All Chapters of Fragile Desires : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

**Steven’s POV** She left. Christine is gone; she actually had the audacity to resign. Well, I don’t need her. She can walk away for all I care. But who was the jerk who whispered about the Collins to her? She met Tyler only once, and suddenly everything fell apart. I had my suspicions about him when he showed up. She didn’t even reveal what had happened, but seeing her in such a state—tears streaming down her cheeks and frustration etched all over her face—made my blood boil. Tyler is clearly trying to stir the pot. If he thinks Christine’s departure will shake me, he’s got another thing coming because I feel nothing for her… or at least, that’s what I keep telling myself. But I can’t deny it; I miss her—her intoxicating scent that lingered in the air, her melodic voice that echoed in my mind, the depth of her eyes that made me lose myself, and her radiant smile that could light up even my darkest days. No, Steven, get your act together. I don’t need her. She didn’t even he

**Tyler’s POV** She has to come. I can’t help but feel nervous. What if she doesn’t show up? All my plans will go to waste. I hated that damn Steven even more when the bodyguard I sent to watch Christine reported back that she was broken and drunk. But maybe that’s a good thing. The plan will bring her closer to me and definitely into my grasp before she realizes what she’s gotten herself into. It was Claire’s idea—nothing brilliant, but it worked like magic. I had nothing to do with Kelsey Jones’s visit to Christine, but I manipulated my way into the situation by using that stupid Rose Collins and her greed for money. It got me what I wanted. Now, all that’s left is for my angel to show up. I know she will; she’s practically obsessed with that good-for-nothing idiot. After she arrives, I will finally have what I've been longing for: Christine in my grasp. Just as I think of her, she walks in with a confused expression, accompanied by a smiling Claire, who didn't even catch my at

**Christine POV** I can hardly believe it—I've said yes to Tyler's proposal. Of course, I made sure I'd come out of this unscathed, not merely a pawn in someone else's game. Four days have passed since Tyler and I embarked on this charade of fake dating, and it became official last night when he whisked me away to a charming new restaurant downtown. I can't shake the feeling that something about Tyler has shifted. Don’t misunderstand me; he’s still the insufferable, arrogant jerk I’ve always known, but there’s an unexpected gentleness in the way he treats me now. Still, moments arise where he acts oddly—like when he kisses me unexpectedly in the quiet of a room or pulls me close while we share private conversations. And the recent encounter with Steven only solidified Tyler's point. Seeing Steven, so desperate for my attention, filled me with a sense of glee; it’s astounding what this fake relationship has wrought. All I need is for Steven to finally confess his feelings for me, and

**Christine’s POV** I have to tell him. I can’t do this anymore. The thought of hurting Steven shatters my heart, and it tears me apart watching him suffer. With determination, I step into Tyler’s house and find him splashing about in the pool, struggling to learn how to swim. Wait—Tyler doesn’t know how to swim? “What are you doing?” I call out, my voice tinged with concern. He jumps at the sound of my voice, awkwardly lunging toward the edge of the pool, panic rippling through the water around him. Without hesitating, I dive in, cutting through the chilly water, my instincts kicking in. I swim to him, pulling him to safety on the sun-warmed tiles of the pool’s edge. Gasping for air, we both collapse by the poolside, our hearts racing. “Why did you scare me like that? I could have drowned! You know I can’t swim!” he exclaims, his voice a mixture of fear and frustration. I meet his gaze, seeing the shock and vulnerability etched on his face, his body trembling from th

### Christine’s POV As I step into the dimly lit restaurant, the warm aroma of rich spices envelops me, but all I can think about is Steven waiting for me at the table. His presence is a welcome distraction from my swirling thoughts of Tyler and his inexplicable behavior earlier today. Why did he treat me like that? Yet, despite my resolve to brush Tyler off as the egotistical jerk he has always been, I can’t ignore the lingering memory of the slurred words that slipped from his lips earlier. What is happening to me? Why can’t I shake the image of Tyler from my mind? I need to focus. Today is about me and Steven—I deserve this. I smooth the fabric of my dress, adjusting it ever so carefully, and run my fingers through my hair before stepping into the vibrant atmosphere of the restaurant. As I approach, I catch sight of Steven’s warm smile, his hand waving enthusiastically in my direction. A smile blooms on my face in response, lighting up the corners of my soul as I take my seat