Episode 1

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.

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