Five thousand dollars. In cash. For playing pretend with a man who radiated danger and charm in equal measure. She hadn’t gone home. She hadn’t eaten. She hadn’t even called her mother back. she was busy thinking about the deal. trying to decide if she was desperate, stupid, or both. When her phone finally rang, she answered without checking the screen. "I’ll do it," she said. Cassian’s voice was smooth and immediate. "Good. We’ll begin tomorrow. I’ll send a car." She hung up before he could say more. If she thought too hard, she’d change her mind. The next morning, Eden stood in front of a black car that looked like it cost more than her student loan debt. A dri

Chapter 4: Eden hadn’t meant to fall asleep on the penthouse couch, but exhaustion had folded over her like a heavy blanket. Between dodging Verena’s passive-aggressive missiles, performing as the perfect fiancée, and managing not to pass out in five-inch stilettos, she was tapped out. She woke to silence—thick, comfortable silence—and a blanket draped across her shoulders. Cassian Wolfe was nowhere in sight. A silver tray sat on the coffee table: water, painkillers, and a small dish of chocolate-covered almonds. Eden blinked. She hadn’t even mentioned the headache brewing behind her eyes. The man was infuriating, but he didn’t miss anything. She padded barefoot toward the hallway, trailing her fingers against the cool marble as she made her way to the guest suite. When she pushed the door open, her suitcase sat untouched. A large sign taped to it read in Cassian’s elegant handwriting: “You’re in the master suite now. Guest room’s under renovation. - C” She stared at the note.

Chapter 6: The gala was a glittering storm of high society—champagne towers spilling gold, murmured gossip curling like smoke through the air, and women gliding by in gowns that cost more than Eden’s entire student debt. It was all so polished, so cold, so fake. Cassian’s hand rested lightly at the small of her back as they descended the grand marble staircase. The gesture was for show, part of the performance they’d perfected over the last few weeks. But as his thumb brushed softly over the fabric of her dress, something in her chest tightened. His touch felt... different. Warmer. Less practiced. “Remember,” he murmured against her temple, his lips just barely brushing her skin, “you’re mine tonight. Don’t let them see the seams.” Eden gave a tight smile, one she knew looked flawless from the outside. “Don’t worry, Cassian. I’ve got you. I’m a damn good actress—when the lights are on, and even when they’re off.” Their eyes met for half a second, something unspoken lingering b

Chapter 8: Beneath the Surface Paris looked different the next morning. Not the glittering version in postcards, but a city hungover from rain and haunted by secrets. Eden stood on the balcony wrapped in a cream silk robe, watching the mist roll across the Seine. She didn’t know what to make of her feelings anymore. Not just for Cassian—but for herself. She had crossed oceans pretending to be someone she wasn’t. So why did she feel more like herself now than she had in years? Cassian joined her with two cups of espresso. He handed one over wordlessly. Their fingers brushed, but neither pulled away. “Did you sleep?” he asked. “Barely.” “You’re thinking about Verena.” Eden raised a brow. “I’m thinking about Zurich.” Cassian leaned on the railing beside her, his expression unreadable. “I told you most of it.” “But not all.” “No,” he admitted. “Then start now.” He turned toward her. “Zurich was where I made my first mistake. I backed a biotech merger. One of

Chapter 10: The Italian sky was the color of bruised violets when Cassian Wolfe received the call that would change everything. Eden stood on the villa’s terrace, arms resting on the railing, her loose curls pulled into a soft knot. The horizon melted into the sea like watercolors on wet canvas. For a moment, she let herself pretend she belonged in this life of silk sheets and private jets. That the man in the room behind her didn’t carry shadows in his pockets. Then she heard his voice—low, sharp. “No. No delays. Move the money now.” Her spine tensed. She turned and stepped inside.Cassian slammed his phone shut. “We’re leaving. Now.”“What happened?” she asked He didn’t hesitate. “Malik struck. Hijacked a holding company using forged board signatures. If I don’t stop him, it won’t just be assets he’s after—it’s reputation, loyalty, everything.” Eden crossed her arms. “You think he’s trying to take your seat?” “I know he is.” “What does that make me in his story? A pawn? A