Home / LGBTQ+ / Bouquet Of Deception / The Invitation

Share

Bouquet Of Deception
Bouquet Of Deception
Author: Quill Enchantress

The Invitation

last update Last Updated: 2024-12-04 10:14:28

Chapter One: The Invitation

Ethan's POV

I didn’t expect much when I opened the mail that morning. Bills, maybe a flyer for a local pizza joint, or yet another notice from my landlord about “building improvements” that never actually happened. But when I saw HIS name on the envelope, my breath caught.  

Liam Carter. My ex-boyfriend. 

With shaky hands, I ripped it open, and there it was—a wedding invitation, embossed in gold foil and scented with some absurdly expensive cologne he used to wear. My eyes skimmed the elegant calligraphy, but the words blurred as my mind raced.  

Liam Carter and Owen Taylor request the pleasure of your company at their wedding.

Three months. Three measly months since we broke up after a three-year relationship, and he was already tying the knot? My stomach churned, bile rising at the thought. My first reaction was disbelief. Then rage.  

How long had he been planning this? How long had Owen been in the picture? Was it even possible to fall in love and plan a wedding in three months, or—my heart sank—had Liam been cheating on me all along?  

Damn it! 

A sharp crack snapped me out of my spiraling thoughts. I looked down to find my knuckles white, the invitation crumpled in my grip. I flattened it out on the counter, inhaling deeply, but the anger lingered, hot and persistent.  

Ava, my best friend, was perched on the couch, munching on a bag of chips as she scrolled through her phone. She glanced up at me and immediately noticed my thunderous expression.  

“Uh-oh. What’s wrong now? Did your landlord finally cut the water off?” she asked, popping another chip into her mouth.  

I marched over and thrust the invitation into her hands. She read it, her green eyes widening before she let out a low whistle.  

“No way,” she said, shaking her head. “This guy has the audacity to invite you to his wedding? What kind of psychopath does that?”  

“The kind I dated for three years,” I muttered, pacing back and forth.  

Ava hesitated before suggesting, “You don’t have to go, you know. You could just, I don’t know, burn this and pretend it never existed?”  

“Skip it? Absolutely not!” I snapped, halting my frantic steps. “If I don’t show up, it’ll look like I’m hiding, like I’m still broken over him. I’m not giving Liam that satisfaction.”  

“Okay, but…” Ava frowned. “Showing up alone might not be the power move you’re hoping for.”  

“Exactly,” I said, snapping my fingers. “That’s why I need a date. A fake boyfriend who’s charming, confident, and—”  

“Hotter than Liam?” Ava smirked, arching a brow.  

“Obviously,” I said, rolling my eyes.  

The next two days were a disaster. Dating apps, acquaintances, even Ava’s barista coworkers—none were suitable. By Saturday, I was ready to give up. That’s when I heard the commotion outside.  

Boxes thudded onto the pavement, followed by a frustrated “Damn it!” Curious, I peeked out my window to see a moving van parked in front of the neighboring apartment.  

That’s when I saw him.  

He stood by the van, struggling with an oversized box, his fluffy brown curls glinting in the sunlight. He looked young—mid-twenties, maybe—with piercing grey eyes and an effortless charm.  

“New neighbor,” I muttered to myself. Without thinking, I grabbed my jacket and headed downstairs.  

“Need a hand?” I asked, stepping onto the sidewalk.  

He turned to me, startled, and then smiled—a radiant, disarming smile that sent an unexpected flutter through my chest. “Thanks, but I’ve got it,” he said, though the box wobbled in his arms.  

Ignoring his protest, I grabbed the other side and helped him carry it inside. His apartment was sparsely furnished but cozy, with sunlight streaming through large windows.  

 “Where do you want this?” I asked.  

“Just set it by the wall,” he said, gesturing.  

Once the box was down, he let out a breath. “You’re a lifesaver, thank you.”  

“Anytime,” I said, brushing off my hands.  

 I then introduced myself. “I’m Ethan. I live next door.”  

“Riley,” he replied, extending a hand. His grip was firm, his palm warm.  

Riley’s eyes landed on the rest of the boxes stacked outside. “Actually, there’s... uh... more.”  

I laughed, rolling up my sleeves. “Of course there is. Let’s get to it.”  

Over the next hour, we hauled box after box into his apartment. As we worked, Riley chatted about his move.  

“So, what brought you here?” I asked as we set another box down.  

“Needed a change,” he said with a shrug. “I’m a freelance photographer, so I figured, why not move somewhere inspiring?”  

“Welcome to the building,” I said. “It’s inspiring, all right. Mostly if you’re into cracked walls and loud neighbors.”  

Riley chuckled. “Sounds charming.”  

When we finished, Riley wiped his brow and turned to me with an easy smile. “You deserve a coffee for that. I was going to brew some—care to join me?”  

I hesitated. He was cute. And I had nothing better to do. “Why not?”  

Riley’s kitchen was small but tidy, his coffee maker humming softly. He handed me a steaming mug.  

“So, what about you?” he asked, leaning against the counter. “What do you do?”  

“Graphic design,” I said, sipping my coffee. “And sometimes hauling boxes for neighbors, apparently.”  

Riley laughed, a warm, deep sound. “Well, if you ever need photos for your projects, let me know. I owe you.”  

As we chatted, I felt oddly comfortable. Riley had this effortless charm that made talking easy. That’s when an idea struck me.  

He could be perfect.

My heart raced as I considered the absurdity of the plan. Yet, before I could second-guess myself, I leaned forward, meeting his curious gaze.  

“Hey, Riley,” I said, setting my mug down.  

“Yeah?” he asked, tilting his head slightly.  

“This is going to sound... strange. But I have a favor to ask.”  

His brows furrowed in curiosity. “What kind of favor?”  

I hesitated, my pulse quickening. I took a deep breath. “Would you be willing to be my boyfriend?”  

Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App

Related chapters

  • Bouquet Of Deception    Strange Request

    Chapter 2: Strange Request Riley’s POV I had barely finished my first sip of coffee when Ethan dropped the question, and for a moment, I wasn’t sure if I’d heard him right. “Would you be willing to be my boyfriend?” I blinked at him, the mug halfway to my lips. My heart stuttered in my chest as his words sank in. Ethan shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his hazel eyes darting to the floor before meeting mine again. “You… you want me to be your what now?” I asked, setting the mug down carefully. He winced, running a hand through his dark brown hair, a habit I’d already noticed in the hour or so we’d spent together. “Not my real boyfriend,” he clarified quickly, his voice laced with embarrassment. “Just… fake. For one day. Maybe two.” “Fake boyfriend,” I echoed, leaning back against the counter. Of all the things I expected from my new neighbor, this wasn’t it. My wolf stirred uneasily beneath the surface, sensing something intriguing about this man, though I couldn’t pinpo

    Last Updated : 2024-12-04
  • Bouquet Of Deception    A Practice Run

    Chapter 3: A Practice RunEthan's POVI couldn’t believe Riley had actually agreed. Relief washed over me, but it was quickly followed by the realization that I had no idea how to pull this off. “So,” Riley said, leaning casually against the counter, his grey eyes twinkling with amusement. “What’s the story? How did we meet?” “Uh…” I paused, racking my brain. “We met… at a coffee shop?” Riley raised an eyebrow, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “A coffee shop? Really? That’s the best you’ve got?” “Hey, it’s believable!” I protested, crossing my arms. “Sure,” he said, his tone teasing. “Except we’d need to agree on which coffee shop, who approached who, and what we were drinking. You know, details.” I groaned, running a hand through my hair. “Okay, fine. How about you come up with something, then, Mr. Creative?” Riley chuckled, tapping his chin thoughtfully. “Hmm. How about this? You were at a bookstore, hopelessly lost in the self-help section. I came over

    Last Updated : 2024-12-09
  • Bouquet Of Deception    Flashback

    Chapter 4: Flashback Riley’s POVI woke up with a jolt, my heart pounding so hard I thought it might burst out of my chest. My sheets were soaked in sweat, clinging to me like a second skin, and the faint scent of the forest still lingered in my nose, a cruel trick my mind played on me.The nightmare had come again. The same one.I swung my legs off the bed, my feet hitting the cool wooden floor as I ran a trembling hand through my hair. I couldn’t get the images out of my head: blood staining the earth, my father’s body lying limp in the moonlight, the sharp, snarling voice of the Beta accusing me.“You did this, Riley! You killed him!”“Stop,” I muttered to myself, squeezing my eyes shut. But the memories weren’t just nightmares. They were real.I pulled in a shaky breath, trying to steady myself. My wolf, speedy clawed at the surface, angry and restless. It always happened after these dreams as if the wolf wanted to rip through me and go back to that night, to fight, to avenge.

    Last Updated : 2024-12-09
  • Bouquet Of Deception    Running Into Shadows

    Chapter 5: Running Into ShadowsEthan I woke up unusually excited that morning. That bastard Liam wouldn’t know what hit him at his wedding. My plan with Riley was already in motion, and the thought of walking into that event with someone so effortlessly charming by my side made my chest swell with anticipation. After a quick shower, I got dressed in a rush, pulling on a crisp white shirt and dark jeans. Luna, my moody tabby, meowed impatiently from the kitchen, her golden eyes glaring at me like I’d committed some grave offense. “Alright, alright, I’m coming,” I muttered, grabbing her food bowl. She purred in satisfaction as I set it down, already digging in. With one last glance in the mirror, messy hair, but manageable, I grabbed my bag and headed out the door. As I locked my apartment, an idea struck me. I turned to Riley’s door. If I could catch him before he left, maybe we could iron out a few more details about our fake relationship. I knocked twice, then waited, shi

    Last Updated : 2024-12-09
  • Bouquet Of Deception    A Chance Encounter

    Chapter 6: A Chance Encounter Plastering on the most neutral expression I could manage, I turned around slowly.“Liam. Fancy seeing you here.”He smiled, that same charming smile that used to make my heart race. Now it just made my blood boil. “Ethan,” he greeted, as if we were old friends who’d parted amicably. “It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”Not long enough, I thought bitterly, but I kept my face calm. “Yeah, it has.”Liam gestured toward the man standing beside him—tall, poised, and irritatingly perfect. His dark hair was styled with just the right amount of mess, and his tailored suit screamed wealth and class. This had to be Owen.“Ethan, this is Owen,” Liam said, his hand lingering a little too possessively on Owen’s shoulder. “Owen, meet Ethan. We—uh, we used to date.”There it was. The awkward introduction. I wanted to laugh at how Liam stumbled over his words, but I settled for a raised eyebrow. Owen, however, extended his hand like he was meeting an old friend at brunch.

    Last Updated : 2024-12-16
  • Bouquet Of Deception    Memories in Focus

    Chapter 7: Memories in FocusRiley’s POVI parked my beaten-down car in the lot outside the studio, killing the engine with a sigh of relief. The sun had risen fully now, the sky painted in soft shades of gold and blue. It was one of those perfect mornings—too perfect for the dark thoughts still lingering at the edge of my mind.“Focus, Riley,” I muttered as I grabbed my camera bag and stepped out, the early city hum filling the air. Work was my escape, the only thing that made sense when nothing else did.The studio was quiet when I walked in, the faint smell of coffee and printer ink lingering in the air. I waved to Marcy, the front desk assistant, who gave me her usual bright smile.“Morning, Riley! Big day ahead?”“Just another day in paradise,” I replied, forcing a smirk.“Don’t forget there’s coffee in the break room,” she added with a wink. “You look like you need it.”I nodded in thanks and headed to my small workspace in the back. The room was cozy, cluttered with camera lens

    Last Updated : 2024-12-16
  • Bouquet Of Deception    Faking Forever

    Chapter 8: Faking ForeverEthanI didn’t mean for tonight to go this way. In fact, I’d hoped it would be a quiet, straightforward evening. Just me, Riley, and some practice. But things with Ava never go the way I plan.“Riley’s looking at you again,” Ava remarked, tossing a chip into her mouth as she lounged across the couch, staring at the TV with an intensity that couldn’t possibly be genuine.I shifted uncomfortably, my gaze flicking to Riley, who was sitting across from me in my living room, half watching me and half trying to focus on the game we’d been supposed to practice. His eyes were on me, sure, but it didn’t feel like the casual look of someone who had no other interest. My heart thudded in my chest, and I hated myself for reacting this way. It was just practice. Just a favor.“You know, you should probably stop looking at him like that,” I muttered, hoping Ava wouldn’t catch the undertone in my voice. The last thing I needed was her drawing attention to the tension I was f

    Last Updated : 2024-12-16
  • Bouquet Of Deception    Sabotage in the Spotlight

    9Riley’s POV The studio buzzed with quiet energy, a mix of faint chatter, the hum of studio lights, and the click of camera shutters. This was my favorite time of day—the calm before the chaos, when the shoots hadn’t quite kicked into high gear yet, and I could just *be*. Greg’s deep voice echoed from across the room, calling out to one of the interns. “Hey, Cass, adjust that backdrop! The light’s catching wrong on the edge.” He turned toward me, raising an eyebrow as I leaned against one of the steel support beams, fiddling with the settings on my camera. “Riley, you good?” he asked, his tone gruff but familiar. “Always,” I replied with a grin, lifting the camera to my eye to frame a test shot. “Just tweaking for the morning lineup. Who’s first?” “Some big-shot exec who thinks he’s the next GQ model,” Greg said, rolling his eyes. “Just get him to smile without looking like he’s passing a kidney stone, yeah?” I chuckled, already picturing the awkward stiffness I’d have to

    Last Updated : 2025-01-02

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*.”

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status