MELISSA'S POV “What?” I said, blinking hard like maybe I heard wrong.Do I need hearing aids?Am I hearing something else?Marco smiled again. Like he was pitching the next big Netflix deal.“I said… the company wants you two to fake date.”I laughed.Out loud.And it was not a pretty laugh.“You’re joking.”“I’m not.”“You’re insane.”“Also not.”I stood up immediately.“Nope. I’m not doing that.”“Melissa—”“Don’t ‘Melissa’ me.”Xavier hadn’t even reacted. He just sat there, elbow on the armrest, hand over his mouth, like he was trying to disappear into the chair.I pointed at him. “Say something. This is your mess too.”He shrugged, still too calm. “Don’t look at me. I just got dragged in here.”“Dragged? You looked very present during that shoot yesterday.”“Because it was work.”“This isn’t work, Xavier. This is madness.”Marco jumped in, hands up. “Okay, okay. I know it sounds wild—”“It is wild.”“But hear me out.”“I don’t want to.”“Melissa, please.”“I’m not fake dating my
MELISSA'S POV I opened my eyes to soft light and quiet.Then the realization hit.I was still here.Still in his house.Still in his hoodie.I sat up fast.My clothes were folded neatly at the edge of the bed. I didn’t remember doing that.I didn’t care.I got up, grabbed them, and changed quickly, yanking the hoodie off like it had caught fire. My own jeans felt stiff against my skin, but at least they were mine.I didn’t bother folding his clothes back.I just placed them on the bed, grabbed my bag, and moved toward the door.I could hear faint sounds from the kitchen — the soft clink of a mug. Movement. Music playing low.I didn’t plan to say goodbye.I didn’t owe him anything.I just wanted out.I was halfway to the front door when his voice cut through the silence.“Well, good morning to you too.”I stopped.He was leaning against the counter, coffee mug in hand, wearing that same smug expression like he knew I was trying to sneak out.“Didn’t think you were the type to ghost,”
XAVIER'S POV I stepped out onto the balcony, closing the glass door behind me. The cold air hit my skin, but it helped. I needed something to snap me out of my own head.I stared down at the street below and answered the call.“Katrina.”Her voice came through soft, tired. “Hey, babe.”I ran a hand through my hair. “Everything okay?”“Yeah. Just wanted to hear your voice.”I paused. “…It’s late.”“I know. I couldn’t sleep.”There was something off in her voice.“Did something happen?”“No. I’ve just… been overthinking.”“About what?”She laughed a little, but it didn’t sound happy. “Everything. Life. The press. My career. Us.”I leaned against the railing. “Don’t spiral, Kat.”“I’m trying not to. I just—sometimes I feel like you don’t talk to me anymore.”I blinked. “I’m talking to you now.”“That’s not what I mean.”I stayed quiet.She continued. “Like... I know you’re busy. But I don’t feel close to you lately.”Guilt tugged at my chest.Was she wrong?No.Was I ready to admit tha
MELISSA'S POV “Alright,” the photographer called, stepping away from his camera, “that’s a wrap!”I exhaled — long and deep.Finally.“Perfect work, both of you,” Marco said, clapping his hands. “You’ve got chemistry, and I love it.”I didn’t even glance at Xavier. I just turned and headed straight for the dressing area.I peeled off the silk jacket, grabbed my bag, and changed into my clothes .My curls were still in place, makeup was still looking so nice. But inside? I was done.He was already waiting near the exit when I walked out.Of course he was.“Need a ride?” he asked casually, keys spinning on his finger.“No.”He raised an eyebrow. “It’s about to rain.”“I’ll manage.”“It’s freezing.”“No.”He smirked. “Still living up to that Ice Princess name, I see.”I rolled my eyes and walked past him.The air outside was colder now. Grey clouds had taken over, and I could smell the rain before it even touched the ground.I was halfway down the street when I felt the first drop.Then
MELISSA'S POV “No. No. No.”That was not—“Xavier?” I said before I could stop myself.He turned around like this was normal.Like I wasn’t standing here with my mouth open.Like I hadn’t just signed a modeling contract, only to see him standing at the center of the studio — in front of the lights, dressed in all black, hair pushed back, arms crossed like this was his set.My blood ran cold.“Hey,” he said casually.Marco stepped up beside me, smiling. “Don’t look so shocked! You two do know each other. Half the internet thinks you’re dating already.”I blinked. “What?”“Oh, come on,” Marco laughed. “That one video of you two at the fundraiser? That clip has like three million views. People are obsessed. Honestly, I thought the tension was part of the appeal.”“Tension?” I repeated.Xavier shrugged, like this wasn’t weird. “We’ve met.”Marco grinned. “Iconic.”“We’re on the same team,” I said tightly.“Exactly! It’s perfect. The chemistry, the backstory, the looks—this campaign is go
MELISSA’S POV“We’re sorry we couldn’t reach out to you earlier…”That voice.“…but after reviewing your portfolio, we all agreed — you’re exactly the type of model we need.”I sat up in bed, phone pressed tight to my ear.My heart was pounding.“You have the look. The walk. The edge. Honestly? You’ve got the full package.”I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came out.“We’d like to meet you. In person. Soon. Our receptionist will give you all the details when you arrive. Thank you for picking up, Miss Brown.”Click.The line went dead.I stared at the screen.For three seconds, I didn’t breathe.Then…“AHHHHHHHHHH!”I screamed into my pillow, kicked my legs like a teenager, and jumped out of bed, bouncing around my room.They called.They actually called.I was not the screaming type.Not even close.But right now?I felt like I was floating.I threw myself back into bed, smiling into the darkness.Tomorrow, I was going to walk into that building and show them exactly why I be