Chapter 4 The Lies Start Feeling Real

Lily could still feel Julian's lips on hers long after his stepmother left the penthouse.

Her pulse hadn't settled. Her hands still trembled. And worst of all, her mind refused to stop replaying the moment.

The heat. The pressure. The way he had held her so firmly, like he had done it a hundred times before.

She had been kissed before, but never like that.

Never by a man like him.

She spun around, crossing her arms as she glared at him. He, of course, looked as calm and composed as ever, already fixing himself a drink like nothing had happened.

"That was not part of the deal."

Julian didn't even look at her as he poured whiskey into a crystal glass. "You're welcome."

"You're welcome?" Lily let out a disbelieving laugh. "You didn't do me a favor, Julian. You kissed me without warning!"

Now he looked at her. Slowly. His dark eyes gleamed with something unreadable as he took a sip of his drink. "And?"

Lily's mouth opened, then closed. She clenched her fists at her sides, fighting the heat rising to her cheeks.

"And?" she echoed. "You don't just go around kissing people because you feel like it!"

Julian's gaze flickered to the door. "Caroline is sharp. If she suspected for even a second that this was fake, she'd start digging."

His voice was steady, rational-like kissing her had been nothing more than a business transaction.

Lily swallowed, something sharp twisting in her chest.

"I didn't agree to-"

"You agreed to play the part." Julian stepped closer, his presence towering over her. "That means being convincing. That means not questioning me when I do what's necessary."

Her breath caught. His nearness was unsettling, overwhelming.

She hated how easily he unraveled her.

Hated that a small part of her wondered if he had enjoyed it, even a little.

She lifted her chin, refusing to let him see her squirm. "Next time, give me a damn warning before you go all method actor on me."

Something amused flickered in his gaze.

"Duly noted."

Then, as if he hadn't just turned her entire world upside down, he walked away.

Leaving Lily with a racing heart and a dangerous thought-

What if the kiss hadn't been fake for him either?

The Gala: Where the Lies Felt Too Real

Two days later, Lily stood in front of a mirror, barely recognizing herself.

The deep red dress clung to her curves, elegant yet bold, the silky material flowing over her skin like liquid fire.

She looked... expensive. Powerful.

Like she belonged in Julian Saint Clair's world.

"Breathe," she whispered to herself. "It's just one night."

The moment she stepped out of the room, Julian was waiting for her.

He was already dressed, his tuxedo perfectly tailored, the crisp white shirt emphasizing the strength of his shoulders.

For a second, he just stared.

His expression is unreadable. His gaze was slow and lingering.

Lily shifted. "What?"

His lips quivered slightly. "You clean up nicely."

She swallowed. "So do you."

Their eyes held for a moment too long before Julian turned and held out his hand. "Shall we?"

Lily hesitated.

Not because she didn't want to take it.

But because she didn't want to.

Still, she slid her hand into his, ignoring the way his grip felt warm and solid against hers.

The moment they stepped out of the car, the flashbulbs exploded.

"Julian! Over here!"

"Mr. Saint Clair, is this your fiancée?"

Lily's breath caught, but Julian was already in performance mode.

He pulled her close, his hand warm against the small of her back. He leaned in, murmuring against her ear.

"Smile, darling."

So she did.

She smiled, held his hand, and played her part flawlessly.

For the next hour, she charmed the elite, laughed in the right places, and let Julian's touches linger just enough to sell the fantasy.

But as the night went on, she noticed something.

Julian wasn't just acting.

There were moments-fleeting, barely noticeable-where his touches felt too natural. Where his gaze softened when he thought no one was watching.

And when another man-a cocky tech CEO-got a little too close, Julian's jaw tightened.

His grip on her waist became possessive.

His charm faded, replaced by something... almost territorial.

Was he... jealous?

Lily told herself she was imagining it. That Julian Saint Clair had no heart, no emotions, no interest in her beyond this contract.

But then-

The tech CEO leaned in, smirking. "So, Lily... are you as committed to this engagement as he is?"

Julian stiffened.

Lily forced a polite smile. "Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"

The man chuckled, swirling his drink. "I don't know. You don't seem like his usual type. Saint Clair's women are usually..." He glanced at Julian with a smirk. "More obedient."

Julian's entire body went rigid.

Before Lily could react, he placed his drink down, grabbed her wrist-

And dragged her away.

The Kiss That Changed Everything

Lily barely had time to catch her breath before Julian pulled her into a secluded alcove.

"Julian-"

"Screw the contract."

Her heart skipped a beat. "What?"

Julian exhaled, running a hand through his hair.

"I don't like the way he looked at you," he muttered.

Lily's throat went dry.

This was dangerous territory.

They were supposed to be faking this. Pretending.

But this... this didn't feel fake.

"Julian, it's just part of the act," she whispered. "Right?"

His eyes darkened. "Is it?"

Before she could answer-

He kissed her.

Not for the cameras. Not for the contract.

But because he wanted to.

And that changed everything.