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Dressed to Impress
Dernière mise à jour:
2025-01-12 20:30:45
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Bouquet Of Deception The Grand Illusion
23EthanWe moved toward the grand entrance of the venue, and my jaw nearly dropped at the sight of the place. The towering golden gates framed by ivy, the soft glow of fairy lights hanging from the trees, and the sound of a distant string quartet—it all screamed elegance. Inside, I could already see well-dressed guests milling around, glasses of champagne in hand. I swallowed hard, feeling my stomach churn. My nerves were shot. My hands felt clammy, my heart raced, and I had the sudden, irrational urge to turn and run. God, I was so nervous I felt like peeing and pooping at the same time. My stomach hurt so bad I thought I might actually keel over. Riley, walking confidently beside me, must have noticed my panic because he reached over and grabbed my hand in his own. His grip was firm, warm, and grounding. I turned to look at him, wide-eyed, like a deer caught in headlights. “Breathe,” he said softly, his voice steady. “You’ve got this.” His words, paired with the gentle pr
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-01-13Bouquet Of Deception Borrowed Smiles
24EthanRiley’s hand tightened slightly on mine as he noticed my sudden tension. “Friend of yours?” he asked, his tone dripping with sarcasm. I groaned inwardly. “Far from it.”Jonathan’s grin widened as he stepped closer to our table, his eyes gleaming with that infuriating mix of smugness and mock concern. “Ethan!” he said, dragging out my name like he was savoring it. “What a surprise to see you here. Wow, *at the wedding of your ex,* no less. Didn’t think you’d show your face after… well, you know.” I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to stay calm. “Hello, Jonathan. Always a pleasure to see you.” Riley leaned back in his chair, his arm casually draping over the back of mine. “Who’s this?” he asked, his tone light but his gaze sharp. Jonathan’s attention flicked to Riley, and his expression faltered for half a second before he plastered on another fake smile. “Ah, and who might you be?” “Riley,” he said smoothly, extending a hand. “Ethan’s boyfriend.” Jonathan hesitate
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-01-13Bouquet Of Deception Fragments of Forever
25EthanThe first course arrived, and while everyone else dove into their salads, I couldn’t even muster the energy to pick up my fork. My mind buzzed with half-formed thoughts, questions I’d never get answers to, and regrets that felt heavier with every passing minute. Riley must’ve noticed my daze because he leaned in, his voice low enough that only I could hear. “You’ve got two choices, Ethan: you can let this night swallow you, or you can own it. Your call.” I glanced at him, his easy confidence like a lifeline. “How do you always know the right thing to say?” He smirked. “It’s a gift. And years of pretending to know what I’m doing.” I laughed, a real laugh this time, and his smirk softened into a warm smile. “Better,” he said, tapping his glass against mine. “Now eat something before you pass out. We’ve still got a lot of night ahead of us.” As I picked at my food, Riley casually turned the charm up a notch, laughing a little too loudly at my weak jokes and pulling m
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-01-13Bouquet Of Deception The Game of Chaos
26EthanThe moment the MC announced "Table 3," my heart sank, and my face burned. I darted a glance at Riley, hoping for some miraculous intervention. Instead, he grinned, exuding the kind of confidence that could make the world pause, he was already grinning like a man who lived for chaos. His tousled dark hair, sharp jawline, and piercing eyes seemed to command the attention of every guest in the room.“Looks like we’re up,” Riley said, nudging my arm. “Come on, it’ll be fun.”“Define *fun,*” I muttered, my voice laced with dread.“Humiliating Liam and Owen in front of a crowd counts as fun, doesn’t it?” His smirk widened. “Besides, you said you weren’t giving him the satisfaction. What better way than this?”I groaned, but the way Riley casually adjusted his cufflinks—drawing audible gasps from a group nearby—left me no choice but to follow him. As we made our way to the dance floor, the murmurs grew louder.“God, look at him,” I overheard someone whisper. “He’s so elegant… and t
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-01-14Bouquet Of Deception Bittersweet Revenge
27EthanRiley settled back into his seat, looking far too pleased with himself. I placed the bouquet on the table, glaring at him. “You’re enjoying this way too much.” He grinned. “Of course. You have to admit, it’s been entertaining.” I couldn’t argue with that. The mix of emotions on Liam’s face alone had been worth it. Speaking of Liam and Owen, they had both vanished shortly after Riley’s dramatic bouquet catch. “Where do you think they went?” I asked, glancing at their empty chairs. “Probably to sulk or scheme,” Riley said, leaning back in his chair and taking a sip of wine. “Though I wouldn’t put it past them to come back with some sort of ridiculous plan for revenge.” I chuckled at the thought. “Knowing them, that sounds about right.” Moments later, the lights dimmed slightly, and a spotlight illuminated the middle of the room. The MC’s voice boomed again. “Ladies and gentlemen, the moment we’ve all been waiting for—the arrival of the wedding cake!” The crowd erupt
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-01-14Bouquet Of Deception Shadows of the Past
28EthanThe music in the ballroom was lively, the kind of melody that made your toes tap even when you weren’t paying attention. Riley turned to me, his smirk softer now, less playful, more genuine. He held out a hand, his gaze steady. “Dance with me,” he said, his voice low but filled with a kind of confidence that made it impossible to say no.I raised an eyebrow, pretending to hesitate, but I couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at my lips. “You’re asking me to dance? Here? In front of everyone?”“Why not?” he asked, his grin widening. “Let’s give them something to talk about.”With a dramatic sigh, I placed my hand in his. He led me to the dance floor, weaving through the crowd with a natural ease that made me realize just how comfortable he was in his own skin. The moment we stepped onto the polished wood floor, he pulled me close, one hand resting lightly on my waist, the other holding mine securely. The music shifted to a slower tempo, and as we began to sway, I couldn’
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-01-15Bouquet Of Deception Waiting for Ethan
29RileyThe lively buzz of the ballroom had dulled into background noise as I swayed with Ethan just moments ago. Now, leaning casually against the bar, I scanned the crowd, my senses still attuned to the game we were playing tonight. I knew our little performance had its risks, especially with people like Jonathan lurking around. Jonathan—Ethan’s insufferable coworker. The man practically reeked of opportunism, and I’d bet my best leather jacket that he’d sniffed out this chance to cause trouble the moment Ethan left for the restroom. Sure enough, I caught his beady little eyes scanning the room before landing on me. Here we go. He approached, a smug smirk plastered on his face. “Riley, right?” I turned to face him fully, flashing my most polite smile—the kind that didn’t reach my eyes. “That’s me. And you’re Jonathan, correct? Ethan’s coworker?” Jonathan’s smirk deepened as he extended a hand. I shook it briefly, resisting the urge to wipe my palm on my pants afterward. H
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-01-16Bouquet Of Deception Dancing Shadows
30RileyEthan stiffened at first, his hands hovering awkwardly before settling on my waist. His touch was tentative, as if he were unsure of himself. “You’re surprisingly good at this fake boyfriend thing,” he murmured, his tone light but carrying an undertone of something deeper, heavier. I smirked, trying to keep my emotions in check despite the growing tension between us. “What can I say? I’m a natural. Besides, someone had to save you from Jonathan’s smarmy little mind games.” Ethan chuckled, the sound low and warm, but I could sense the tension still coiled in his body. His grip tightened just slightly, his protectiveness slipping through. “What happened with him? Did he try to approach you?” “Oh, he tried,” I said with a roll of my eyes, my voice laced with irritation. “But don’t worry, I handled him. He spent more time tripping over his own words than actually getting under my skin.” Ethan’s jaw tensed, his expression darkening. “That guy,” he muttered, his frustration
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-01-16
Latest chapter
Bouquet Of Deception 43
Riley’s POVI woke up to the feeling of warmth pressed against my chest, Ethan’s body curled into mine, his breath steady and slow.For a second, I just lay there, staring at the ceiling, trying to process everything.Holy shit.Last night was… intense. Incredible. Better than I ever could’ve imagined.I glanced down at him. His face was peaceful in sleep, his lips slightly parted, his dark hair a mess from my fingers running through it.God, he was beautiful.I felt a grin creep onto my face.Careful not to wake him, I ran my fingers lightly down his arm, enjoying the way his skin felt beneath my touch. His body shifted slightly, and I heard a sleepy groan escape him.“Mmm… what time is it?” he muttered, his voice raspy from sleep.I glanced at the clock on my nightstand. “Almost ten.”He groaned again, burying his face into my chest. “Too early.”I laughed softly. “Too early? After everything we did last night, I’d say we got plenty of rest.”He peeked up at me, his eyes still heavy
Bouquet Of Deception 42
Riley’s POVI woke up to the feeling of warmth pressed against my chest, Ethan’s body curled into mine, his breath steady and slow.For a second, I just lay there, staring at the ceiling, trying to process everything.Holy shit.Last night was… intense. Incredible. Better than I ever could’ve imagined.I glanced down at him. His face was peaceful in sleep, his lips slightly parted, his dark hair a mess from my fingers running through it.God, he was beautiful.I felt a grin creep onto my face.Careful not to wake him, I ran my fingers lightly down his arm, enjoying the way his skin felt beneath my touch. His body shifted slightly, and I heard a sleepy groan escape him.“Mmm… what time is it?” he muttered, his voice raspy from sleep.I glanced at the clock on my nightstand. “Almost ten.”He groaned again, burying his face into my chest. “Too early.”I laughed softly. “Too early? After everything we did last night, I’d say we got plenty of rest.”He peeked up at me, his eyes still heavy
Bouquet Of Deception 41
31RileyI didn’t sleep after that.Neither did Ethan, but he at least pretended to. I could hear him shifting under the blankets, the tension in his breathing giving him away. I lay still, staring at the ceiling, every muscle in my body tight. That sound in the hallway—it hadn’t been nothing. Someone had been there. Watching. Waiting.And I had a damn good idea who.By the time evening rolled around, I was done waiting for answers to come to us. If someone wanted to play games, I was going to beat them at it.Ethan was still half-asleep when I slipped out of the apartment, pulling on my jacket. I didn’t tell him where I was going—he’d only try to stop me.I needed to check my apartment again. Alone.The place was just as trashed as I’d left it. Papers still littered the floor, furniture overturned, the scent of dust and old whiskey lingering in the air. But as I stepped inside, something else hit me. A scent that didn’t belong.It was faint. Almost buried under everything else. But t
Bouquet Of Deception 40
?$$! 31Jane tapped her screen, opening her social media app. Her fingers flew across the keyboard, crafting the perfect post:Jane Cooper:"Betrayal cuts the deepest when it comes from someone you once trusted. After years of sacrifice, I was on the verge of securing the biggest deal of my career—until my ex-husband, Dylan, ruined everything out of petty jealousy. He couldn’t handle my success, so he made sure I lost it all. Some men just can’t stand to see a woman rise above them."She paused, rereading the words. They were strong, but they weren’t enough. She needed to twist the knife deeper. With a wicked gleam in her eyes, she continued:"And while I’ve been rebuilding from the damage he caused, he’s been doing just fine—thanks to Helen Nelson’s generosity. It’s funny, isn’t it? Some men will do anything to avoid earning their own way in life."Lisa let out a low whistle. “Savage. I love it.”Jane stared at the post for a moment longer, then, with a satisfied smirk, hit Post.31
Bouquet Of Deception 39
RileyEthan was avoiding me.Not obviously—not in a way that anyone else would notice—but I knew.He was quieter than usual. Fidgety. Kept his eyes on the TV but wasn’t actually watching. His fingers tapped against his knee like his thoughts were running too fast, like he couldn’t settle. And most importantly? He wasn’t looking at me. Not really.Which was funny, considering how, just minutes ago, he’d been pulling me down on top of him like he wanted me to ruin him.I smirked at the thought, shifting on the couch, letting my arm drape over the back of it—casual, easy. Ethan didn’t move away, but he didn’t lean into it, either.Interesting.“You’re thinking too much again,” I murmured, voice low.He tensed, a flicker of something crossing his face. “Am not.”I chuckled. “Liar.”That got me a glare, but it was half-hearted at best. His lips parted like he wanted to say something else, but then he stopped himself, shaking his head and focusing back on the screen.Right. That was enough
Bouquet Of Deception 38
Ethan I didn’t move at first. Didn’t breathe. Didn’t think. Because Riley was kissing me. Again. And just like the first time—just like at the wedding—I didn’t stop him. My brain barely had time to catch up before my body betrayed me, melting into the kiss like I’d been waiting for it. Maybe I had. His lips were firm, sure, like he already knew I wouldn’t pull away. Like he was daring me to push him off but knowing I wouldn’t. Because I never did. I wasn’t bold like him. I hesitated, second-guessed, let my thoughts get in the way of everything. But Riley? He just did what he wanted. Took what he wanted. And right now… He wanted me. The realization sent a shock through me, made my fingers curl into his hoodie, holding onto him as his hand slid to the back of my neck. He wasn’t letting me go. And hell, I wasn’t sure I wanted him to. But then— The microwave beeped. Loud. Obnoxious. Ruining everything. Riley pulled back first, but he didn’t go far. Just enough to smirk, his
Bouquet Of Deception 37
EthanI didn’t move at first.Didn’t breathe.Didn’t think.Because Riley was kissing me. Again.And just like the first time—just like at the wedding—I didn’t stop him.My brain barely had time to catch up before my body betrayed me, melting into the kiss like I’d been waiting for it. Maybe I had. His lips were firm, sure, like he already knew I wouldn’t pull away. Like he was daring me to push him off but knowing I wouldn’t.Because I never did.I wasn’t bold like him. I hesitated, second-guessed, let my thoughts get in the way of everything. But Riley? He just did what he wanted. Took what he wanted.And right now…He wanted me.The realization sent a shock through me, made my fingers curl into his hoodie, holding onto him as his hand slid to the back of my neck. He wasn’t letting me go. And hell, I wasn’t sure I wanted him to.But then—The microwave beeped.Loud. Obnoxious. Ruining everything.Riley pulled back first, but he didn’t go far. Just enough to smirk, his breath fanning
Bouquet Of Deception 36
31RileyI didn’t sleep after that.Neither did Ethan, but he at least pretended to. I could hear him shifting under the blankets, the tension in his breathing giving him away. I lay still, staring at the ceiling, every muscle in my body tight. That sound in the hallway—it hadn’t been nothing. Someone had been there. Watching. Waiting.And I had a damn good idea who.By the time evening rolled around, I was done waiting for answers to come to us. If someone wanted to play games, I was going to beat them at it.Ethan was still half-asleep when I slipped out of the apartment, pulling on my jacket. I didn’t tell him where I was going—he’d only try to stop me.I needed to check my apartment again. Alone.The place was just as trashed as I’d left it. Papers still littered the floor, furniture overturned, the scent of dust and old whiskey lingering in the air. But as I stepped inside, something else hit me. A scent that didn’t belong.It was faint. Almost buried under everything else. But t
Bouquet Of Deception Karma’s After party
35Ethan“I can’t slow down! This is GOLD!” she interrupted, her laughter bubbling through the phone. “Hold on, I’m sending you a link. No, actually, put me on speaker. Riley has to hear this!”I glanced at Riley, who was already looking at me with raised eyebrows. With a sigh, I hit the speaker button. “You’re on,” I said.“RILEY!” Ava shouted, her excitement palpable. “Check your phone right now! It’s all over Twitter, TikTok, everything! Liam’s wedding is the *scandal* of the year!”Riley’s eyes widened, and he immediately pulled out his phone, his fingers flying over the screen. “Wait, no way,” he muttered, his expression shifting as he scrolled. Then, suddenly, he let out a bark of laughter. “Oh my God. She’s right. Ethan, you have to see this.”“What are you looking at?” I asked, still trying to process everything.“The hashtags are insane,” Riley said, turning his phone to show me the screen. “‘#LiamLiar,’ ‘#OwenDeservesBetter,’ ‘#WeddingGoneWrong’—dude, you’re *everywhere*.”
