Chapter: CHAPTER 16: THE HIGH SCHOOL VULTURE CULTURE The sleek, dark window of Mike Weller’s sports car glided down, letting in the crisp Monday morning air as the vehicle idled smoothly at the Oakridge High drop-off gate. I climbed out of the back seat, adjusting the straps of my faded canvas backpack. I was wearing a casual, artsy outfit—high-waisted vintage denim jeans that hugged my frame perfectly, paired with a simple fitted black baby tee and my favorite worn-out leather boots. My wild copper waves were loosely held back by a dark brown claw clip, a few stray strands framing my pale face. "See you later, Gilbert," Jake called out from the passenger seat, his green eyes flashing with a warm, casual friendliness. Chad just gave a short, silent nod from the back, his massive shoulders shifting under his varsity jacket. Mike sat behind the steering wheel, his large hands resting loosely on the leather. He didn't look at me. His piercing blue eyes were fixed straight ahead on the crowded school entrance, his sharp jawline tight
Last Updated: 2026-07-15
Chapter: CHAPTER 15: THE COLD SHORE The quiet hum of the central air conditioning was the first thing that drifted into my consciousness on Sunday morning. I opened my hazel eyes, blinking at the unfamiliar luxury of the main mansion’s guest suite. I rolled over, the silk sheets rustling around me, and immediately caught the lingering scent of cedarwood and leather. I was still completely drowned in Mike’s massive black-and-gold varsity jacket hoodie. I sat up, pulling my knees to my chest. My thoughts immediately drifted to the middle of the night—the quiet stillness of the bathroom, the meticulous way Mike’s large, calloused hands had wiped the sticky liquid from my face, and the rough honesty in his voice when he sat on the edge of my mattress. He admitted he cares about me. The thought made a strange, fluttering ache bloom deep in my chest. He hadn't been the arrogant, untouchable king of Oakridge High last night. He had been soft. Gentle. He had bared a piece of his real self just to make sure I felt safe
Last Updated: 2026-07-15
Chapter: CHAPTER 14: THE AFTERMATH OF THE RAGER The silence in the massive marble kitchen was so heavy you could hear the ice melting in the forgotten cups. Every single eye was glued to Mike Weller. Before Jake and Chad could even take a step toward the door to execute Mike's order, a sharp clinking of acrylic nails against a plastic cup broke the stillness. Allie Grace Vance stepped out from the crowd of varsity players, her sleek blonde blowout bouncing as she crossed her arms, looking every bit the country-club queen she was. "Michael, babe, seriously?" Allie Grace scoffed, her voice dripping with a mix of annoyance and casual malice as she looked over at my stained, shivering form. "You’re going to end the biggest party of the semester because the guest hand got a little messy? It’s completely not worth it. Let the college guys have their fun. She can just go sleep in the laundry room or something if her cottage is busy." A few of the lacrosse players chuckled nervously, but the laughter died instantly when Mike turned
Last Updated: 2026-07-14
Chapter: CHAPTER 13: THE INVASIONThe rhythmic, low thrum of Ethan Grey’s motorcycle engine died down as he idled smoothly right outside the towering, black iron gates of the Weller estate just as the last purple hues of twilight were swallowed by the night. Ethan killed the engine, letting the bike coast to a smooth halt on the gravel."Thanks for the ride, Ethan," I said, sliding my helmet off and carefully holding my half-finished strawberry milkshake. My cheeks were still flushed with a warm, happy glow from our afternoon at the studio."Anytime, rockstar," Ethan smiled, his soft dark curls bouncing slightly as he took the helmet from me. But instead of revving the engine to leave, he lingered, his warm hazel eyes scanning the dark driveway before landing back on me. He rubbed the back of his neck, a sudden, curious tension settling over his handsome features. "Hey, Eloise... can I ask you something? Since you're living on the estate and all."I blinked, surprised. "Sure. What's up?""What's it actually like?
Last Updated: 2026-07-13
Chapter: CHAPTER 12: THE GRAVITATIONAL PULLMIKE The digital clock on the sleek dashboard of the sports car flickered to 2:42 AM, casting a faint blue glow over the dark leather interior. Outside, the empty state highway was a blur of shadows and thick, low-hanging fog, but inside the cabin, the only sound was the low, steady purr of the high-performance engine. And the soft, rhythmic sound of Eloise’s breathing. I glanced sideways for a split second, my hands tightening instinctively on the steering wheel. The fierce, sharp-tongued girl who had just seamlessly scaled a twelve-foot brick wall and dismantled a Westbridge security lock was completely dead to the world. She had crumbled into the passenger seat the moment we hit the main road, the massive adrenaline crash finally pulling her under. Her 5'9" frame was curled awkwardly against the door, her long legs bent, and her face turned toward the window. The claw clip had given up entirely. Her vibrant ginger hair had fallen loose, cascading over the headrest in a
Last Updated: 2026-07-12
Chapter: CHAPTER 11: THE PASSENGER TARIFFThe rhythmic, low thrum of Ethan Grey’s motorcycle engine died down as he idled smoothly right outside the towering, black iron gates of the Weller estate. "Here we are," Ethan said, his voice a comforting, warm resonance through the cool night air. He kicked the stand down and turned around, his soft, tousled dark curls catching the silver glow of the moon. His hazel-brown eyes looked incredibly gentle, his signature faint dimple flashing as he reached out to help me unbuckle my heavy black helmet. "You sure you don't want me to drive you all the way up to the front porch? It's a pretty dark walk." "No, it's fine, really," I murmured, managing a soft, genuine smile that felt completely foreign on my face after the brutal day I’d had. I slid off the back of the bike, my 5'9" frame stretching out in my oversized charcoal-grey crewneck and leggings. My ginger hair was a bit messy from the ride, wild copper strands escaping my claw clip. "The walk helps me clear my head. Thank you
Last Updated: 2026-07-11
married for show
GENRE: Billionaire Romance / Forced Proximity / Fake Relationship]
"Five years. You will be my wife just for show."
To save her family's failing oil empire from a crushing financial debt, twenty-five-year-old Ruby Bells agrees to the ultimate sacrifice: a five-year contract marriage to Manhattan’s most ruthless, untouchable billionaire, Alexander Ray.
She expected a cold, distant stranger. She expected a marriage devoid of emotion. What she didn't expect was a man who looks like a walking Greek god, whose very touch sends a dangerous heat rushing through her veins.
Alexander Ray has rules. He doesn't do commitment, he doesn't do vulnerability, and he definitely doesn't do love. He only agreed to this marriage to satisfy his family and keep up appearances. He thinks Ruby is just another pretty face he can ignore. But Ruby is smart, sharp-tongued, and entirely unwilling to be a pushover—constantly throwing Alex off his game from the very first morning in his penthouse.
But as the lines between their fake marriage and real desire begin to blur, a dark secret threatens to burn their contract to ashes.
Because Alex has a hidden past... with Ruby's own sister, Chloe. And Chloe is determined to take back the billionaire she believes belongs to her.
Can a marriage born out of a business deal survive the secrets of New York's elite? Or will the intense passion between Ruby and Alex destroy them both?
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Chapter: Chapter 28: Traces Mia Bells’ POV The humidity of the New York midnight clung to the tinted windows of the Maybach parked in the shadow of an industrial pier on the Hudson River. Inside, the only light came from the dim glow of the dashboard. Mia Bells sat perfectly straight, her sharp chin tilted up, her tailored cream silk coat draped over her shoulders. At fifty-four, she had spent decades navigating the volatile currents of Manhattan’s elite. She knew exactly what it took to keep an empire standing, and more importantly, what it took to keep it from burning down. The rear door clicked open, bringing in a rush of cold river air. A middle-aged man in a wrinkled dark suit slipped inside, breathing heavily. He looked frantic, his eyes darting to the front where Mia’s driver sat, unmoving as a statue. "Do you have it?" Mia’s voice was smooth, devoid of any warmth, slicing through the quiet car. The man reached inside his coat and pulled out a thick, legal-sized manila envelope, his hands trem
Last Updated: 2026-07-15
Chapter: Chapter 27: The Chicago Phantom Ruby’s POV The air inside the abandoned warehouse district on the outskirts of Chicago smelled of rust, old rain, and impending victory. Chloe had selected the location—a sterile, concrete loft space currently under development by a Bells subsidiary. It was completely private, entirely secure, and far away from the prying eyes of the Magnificent Mile. Outside, the cold Midwestern wind howled against the reinforced glass windows, but inside, the tension was thick enough to suffocate. I paced the length of the concrete floor, the heavy soles of my designer leather boots echoing sharply against the space. I had traded my regal Manhattan silks for a sharp, tailored black trench coat, my ginger curls pulled back into a sleek, severe ponytail. Behind me, Chloe sat at a temporary metal desk, her fingers flying across the keys of her encrypted laptop, her icy blue eyes scanning lines of digital data. Allie Grace stood near the reinforced door, a half-eaten bag of artisanal chips in on
Last Updated: 2026-07-15
Chapter: Chapter 26: The Corporate MirageRuby’s POVBy Wednesday morning, the penthouse had officially settled into a state of high-society cold war.I sat at the head of the long mahogany dining table, the bright mid-week sun streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the pristine white porcelain plates before me. Betty moved silently around the space, pouring a fresh cup of green tea and setting down a small bowl of mixed berries and granola. The silence was heavy, but it was a silence I fully commanded.Since Sunday afternoon, Alexander hadn't set foot inside the apartment. He had sent a brief, clinical text message late Sunday night stating he was staying over at James’s apartment. I had replied with a simple, detached 'Okay.' We hadn't spoken a single word since. I hadn't spiraled, I hadn't checked the blogs, and I certainly hadn't let myself feel the sting of his absence. I was surviving on pure, unadulterated Bells pride.The heavy click of the private elevator doors broke the quiet.I didn't t
Last Updated: 2026-07-14
Chapter: Chapter 25: The Architecture of Distance Ruby’s POV The penthouse living room still smelled faintly of the morning’s abandoned mimosa and cold anger when Betty’s soft, hesitant footsteps approached the chaise lounge. I was sitting with my legs drawn up, wrapped in a plush, oversized cream silk robe that felt like the only shield I had left in Manhattan. My wild ginger curls were tied loosely in a silk scrunchie, and my face was completely bare, save for the dark circles of humiliation lingering beneath my green eyes. "Madame Ray," Betty murmured, bowing her head deferentially. "There is a Miss Allie Grace downstairs. She insists on seeing you. She... she is carrying a bakery box and refused to leave." I blinked in surprise, my green eyes narrowing slightly. "Allie Grace? What is she doing here?" Before Betty could even offer an answer, the private elevator chimed, and Allie Grace stepped directly into the living room. She didn't look like she was here to gossip or poke around for high-society secrets. She was bal
Last Updated: 2026-07-14
Chapter: Chapter 24: The Morning Paper Ruby’s POV The penthouse was dead silent when the Rolls-Royce dropped me off past midnight. I didn't bother turning on the main chandeliers. I walked through the cavernous, darkened living room, letting the heavy, emerald velvet train of my gown sweep over the cold Calacatta marble floor. I was exhausted, but it was a dizzying, triumphant kind of exhaustion. The gala had been an absolute masterpiece. Even without Alexander by my side, I had commanded that ballroom. I kicked off my Chanel heels, poured myself a generous glass of red wine from the crystal decanter, and collapsed onto the massive velvet sofa. I pulled down the structural zipper of my dress, letting the rich fabric fall loosely around my waist so I could breathe. I turned on the massive television screen, picking a random, mind-blowing thriller movie to fill the silence. He wants drama, I thought to myself, staring at the screen as I took a slow sip of wine. He thinks I’m going to throw a high-society tantrum, c
Last Updated: 2026-07-13
Chapter: Chapter 23: The Illusion of SolitudeAlex’s POV The air in Chicago didn't just feel cold; it felt entirely hollow. The Davenport estate sat on the frozen, secluded outskirts of the city, surrounded by towering iron gates and a suffocating wall of ancient pine trees. By the time my private jet touched down and the secure SUV pulled up the winding, gravel driveway, it was past midnight. The historic stone mansion loomed in the dark like a mausoleum, its windows dark save for a single amber light glowing from a second-floor window. My chest felt tight, an aggressive, suffocating weight pressing down on my lungs as I stepped out into the biting wind. I hadn't slept a single wink on the flight. My mind was a chaotic cocktail of exhaustion, a lingering, frustrating guilt over leaving Ruby in the dark back in Manhattan, and a primal, terrifying urge to see the blood of my blood. The heavy oak front door swung open before I could even reach for the brass knocker. Victoria stood in the dimly lit foyer. She had trad
Last Updated: 2026-07-12
Chapter: Chapter Fourteen: Café BlueprintsThe pavement of the off-campus strip was freezing under my bare feet, the bitter 1:00 AM air biting straight through my lounge shorts and thin t-shirt. I didn't care. My chest was heaving, my heart hammering a furious, erratic rhythm against my ribs as I hauled my heavy tote bag down the dimly lit sidewalk. I couldn't go back to the dorms like this. I didn't want to see Talia's face, and I didn't want to explain why the glittering, perfect romance had just shattered into a million pieces on a charcoal grey bedroom floor. My mind flashed to a month ago—the night of the retro-neon roller rink. I remembered the exact turn Malik had taken in the AMG when we dropped Chris off at his apartment building. It was only a six-block walk from Malik's penthouse, but by the time I reached the brick facade of the building, my breath was coming in ragged gasps, my toes completely numb. I pressed the buzzer for apartment 4B, my fingers trembling. A long, agonizing thirty seconds passed before
Last Updated: 2026-07-15
Chapter: Chapter Thirteen: Front RowsA month flies by at a completely different frequency when you're living inside a campus bubble.For the past four weeks, my life had been a blur of matte-black Mercedes drives, late-night takeout on a charcoal grey comforter, and getting to know the quiet, guarded boy behind the elite athletic facade. I learned that Malik hated tomatoes, that he listened to old-school jazz when he was genuinely stressed, and that he had a habit of biting his lower lip right before he drove the lane. And in return, the entire campus learned one definitive fact.Everyone knew I was Malik Thompson's girl."Kelsey, honey, if you don't stop fidgeting, the eyeliner will detect your anxiety," Chris warned, leaning across my desk with a liquid brush in his hand."I'm not anxious," I insisted, though my fingers were tightly gripping the edge of the vanity stool.For tonight's official pre-season opener, I wasn't just attending; I was representing. I was wearing an oversized Ashcroft basketball jersey with
Last Updated: 2026-07-15
Chapter: Chapter Twelve: Neon RollersThe bass from the sound system at the 4th Street Roller Rink was a physical thumping in my chest before we even stepped out of the matte-black AMG. The venue was a glorious, high-contrast time capsule—bathed in a wash of buzzing magenta and electric blue neon lights, with a steady stream of students laughing and clattering through the entrance in retro gear."Alright, let's see what this fashion kid's vision is about," Malik murmured, a slow, effortless smirk cutting through his features as he shifted the car into park.For the night out, we had completely coordinated without looking like a tragic, cheesy matching-couple post. Malik was wearing an oversized white vintage graphic tee that clung perfectly to his broad shoulders, relaxed dark-wash denim, and his signature heavy silver chain gleaming under the neon glare. I had leaned completely into my aesthetic: a high-waisted, pleated white retro tennis skirt, a cropped neon-pink baby tee that hit just above my waist, and my curls pu
Last Updated: 2026-07-14
Chapter: Chapter Eleven: Realities & Roller RinksThe text thread was already buzzing before my sneakers even hit the linoleum of the third-floor corridor. The Elites (3) Talia: So you're just going to leave us stranded in the dining hall while you vanish into thin air? Bianca: She's with the basketball player. Let her breathe, Talia. Kelsey: i'm back in the room o! come now now before i lose my mind The heavy wooden door to Room 304 didn't just open—it practically flew off its hinges. Talia burst in first, her voluminous blowout slightly wild from sprinting down the corridor, followed closely by Bianca, who closed the door behind them with her usual calculated precision. "Alright, unlock the vault," Talia demanded, dropping face-first onto my green duvet, her long legs dangling off the side. She rolled over, her eyes wide with frantic curiosity. "You vanished for three hours with the campus deity. Did he apologize? Did he explain the tragic two-letter text?" Bianca crossed her arms, leaning against my wardrobe, her sha
Last Updated: 2026-07-13
Chapter: Chapter Ten: Cardboard Roses & Accelerated TimelinesThe silence inside the matte-black AMG wasn't heavy, but it was loaded. The interior smelled intensely of Malik—expensive cedarwood, leather, and the lingering trace of mint. He steered with one hand on the steering wheel, his heavy silver chain catching the afternoon sun as we glided away from the campus quad and out onto the main road. "You hungry?" he asked, his voice low as he broke the quiet, pulling into the drive-thru of a premium burger joint off-campus. "What do you want?" "Just a chicken burger and a vanilla shake," I said, keeping my tone perfectly measured. He ordered, pulled up to the window, and tapped his card against the reader before I could even pretend to reach into my bag for my wallet. He handed the brown paper bag over to my lap, the warmth of the food radiating through the packaging. "Thanks," I murmured. "Don't mention it, Vance." A slow, knowing smirk touched his lips, but he kept his eyes on the road. Five minutes later, we pulled into the undergr
Last Updated: 2026-07-12
Chapter: Chapter Nine: The Creative Shift & The Direct Message"If you don't use the cuticle oil, the lavender tint won't pop," my mother's voice vibrated through my phone speaker, warm, clear, and perfectly grounded."I'm applying it right now, Mother, look," I said, tilting my camera down toward my left foot. I was sitting cross-legged in the center of my duvet, wearing my softest grey lounge shorts and a worn-out high school t-shirt. On my desk, my phone was propped perfectly against a stack of hardcover books. On the screen, my mum was sitting on the plush cream sofa back home in our living room, a matching glass bowl of warm water resting on her lap as she gave herself a corresponding Sunday pedicure. It was our sacred tradition, digitized across state lines."Much better," she approved, leaning closer to her screen. "Now, tell me about these grand campus plans. You sounded like a revolutionary on the phone yesterday, Kelsey."I let out a dramatic axial sigh, capping the lavender nail polish bottle. "I just... I want to be a meaningful p
Last Updated: 2026-07-11
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