LOGINSatu pertanyaan iseng di fanmeeting, membuat hidup Laura berbalik 180 derajat. Candaan "Maukah kau menikah denganku?" harusnya berakhir dengan tawa saja, tetapi superstar introvert Rink malah menanggapinya secara serius. Kini, Laura bukan hanya jadi viral di jagat maya, melainkan juga ditekan oleh pihak agensi untuk menikah diam-diam dengan Rink, demi menyelamatkan karier sang Bintang tersebut. Imbalannya besar: uang, pekerjaan yang dicita-citakan, dan hidup mewah. Akan tetapi, bagaimana jika kebohongan itu mengaburkan batas antara sandiwara dan perasaan yang nyata? Bagaimana jika fans dan idolanya terjebak dalam pernikahan yang tak direncanakan, dan salah satunya mulai jatuh cinta sungguhan?
View MoreMarina's POV
I walked into the casino fearlessly with my head held high. This will be my first appearance after a long time.
This black provocative dress, my hair in a classic sleek bun, my lips stained the color of fresh blood, and my milky skin made me feel like the Russian princess that I was for once.
It wasn't hard to understand why all the attention was on me, and honestly, I didn't need it, but I needed to look the part.
I needed to double the last four million dollars I had left, since mom refused to give any more to me. All I did was buy expensive designer pants, exquisite male jackets and T-shirts and a couple of caps, like a dozen times.
I understood that she didn't like that I dressed that way, but I preferred comfort over stupid dresses like this one I had on now. Not only did it invite unwanted attention, it also made me look different, like some prey.
The casino was similar to the ones I've seen in movies, and men in well tailored suits were scattered across like ants gathering fresh candy.
My Aunt is hosting a humanitarian event tomorrow and I needed to be there for her and donate.
Fully bent on doing what I came to do, my heels clicked on the pure white floor, my arms carefully by my side the whole time as I acted like their surprise didn't bother me. Boldly, I slipped into a seat where a group of men were sitting around a poker table.
I watched the way their mouths parted and the way their eyes widened in surprise. It was totally my fault. Everyone thought I was dead. Even now, rumors of me being here had already spread and they couldn't even stop the gossip from floating into my own ears.
I'm princess Marina, the heir to my mother's fortune since my sister decided to disappear out of the blue years ago.
I noticed some of the men checking me out, eyes pinned on my tits but really, anything for this game to work in my favor.
Even if they let me win, I would shamelessly take it after seducing them like this. There was no feminism here when I needed to win and not blow four million dollars.
I learnt how to play casino games just two weeks ago. I studied harder than I ever had to do in my life for this moment, and it was finally here. The dealer began to shuffle cards, and my heart thumped in my chest a little, apprehensiveness and fear clothing me like a second skin. I will win. I must win, no matter what it takes.
It was a table for six, one for the dealer, one for me, and there were three other men. There was just one empty seat beside me. I wondered who had it, but not for long.
A tall, hot, gorgeous devil with a face fit for only high class magazines graced the seat.
Immediately I set my eyes on him, my senses heightened and for some reason, I bit back a fucking appreciative moan. He barely even touched me or noticed me. Heat immediately enveloped the length of me.
He apologized for being late and he settled in, staking his own money. His ebony black thick hair ran with the wind as it scattered across his face, softy. I noticed it from my peripheral vision, and it made my insides jubilate.
After what felt like hours of ogling his features, the dealer spoke.
“Welcome to the first round of this game. May the best player win.” The men grinned mischievously as though they all had sly moves up their sleeves.
When he began to share the cards, I guess I somehow caught the attention of the hot devil beside me.
“Hey.” My body stiffened, then relaxed. A simple hey was all it took to completely undo me, even though I never cared for men.
All I did was dress like one and annoy my mother but for the first time ever, I was so glad to be a woman, almost naked and glowing in my hotness.
His voice made the hairs at the back of my head stand in excitement, and I practically craned my neck to see him clearly.
I guess, maybe I shouldn't have. He was awfully close, so fucking close. Oh God. His features kissed my face and it made me dizzy.
The dealer cut through the tension immediately and finally, the game commenced.
I fixed my concentration on the cards as I couldn't afford to fail after betting everything I had.
“You're so interested in winning.” He said in a teasing tone, as if he admired the way I was focused. His breath slapped my ears sensually, and I melted.
“Stating the obvious?” I asked cockily, my lips curled up in a grin I hoped he didn't notice, or the way my cheeks tinted red.
“I guess.” This time, I felt his hard gaze on my face. He took his time to stare at me shamelessly, his eyes dropping down to my outfit after having a good look at my face. I tried to pretend like I didn't notice but my heart was dancing in my chest.
“How cute.” He said in a low voice, more to himself than to me, but it still got me all giddy.
“You're that Russian lost princess, aren't you? I've not seen you before. Where have you been? Rumors don't do your beauty Justice.”
So he knew me. He said I'm beautiful!
“Around?” I said, tired of the boring question.
“I see. Well, princess. This game is a dangerous game, and I don't see you winning it at all, so why bother?”
Asshole. The butterflies in my stomach immediately screeched to a halt. I clicked my teeth.
I wanted to lash out in response but once again his features practically assaulted me. Why did he have to be so hot?
“We'll see about that then.”
“Bold, hot and sexy. Aren't you?” He smirked, his hot gaze burning up my skin. Such a dirty talker.
“I mean, we love a self aware princess, don't we?” I clapped back and by the amused grin on his face, he was loving where this was going.
We bickered on and on as the game went on. Others barely noticed as their eyes were on the game. Soon, I weaved my golden heels in between his legs, playing with it and acting like I didn't know what I was doing.
“Seducing me so you'll win? He grunted against my ears. “You're doing a fucking good job, but two can play this game.” He whispered in the most husky voice I had ever heard and a shiver ran down my spine.
My eyes widened as a trail of hotness traveled across my skin. Goosebumps attacked me as I felt his burning flesh on top of my naked thighs. His full hand was on top of it, running through it sensually, sending me into a frenzy.
I ignored him, and pretended like I wasn't affected so he inched further, his fingers crawling deeper into my thighs. When his fingers reached just before the middle, a sensation rippled through me, causing me to let out a quiet, breathless gasp. When I faced him subtly, his eyes were on me.
“Losing your mind already? But I've barely started, princess.”
The more I looked at his face, the more I wanted to say ‘fuck it’ and leave with him.
He was messing with me but my head was still in the game. He was equally playing, his face never leaving the table as he rubbed my thighs under the table. Such a multitasking devil! I should've known.
He threw a card, and all the men gasped, me included. His grin widened. I feared for the millions I could possibly lose. I had no idea he was this cunning. I got pissed.
“Princess, do you still think you'll win?”
“Fuck off.” I removed his hand from my thighs aggressively, but subtly.
“Don't get upset yet. You can still turn things around but here's a deal.”
“I'm listening.”
“If I win, I get to fuck you senseless after this. If you do, which I doubt, use me as you please.” I glanced at him, his shameless deal still ringing in my ears. He was clearly serious.
“Deal.”
As the game commenced, I realized that now, I was turning tables. My cards were the best at the moment. Eventually, I did what I had to do as it was clear that the odds were finally in my favour.
I placed all my cards forward, and with my eyes locked on his, I made my move.
Confusion immediately gathered in the faces of the men as silence took over. They stared at one another as if they couldn't believe some princess would win them. Internally, my heart was beating fast, refusing to believe my luck. I played a dangerous game tonight, and I came out victorious.
As I turned around so I could see the shock on this devil's face, he looked pretty normal, his face didn't as much as twitch. I still knew he was probably upset. I had made twenty million dollars just like that.
“Cat got your tongue now?” I teased.
“Congratulations, princess. You got lucky. Too bad I won't have you for the night.” His gaze raked my whole body, and he couldn't stop licking his lips. I wanted those lips on mine, on my fucking body.
Rising up from my seat, my hands locked with his, urging him to get up with me.
One look at him, and I proceeded to use him, exactly how I fucking wanted.
“I guess you'll just get what you want after all.”
He smirked, then we walked out of the casino, all the way to a hotel room.
I still didn't understand what came over me, but as I let this devil fuck me all night, I had never felt better.
Di lantai ruang tamu, Laura berlutut untuk mengecek isi koper kecilnya; peralatan makeup, charger ponsel, dan sebotol parfum berwarna dusty pink yang tadi pagi baru ia terima dari Velmora Bloom.Lalu ia meraih sebuah hoodie putih yang ukurannya cukup besar. Matanya melirik nakal ke arah sofa, di mana pria dengan wajah rupawan terlihat sedang menenggelamkan diri ke dalam dokumen yang berisikan tulisan-tulisan skrip. Diam-diam Laura memasukkan hoodie tersebut ke dalam koper.Sementara itu, Rink tampak tak peduli dengan apa yang terjadi di sekitarnya. Wajahnya yang tenang menunduk memandangi skripnya. Entah benar-benar membaca atau tidak, sebab sejak setengah jam yang lalu ia terus menatap halaman yang sama.Rink baru memalingkan mata dari bundelan di tangannya, ketika Laura berseru, “Ok, semuanya sudah masuk. Tidak ada yang terlupa.” Kata-kata itu sebanrnya lebih Laura tujukan untuk dirinya sendiri.Akan tetapi, Rink tergelitik untuk bersuara juga. “Jadi, kau benar-benar pergi?” celetu
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Napas Laura seakan-akan telah berhenti sejak detik pertama kakinya menginjak red carpet. Seumur hidup ia tak pernah membayangkan akan berjalan menuju grand ballroom dalam perhelatan suatu acara yang prestisius dan di bawah sinar flash kamera yang terarah padanya.Di antara hiruk pikuk tamu VIP dan awak media, Laura berdiri dengan napas yang berat. Ia sekuat tenaga menahan diri untuk tidak celingukan dan tertawa girang setiap melihat wajah-wajah bintang papan atas yang juga menjadi tamu undangan di sana.“Giliranmu, Laura,” bisik pria yang dikenalkan William sebagai asistennya. “Berposelah di sana! Tiga menit saja.”Sesuai arahan, Laura melangkah ke sudut photowall bertuliskan “Velmora Gala Night 2025”, berdiri dengan pose yang sempat diajarkan oleh Rink, dan tersenyum dengan cara yang sudah ditentukan sejak awal. Ia harus mati-matian menahan serangan para fotografer yang kembali menghujaninya dengan kilatan kamera.Ia baru bernapas lega, ketika asisten William memberikan anggukan sama
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“Tapi ini rahasia, Emma. Kalau kau sampai membocorkan cerita ini sebelum waktunya, nasibku di sini akan tamat secara tragis.” Suara Laura amat lirih, memastikan hanya sosok di seberang sana yang bisa mendengarnya, sang Sahabat yang sudah berkawan dengannya sejak belasan tahun silam.“Kau sedang men
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William menatap dua manusia yang telah diikat oleh kontrak pernikahan secara bergantian. Laura menjadi objek pertama. Saat memperhatikan wajah wanita tersebut, William sempat menghela napas panjang.Lalu ketika beralih pada Rink, manajer dengan wajah tembam itu mendekat. Ia tak mengatakan apapun da
Ruangan itu nyaris kosong. Dindingnya putih pucat tanpa dekorasi, hanya jam berbentuk persegi membosankan yang berdetak malas di atas pintu. Meja panjang dari kayu polos dipenuhi map, pulpen, dan selembar dokumen tebal yang jadi pusat perhatian hari ini; kontrak pernikahan.Laura duduk di ujung mej
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