All Chapters of Pen & Passion: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

"Please teach me to become a better writer!""Oh?"Joaquin got his glass and sipped his whiskey as he looked at me in a condescending manner."I need something in return," he teased as he put his glass down on the table, making me nod excitingly."Yes, yes! I would do anything you ask for!"Hearing her feedback, he stood up from his chair then walked towards me, chuckling."Erm..."I stepped away from him, now bumping my back on the wall behind me. Surprised, I gasped as he did a breathtakingly hot “kabe-don”. He then spoke near my ear, sending shivers down my spine."What if I ask... for a collaboration?"***~One hour ago, Joaquin’s party in his mansion~I adjusted the hem of my borrowed dress, my heart pounding as I slipped through the grand entrance of the opulent mansion. The evening air was cool, carrying the distant hum of the city. Inside the mansion, however, it buzzed with the vibrant energy of the literary elite.Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the expansive room,

I paused when I heard him challenging me right on the spot. I actually have the draft of my work here on my phone and it’s already finished and that’s what I plan on showing him so I could ask for his opinion.“Umm…” I hesitated, my eyes locking with his. I stiffened once more as his eyes really never left mine. “I actually have my story here in my phone’s drafts and—”“No,” he interrupted, cutting me off from my upcoming suggestion. “I want a new one on the spot.”I furrowed my brows. “What do you want me to write?” He’s challenging me, so fine… let’s take the challenge!“What’s your genre?” he asked, now sitting on the leather chair opposite mine.“Contemporary romance, fantasy romance,” I answered, Joaquin giving me a single nod.“Alright. Then write something romantic,” he replied, giving more details. “A domineering man, softening to a sweet woman. Go.”I held the pen on my hand as I stared on the blank paper. I felt cold sweat on my back as I grew conscious of the fact that Joaq

I found the bar nestled in a corner of Joaquin’s opulent mansion, a secluded spot away from the prying eyes of the partygoers. The dim lighting and polished wooden counter offered a semblance of solace amidst the whirlwind of emotions I was feeling.I ordered a strong drink and downed it quickly, hoping the alcohol would numb the confusion and frustration swirling inside me. As the warmth spread through my body, I leaned back against the bar, staring into the empty glass.‘How did I end up here?’ I wondered, my thoughts racing. I came here to learn, not to get tangled in someone else's problems.The bartender approached, refilling my glass without a word. I nodded my thanks and took another sip, savoring the burn as it slid down my throat. I couldn't help but replay the evening's events in my mind, trying to make sense of Joaquin's unexpected proposal.Why couldn’t he settle this on his own? What kind of man needs a fake fiancée to escape his father’s demands? Who is he, really, beyon

I smiled at Joaquin’s curiosity, enjoying the shift in our dynamic. It was nice to have a bit of leverage, even if it was just a teasing secret. "A promise I made with someone, I guess," I said, my tone light yet evasive.Joaquin raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? And what exactly was this promise?"I chuckled, mimicking his earlier nonchalance. "Just like you said, I'll only answer questions that are beneficial to our situation. Whether I made a promise to someone or not is none of your concern."He laughed, appreciating my cheeky response. "Fair enough. We'll leave it at that for now. But don’t think I won’t try to find out.""We’ll see," I replied, still grinning.With the way he said “we’ll see”, it made me think that he does have ways to find out who the person is. With his status, he can find out just about anything.Now that explains why he knows who I am… and even said my name when I approached him without me even introducing myself.The question is: up to what extent does he

“Haven,” he said, looking up at me with a serious expression, “will you do me the honor of being my fiancée?”For a moment, time seemed to stand still. The reality of the situation faded, and all I could see was the handsome man in front of me, asking me to marry him. Even though I knew it was all part of our plan, I couldn’t help but feel a flutter of emotion.“Yes,” I whispered, my voice barely audible over the pounding of my heart. “Yes, I will.”Joaquin smiled, a genuine, heartfelt smile, and gently slipped the ring onto my finger. It fit perfectly, as if it had been made for me. I felt a strange thrill as I looked down at the ring, sparkling on my hand.He stood up, and for a moment, we were both silent, just looking at each other. I couldn’t deny the chemistry between us, the way my heart skipped a beat when he looked at me with those intense eyes.“This may be fake,&rdq