I was late. Again.

If it were just that, it would be fine. But I was also still heartbroken.

Five years. Five years of my life thrown in the trash because James, my ex-fiance and my boss's son, decided it would be more fun to cheat on me and introduce his mistress as his new fiancee in front of everyone.

And me? Suffering for a month watching the couple rub their romance in my face. It's three in the afternoon, and I had an important trial and was fifteen minutes late.

“Damn, damn, damn!” I muttered to myself as I ran through the courthouse.

In my hurry, I bumped into someone—a tall, broad-shouldered man dressed in a dark suit.

“I’m sorry!” I blurted out without even looking back.

He said something, but I was already far away, running to the courtroom. My client, a woman with tired eyes and a distressed expression, was waiting.

“Forgive me for the delay, Mrs. Parker. Let’s get this sorted out.”

The trial was intense, but in the end, my client emerged victorious, securing custody of her children. She hugged me, emotional.

“Thank you, Ms. Evans. You don’t know what this means to me.”

I smiled, trying to forget the disaster that was my own love life.

But my peace was short-lived. My phone vibrated. A message from my coworker, Charlotte.

Charlotte: Are you coming to The Grand Hotel yet? Everyone’s already here.

Shit. The office event! How could I forget?

I rushed out of the courthouse and hailed a car through an app. A black sedan was parked out front. I didn’t think twice: I got in and slammed the door.

“Please, to The Grand Hotel. As fast as possible. My life depends on it!”

The driver said nothing. He just started driving.

I stayed on my phone, exchanging messages with Charlotte.

Charlotte: Guess who’s here?

Me: For God’s sake, don’t tell me it’s James’s mistress.

Charlotte: I heard her name is Olivia Blanco. And yes, she’s here. Smiling, being nice, playing the good Samaritan…

Me: Hate.

I sighed, frustrated. James really had no limits.

Suddenly, I realized the car was too quiet.

“What’s your name?” I asked, without even looking at the driver.

He answered in a calm tone:

“Lorenzo Morreti.”

I looked up. Only then did I notice him.

He had slightly messy dark hair, a well-groomed beard, and honey-colored eyes. An air of someone who worried about almost nothing. Wearing a dark suit too elegant for an app driver, with an expensive watch on his wrist.

“And your name?” he asked, a slight smile playing on his lips.

“Ruby Evans,” I replied.

Frustration overflowed. And then, on impulse and out of sheer emotional desperation, I started to vent.

“I just got out of a failed engagement. Five years thrown in the trash. I trusted him, you know? James promised marriage, promised the world. And in the end? I was betrayed, discarded. He announced his engagement to another woman in front of everyone!”

Lorenzo said nothing. He just drove, occasionally glancing curiously through the rearview mirror.

And then, to my horror, I felt my eyes well up with tears.

“I never cry,” I muttered, trying to hold back my despair. “Never. I only cried when I was born, and now I’m crying in a car, in front of a stranger.”

Lorenzo let out a low laugh.

“Well, I can pretend I’m not looking, if that helps.”

I threw my head back, staring at the car ceiling.

“I need revenge. I can’t go there looking like the rejected ex-fiancee.”

He arched an eyebrow.

“And what do you intend to do?”

It was then that an absurd idea struck me.

I turned to him, determined.

“Do you want to earn some extra money?”

He glanced at me sideways, clearly curious.

“Depends on what it is.”

I swallowed hard. Was I really going to do this?

“Pretend to be my boyfriend for one night.”

Lorenzo blinked. Then he laughed.

“Are you serious?”

“Yes!” I exclaimed. “I need to walk in there with an incredible man by my side. Make James choke on his regret. And you…”—I looked him over better—“you look like you’d know how to play the part.”

He smirked.

“And what do I get out of it?”

“I’ll pay for the ride, pay for your time, and if you play the part well, I’ll even give you a bonus.”

Lorenzo made a thoughtful sound.

“Tempting. But would I have to pretend I’m in love with you?”

“Exactly.”

He stopped at a red light and turned to me, his honey-colored eyes piercing mine.

“So I’d have to look at you with desire, touch your waist, maybe even kiss you…?”

I swallowed hard.

“If it’s necessary for the performance.”

He smiled, clearly enjoying the situation.

“This could be interesting.”

The light turned green, and he started driving again.

“Are you accepting?” I asked, anxiously.

Lorenzo paused dramatically.

“I accept. But on one condition.”

“Which is?”

He gave me a mischievous look.

“I want a free dinner at The Grand.”

I rolled my eyes but nodded.

“Deal.”

The car stopped in front of the luxurious hotel. I took a deep breath.

Lorenzo opened the door for me, extended his hand, and with a charming smile, said:

“Ready to make your ex die of jealousy?”

I took his hand and smiled.

“More than ever.”

And then we walked into the hotel, ready to cause a scandal.

The Grand Hotel was even more extravagant than I remembered. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, reflecting the golden light of the ballroom. The white marble floor shone impeccably, and the scent of expensive wine and spices filled the air.

Lorenzo walked beside me with absurd confidence, as if he belonged there. The man had presence, I had to admit. His posture was impeccable, and the way his eyes scanned the room showed he wasn't just anyone.

“Who is this guy?” I muttered to myself.

“Did you say something?” he asked, looking at me with a slight smile.

“Nothing. Just stay in character.”

“Relax, Evans. This is going to be fun.”

I swallowed hard. Fun for him, maybe. For me, it was my reputation at stake.

As soon as we entered the main hall, I felt eyes land on us. My office colleagues were scattered at the dining tables and near the bar, drinking and talking.

And then, I saw him.

James.

He was standing near the center of the hall, wearing a perfectly tailored gray suit. By his side, holding his arm like a soap opera actress, was Olivia. The woman responsible for the end of my engagement.

She was… perfect. There was no denying it. Blonde hair in sophisticated waves, a red dress that screamed money, a fake smile from someone who knew exactly what she was doing.

My stomach churned.

Before I could think, Lorenzo wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me close.

“You’re trembling,” he murmured in my ear.

“I’m not…” I started to say, but, to my surprise, I was.

His touch was warm, secure. Something I hadn’t expected.

“Showtime,” he said, and before I could react, he leaned in to kiss my temple.

My body froze. I felt the stares. I saw James frown when he noticed us. I saw Olivia narrow her eyes. And, to my own surprise, I found myself enjoying their reaction.

Charlotte appeared beside me in seconds, her eyes wide.

“Who is this gorgeous man, and why didn’t I know you were dating?”

I smiled, holding back a laugh.

“Charlotte, this is Lorenzo Morreti, my boyfriend.”

Lorenzo shook her hand with a charming smile.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. Ruby talks a lot about you.”

Charlotte blinked, clearly not understanding anything, but soon smiled mischievously.

“She talks about me? Well, I have so many stories to tell about Ruby…”

Before I could stop her, I heard a male voice behind me.

“Ruby?”

I turned slowly.

James was looking at me with an indecipherable expression.

“James,” I replied, keeping my tone cold.

His eyes scanned Lorenzo beside me, his arm still firm around my waist.

“I didn’t know you… were with someone.”

Lorenzo smiled and squeezed my waist lightly, a possessive and intentional gesture.

“Oh, we’ve been together for a while. But Ruby has been discreet about it so as not to bother you. She doesn’t like to draw attention.”

My eyes widened. What a convincing liar!

James frowned, clearly irritated.

“How interesting.”

Olivia smiled sweetly.

“What a wonderful surprise, Ruby! You found someone so quickly. I’m so happy for you.”

The mockery in her voice made me want to throw a drink in her face.

But Lorenzo stepped in before I could respond.

“Yes, we’re very happy. I fell in love with Ruby the moment I saw her. How could I not? She’s brilliant, beautiful, and…”—he turned to me and, without warning, cupped my face in his hands—“completely irresistible.”

Before I could process it, he kissed me.

I was left breathless.

It wasn’t a quick or superficial kiss. It was deep, confident, and full of an assurance that left me dizzy. Lorenzo knew what he was doing. He leaned into me, pulling me closer, his fingers gently gliding over my face.

The entire room seemed to disappear.

Narrated by Ruby Evans.

The silence that followed the kiss was so intense I could hear my own heart pounding in my chest.

James was motionless, his jaw clenched. Olivia squeezed his arm, but her eyes pierced me as if I had committed a crime.

It was Lorenzo who broke the silence.

"Well, I guess everyone knows we're together now." He gently ran his thumb over the corner of my lips, as if he wanted to prolong the effect of the scene. "Darling, want a drink?"

"Darling?" I didn't know whether to laugh or push him away, but I decided to play along.

"I'd love one."

Charlotte grabbed my arm as soon as Lorenzo walked away towards the bar.

"Ruby. For God's sake. What was that?!"

I blinked a few times, still trying to process what had just happened.

"I..." I shook my head. "Long story."

She crossed her arms.

"I have time."

I sighed and discreetly looked at James. He was still there, looking at me as if trying to decipher a riddle.

"I needed a final play against James," I confessed in a whisper. "So, I kind of hired a stranger to pretend to be my boyfriend."

Charlotte's eyes widened, and she brought her hand to her chest, as if she needed support to keep from fainting.

"You WHAT?!"

"Shh!" I covered her mouth. "Do you want everyone to hear?"

"Have you gone mad?!"

"Maybe a little."

Before she could continue, Lorenzo returned with two glasses of wine. He handed one to me and put his arm around my waist again, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"What are you talking about?" he asked, with an amused smile.

"Oh, Lorenzo," Charlotte smiled forcedly. "I'm just getting to know the mysterious man better who appeared out of nowhere and swept my friend off her feet."

He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused.

"Well, Ruby and I have a special connection. It all happened very quickly, but when you know, you know, right?"

Charlotte narrowed her eyes at me, and I returned the look with a silent plea for her not to expose me.

Lorenzo took a sip of wine and leaned towards me.

"Your ex is still looking."

I took a deep breath and turned slightly. James was indeed watching us, his fists clenched.

Then Lorenzo whispered in my ear:

"Want to have a little more fun?"

My eyes narrowed.

"What are you up to?"

He smiled.

"Dance with me."

I blinked, surprised.

"What?"

"You heard me."

"But I..."

Before I could argue, Lorenzo took my glass, placed it on a nearby table, and took my hand.

"Trust me, Evans."

And, suddenly, I was being pulled onto the dance floor.

The hall was crowded, but it seemed like everyone made space for us. Slow music filled the room, and Lorenzo placed his hand on my waist naturally, guiding me as if we'd been doing this for years.

"You dance too well for an app driver," I teased.

He chuckled softly.

"Who said I'm just a driver?"

I frowned.

"So, who are you?"

He twirled me gently and pulled me close again.

"For now, I'm your fake boyfriend. Let's keep it that way."

I should have been worried. I should have asked questions before dragging a complete stranger into this charade.

But, for some reason, being there, in his arms, felt like the most right thing I'd done in a long time.

And, as we danced under everyone's curious gazes, I realized that Lorenzo Moretti, or whoever he was, still held many secrets.

My head was spinning a little, but I just wanted to keep having fun. Lorenzo was great company, even though I barely knew who he was.

"One more!" I raised my glass, and Lorenzo rolled his eyes before accepting the toast.

"Are you trying to get me drunk, Ruby?"

"Maybe." I let out a laugh, already feeling the effects of the alcohol completely loosening me up.

The hall was almost empty now. Most of the lawyers from the firm had left, including James. Hallelujah! He finally stopped looking at me like I was a puzzle he couldn't solve.

"You won, Ruby." Lorenzo leaned against the bar counter, watching me with an amused smile.

"Won what?"

"Your ex. He was pissed, you could see it from a mile away."

I smiled triumphantly and took another sip of my drink.

"Serves him right."

Lorenzo tilted his head, analyzing me as if trying to decipher something in me.

"Are you always like this?"

"Like what?"

"Determined. Fun. A little crazy."

I laughed out loud and leaned against him, feeling his firmness. The man was strong. And warm. And he was smiling in a way that made me want to get closer.

And then, on an impulse, I opened my purse and took out a wad of cash.

"Here. Does this cover your services for the night?"

Lorenzo looked at the money and then at me, clearly holding back laughter.

"Are you trying to pay me?"

"Yes."

He pushed the money back towards me.

"I don't need this, Ruby."

"But I insist!"

"Ruby..."

"Lorenzo..."

He laughed, took the money, and put it back in my purse.

"Let's do this: I'll keep the experience of an interesting night, and you keep your money."

I pouted.

"Fair enough."

And then, before I knew it, we were laughing, drinking more, and when I realized... we were in a hotel room.

"What?!" I looked around, blinking several times.

The room was luxurious, with a king-size bed covered in pristine white sheets. The soft carpet cushioned my faltering steps.

Lorenzo looked at me with amusement.

"You're the one who brought me here, remember?"

I blinked.

"Me?"

He nodded.

"You practically dragged me."

I let out a drunken laugh and then...

"How much do you want to sleep with me?"

Lorenzo's eyes widened, and then he burst out laughing.

"Ruby, are you trying to hire me?!"

"I'm not trying. I'm offering an excellent deal."

He moved closer, his eyes sparkling with amusement and... something more.

"Do you always do this?"

"Never." I smiled. "But I'm tired of being a goody-two-shoes."

Before he could say anything, I pulled him by the collar of his shirt and kissed him.

The kiss was anything but gentle. It was intense, fierce, full of pent-up desire and alcohol. His hands slid around my waist, gripping my skin as if he wanted to mark me.

And, suddenly, there was no turning back.

My body was pushed onto the bed as Lorenzo got rid of my shirt, kissing every exposed inch of skin. My heart hammered, my breath was ragged, and I felt alive.

My hands tugged at his hair as he kissed my cleavage, and I gasped as I felt his lips exploring my skin.

"Lorenzo..." I moaned softly, feeling his touch drive me wild.

He looked at me in a way that made my skin tingle.

"Are you sure about this?"

I looked at him and smiled.

"Absolutely."

And then, the night happened.

I woke up to sunlight streaming through the curtains and a strange sense of comfort.

Something warm enveloped me. Something firm. Something that breathed...

I opened my eyes and saw Lorenzo beside me, sleeping peacefully.

Shit.

I moved slowly and felt the sheet slide over my skin.

I'm naked. I slept with him.

I covered my mouth with my hand, my brain trying to process everything.

Then I looked at the watch on my wrist.

8:30 AM

WHAT?!

I jumped out of bed as if I'd gotten an electric shock.

"What...?" Lorenzo murmured sleepily, opening one eye.

"I have a trial at nine!"

He blinked, looking confused.

"Is the hotel on fire?"

"Worse! I'M LATE!"

I ran around the room, grabbing my clothes, trying to get dressed in record time. My shoes were tossed to one side, my skirt to the other... How did this happen?!

Lorenzo watched me with a lazy smirk.

"Do you need help?"

"No, I need a teleporter!"

I grabbed my purse and, on impulse, took out the wad of cash and handed it to him.

"This is for the hotel and the wonderful night. Thank you so, so much for helping me!"

He sat up, blinking a few times.

"Ruby, I already told you—"

"Bye!"

I ran out of the room before he could finish.

I didn't know if I was running from shame, from Lorenzo, or from my own insanity.

But one thing was certain:

Last night would change everything.

I arrived at the office with my head still full of Ruby Evans. I couldn't stop thinking about her. The scent of her perfume still seemed to be in the air, the softness of her skin, and the way her eyes shone when she was completely vulnerable, talking about her life and crying in my car.

There was nothing like it, ever before. It was as if she had given herself in a way I had never seen. And I, well… I was completely fascinated.

I entered my office and went straight to my room, but before I could close the door, I heard the voice of Lucca, my cousin. He was sitting in one of the armchairs, with a curious look, and that was, generally, a very bad sign.

"So, brother, what happened?" He raised an eyebrow. "You seem distant, like you've seen a ghost."

I let out a sigh, trying to organize my thoughts. It wasn't easy to talk about what I was feeling. I, who had always been cautious with my emotions and, to tell the truth, even had a certain reluctance to get attached to anyone. But Ruby… she caught me by surprise.

Lucca noticed my hesitation and let out a low laugh, as if he already knew what it was about.

"You're thinking about someone, aren't you?"

"What?" I said, a little embarrassed, trying to hide my discomfort.

"There's no point in denying it, brother. You're never like this. What happened?"

I stopped and looked at him, I knew there was no escaping this. Lucca was my cousin, but he was also my best friend and brother. He had always known me like no one else, and he knew when something was bothering me.

I took a deep breath and decided to be honest.

"I don't know, brother. I've never felt this before. I don't even know how to explain it. When I saw Ruby for the first time, bumping into me at the entrance of the Forum, it was like a shock. I've never been the type of guy who believes in 'love at first sight' or anything like that. But with her… it was different. I couldn't even move when she got into my car, thinking I was a ride-share driver."

Lucca laughed, and I felt he was having more fun than he should.

"So you let the woman get into your car without asking anything? You really were a good driver, huh? No, it wasn't just that. I see the sparkle in your eyes. It was what happened after she got in. Tell me more about it."

I let out a nervous, somewhat embarrassed laugh.

"Then… she started talking about her life. I've never heard anyone open up like that. And she was so vulnerable, man, talking about her ex, the breakup, the broken promises… she was really destroyed. I never imagined I'd hear a woman cry like that, especially a woman as beautiful and confident as she seemed."

Lucca looked at me with an amused expression, as if he were waiting for a more interesting part of the story.

"Then, you thought: 'Now's the time to be the hero'?"

"No, Lucca!" I shouted, laughing nervously. "I'm nobody's hero. I just… I don't know. I think something about her moved me. And then, she made a proposal. She offered me money to pretend to be her boyfriend, as if it were a quick solution to her problem."

Lucca almost choked on his own laughter.

"What do you mean? She offered you money?"

"Yes, to pretend to be her boyfriend," I replied, still feeling a little uncomfortable with the way things happened. "And, you know, I accepted. I don't even know what got into me, but I accepted. I was so curious, so… lost in that situation, that I just accepted."

"And what happened next?" Lucca asked, now completely invested in the story.

I moved away from the desk and started walking around the room.

"Well, after that, things got out of control. She was drinking… I was too… and things kind of happened. One kiss, another kiss, and suddenly we were there, in a hotel room, doing things I never imagined doing with a woman I just met. But, Lucca… the best part? The best part was the whole night. The woman is a beast in bed, no kidding. I don't know how, but it seemed like the whole world had disappeared and only we were left."

Lucca couldn't stop laughing, and I was starting to feel embarrassed by the direction the conversation was taking.

"Man, are you telling me that a woman you met hours ago made you lose control like that?"

"I don't know what happened! I've never been like this. I'm always… rational, you know? Always analytical, calculating. But with Ruby… it was as if my brain had been turned off. And then, when dawn broke and she was about to leave… she paid me, Lucca. She paid me for the night. Literally, gave me money, thinking she was paying me for a service."

Lucca laughed so hard he had to hold onto the chair to keep from falling.

"That's not possible, man! She really paid you?"

"Yes! And when she was leaving, fleeing as if she were running from a crime, she didn't even look back. She just ran. As if there were no tomorrow."

Lucca was crying from laughing so hard.

"And you? What did you do?"

"I just watched her go, Lucca. I didn't know what to think. I didn't even know what to do. I've never been paid by a woman to go out with her, you know? Usually, I'm the one who pays the bills."

"So, what are you going to do? Are you going to let Ruby get away like that, or are you going after her?"

I took a deep breath and leaned against the wall, still feeling the confusion in my head.

"I don't know. I don't know if it's just an impulse. I don't know what this is. But I think, somehow, I need to see her again. I can't just let it end like this, without even understanding what happened."

Lucca stopped laughing and looked at me with a more serious smile.

"Enzo, have you ever been in love before?"

I hesitated for a second before answering.

"No. Never."

He stared at me with a serious look, as if he were trying to understand where I really was, emotionally.

"So, maybe you're starting now. And who knows what will happen?"

I laughed, a little disconcerted by Lucca's words.

"Don't get carried away, brother. I just can't stop thinking about her, that's all."

But deep down, I knew he was right. Something was happening, something I couldn't control. I just needed to find out what it was.