The morning sun crept through the slits of Vera’s blinds, casting golden lines across her bed.She sat curled up against the headboard, a blanket draped around her shoulders and her phone clutched tightly in her hand. She hadn’t slept much, not after last night.Not after everything.She thought she had braced herself for what this fake relationship would bring.The stares.The whispers.The subtle jabs from socialites like Sarah Langford. But nothing had prepared her for the headlines that greeted her the moment she opened her eyes."Asher Donovan's Date Shocks High Society: Mystery Girl Steals the Spotlight.""Who is Vera Sinclair? Inside the Scandalous Date of the Donovan Heir.""From Nobody to Noteworthy: The Woman Turning Asher Donovan’s Head."Each headline was worse than the last. Photos from the night before were already making the rounds online, her walking beside Asher in that sleek gown, his hand resting protectively on her back, the moment they’d walked out of the banquet
“I won’t apologize for last night,” Asher said finally, staring directly at his parents. “I brought Vera because I wanted to. Because she deserves to be seen.”“You’re being reckless,” Evelyn hissed. “And weak.”“No,” he said with dangerous calm, “I’m being honest.”Richard took a step forward. “You want to throw away everything for a girl who’s nothing but...”“Don’t finish that sentence,” Asher warned, his voice dropping low, almost too soft.For a moment, no one moved. Even the ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner felt too loud.Evelyn smoothed her blouse. “So what now? You’re going to date her publicly? Invite her to every function? Pretend this will lead anywhere real?”Asher exhaled, pinching the bridge of his nose. “What I do with Vera is none of your concern. I’ll handle the media. The board. And if Sarah has a problem with it, she can call her PR team.”He grabbed his coffee at last and turned to leave.But before he stepped out of the room, he paused at the door.“
Vera hit send before she could overthink it.But then, her gaze narrowed.Because she realized something.She was alright.Sarah’s message had stung, sure, but it also brought something unexpected. Closure. Not just for the twisted game she and Sarah were locked in, but for the past that had kept Vera trapped for far too long.Lucas was over. He belonged in the ashes. And she was done sifting through them.Sarah wanted to rattle her? Wanted to play dirty?Fine.Let the games begin.Because Vera was done sulking. She was done reacting.It was time she started acting.Sarah had made one thing clear, she thought Asher was still hers. That Vera was just some decoration, a pawn in the game, something to be discarded when it no longer served its purpose.But what if the pawn became a queen?What if Asher fell for her?Vera smiled to herself, the expression slow and curling, a little wicked around the edges. Not because she wanted to fall in love. Not because she believed in fairy tales anym
Vera bit her bottom lip, feeling the dull ache in her chest pulse a little harder.She hadn’t realized how heavy everything felt until this very moment, until someone had noticed.Until he had noticed.For the longest time, she had made herself believe that no one could. That no one should. Not when her pain came from choices she had made, from trusting the wrong people, from walking paths she should’ve run from.Lucas. They all swirled together like ghosts in her mind.But Asher had cut through it. Quietly. Carefully. And it rattled her.She opened the message again, thumb hovering over the keyboard. She could play it cool. Send a flippant reply, maybe a teasing jab to keep things light.But something in her had snapped since Sarah’s message earlier before. That little piece of pride, that fierce fire that burned only brighter when someone tried to snuff her out. And Sarah had tried, again and again, to erase her.She wouldn’t let her.She wouldn’t let any of them.So she typed with
Vera sat in the quiet of her apartment, wrapped in an oversized hoodie. The soft fabric swaddled her, but it didn’t warm the chill racing down her spine.There was no more pretending.Not if she said yes.No more telling herself this was just about revenge.No more lying that her heart didn’t ache when Asher looked at her the way he did.She bit her lip, forcing herself to breathe.This wasn’t about love. She wasn’t that stupid. She had been in love before, madly, blindingly, with Lucas, and look how that ended.He had chosen Camilla and the safe, polished life that came with her. The betrayal still echoed in the corners of her mind, but it didn’t hurt as much now.Because Asher had shown up.In ways Lucas never had.And even when she’d doubted herself, when she felt like she didn’t belong in this glittering, savage world, Asher had looked at her like she did. Like she owned it.That look… That was what Nicholas had meant. And Sarah saw it too.God, Sarah.Vera gritted her teeth, the
She had sent that message on a whim, right in the heat of her bitterness, fueled by Sarah’s venom and her own need to break free from the past.But now… staring at his response, she felt the ground shift beneath her.Asher:Then let’s stop playing.Vera blinked.No deflections.No vague replies.No careful dance.Just that.Direct.Bold.Unapologetic.Exactly like the man himself.Her phone sat on her lap, and she stared at it like it had just changed her life. Because maybe it had.Her chest rose and fell slowly, lips parting in a breath she didn’t realize she was holding.This wasn’t part of the plan.Not the real plan anyway.She had intended to string Sarah along, twist the knife of jealousy slowly, get even for every smug look, every condescending laugh Sarah had sent her way.But now… now Asher wasn’t pretending either.“Then let’s stop playing,” she whispered under her breath, the words feeling dangerous on her tongue.The betrayal from Lucas still lingered like ash in the back
Vera sat on the edge of her bed, her knees drawn up to her chest, the glow from her phone screen casting a faint light across her face.She hadn’t moved much since replying to Asher, still lost in the haze of everything that had unfolded, Lucas, Sarah, the banquet… and now this.Her phone buzzed softly again. A message from Asher.No more pretending, then. But know this, Vera, whatever this becomes… I don’t play fair.Her breath hitched.She read it once. Then twice. Her heart did that annoying thing, skipping, then thudding harder in her chest, like it didn’t know whether to panic or dive headfirst into the thrill that message promised.What did that even mean?What did he mean?Vera exhaled slowly and set the phone down beside her. Her room was quiet, too quiet.Outside her window, the city kept humming. Life kept moving.But she couldn’t. Not yet.She hugged her knees tighter, resting her chin on top of them.Sarah’s message had come like a slap to the face hours ago., sharp and sm
Vera sat curled up on the velvet armchair by the window, a book open in her lap though her eyes had long stopped reading the words.The early evening glow painted her apartment in soft amber tones, shadows stretching slowly across the room.She had barely touched her tea. Her thoughts kept circling, Lucas, Sarah, the headlines, and… Asher.Especially Asher.She hadn't expected to hear from him earlier, but his text had struck a chord. “Are you alright?” It was simple.Too simple. But something about it felt… real.Like a sliver of honesty in a world built on pretenses. And her reply, “Good. I’m not looking for fair. I’m looking to win. Beside you.”, was more than just a jab at Sarah. It was a declaration. Maybe to him. Maybe to herself.She sighed, brushing a stray strand of hair from her cheek.She wasn’t used to this, whatever this was. Vulnerability masked as ambition?A war of hearts wrapped in designer gowns and icy smiles?A knock came at the door.Her brows drew together. She w
They moved together like a slow burning fire, building, rising, until the world around them disappeared completely. The only thing left was this: his mouth on her skin, her whispered pleas, the sound of their names breathed into the dark like prayers.When Vera shattered beneath him, Asher followed her, losing himself so completely that for a moment, there was nothing left of the man he’d been before her.Only them.Only this.He held her through it, their bodies tangled, his heart pounding against hers as the aftershocks shuddered through them both. Neither of them spoke. They didn’t need to. Every touch, every look said enough.Finally, when the world started to drift back in, the faint hum of the city beyond the windows, the cool air brushing over sweat slicked skin, Asher shifted just enough to pull the covers over them, tucking her against his chest.Vera’s head rested in the crook of his neck, her breathing soft and even. But she wasn’t asleep.He could feel it, the way her fing
Asher groaned under his breath, one hand tightening around her waist. “You don’t fight fair.”“And you love it,” she whispered, leaning forward to brush her nose against his.He tilted his head, eyes locked with hers. “You’re dangerous like this.”“I know,” she smiled, brushing her lips over his, just barely, a tease that made his grip falter.“I mean it,” he said, voice low and thick. “You don’t know what you do to me.”“Maybe I do,” she breathed, eyes hooded, lips parting just enough..And then she yawned.Long. Loud. Incredibly unsexy.Asher blinked. Vera blinked too, like she didn’t believe it happened.“…Okay,” she said, half laughing, half embarrassed. “Maybe I am drunk.”Asher laughed, pulling her close against his chest and kissing the top of her head. “Yeah. You are.”She curled up in his arms, letting out a soft sigh. “Still serious though… you’re mine.”He looked down at her, her eyes fluttering shut, her lips curved in a sleepy smile.“Yeah,” he murmured. “I’m yours.”Vera
They sat down at the kitchen island instead of the formal dining area, something casual and intimate.The late afternoon sun streamed through the wide floor to ceiling windows, casting a golden hue across the space.Vera moved quietly, still lost in the storm of emotions she’d bottled up since overhearing the conversation.Asher pulled out her chair before taking his own, clearly noticing the shift in her demeanor but choosing not to push, at least not yet.“Wow,” he murmured, looking at the spread she’d laid out. “You really went all out.”“I figured I’d cook for you this time,” she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “You’ve been practically feeding me for weeks.”Asher chuckled, his eyes twinkling. “Well, I’ve just been ordering the food. You actually made it. So you win.”Vera offered a shy smile, finally taking her seat.There was freshly made penne in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce, oven roasted vegetables tossed in olive oil and herbs, and warm slices of sourdough wi
“Did I hire a chef while I wasn’t looking?” he asked, arms crossed as he leaned against the doorframe.Vera turned around, stirring spoon still in hand. “If you did, she’s underpaid.”Asher chuckled, stepping closer. “I didn’t even know I had real food in here. I thought my assistant just stocked it for display.”“Well, it’s not just for display anymore.” She tilted her head with a teasing smile. “I’m officially christening your kitchen.”“You look good in here,” he said simply, his eyes warm.She blinked. “In the kitchen?”“In my space.”Her breath caught.There was something about the way he said my space that made her feel like he wasn’t just talking about his home. He was talking about his life. About her fitting into it. Being part of it.She turned back to stir the pasta, hiding the smile tugging at her lips. “Well, lucky for you, I plan on feeding you while I’m here.”Asher moved behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, chin resting on her shoulder. “Mmm, dangerous off
The sleek elevator glided to a smooth stop, its polished chrome doors parting with a soft chime. Vera stepped out first, her boots clicking gently against the glossy marble floor as she followed Asher into his penthouse for the very first time.The moment she entered, her breath caught in her throat.She’d seen wealth before. Been surrounded by it ever since the day her real parents found her. She’d attended banquets, stayed in mansions, worn designer clothes and diamonds that would make the average girl gasp.But this?This was different.This was Asher.Floor to ceiling windows stretched across the entire length of the living room, giving way to an endless view of the city skyline.It was breathtaking, sharp lines of glass towers glittering under the afternoon sun, with a soft haze hanging like a silk veil over the city.The walls were done in deep, warm tones, matte blacks and earthy taupes, softened by scattered art pieces and shelves lined with books. Not cold, not sterile like m
Meanwhile…Vera’s Apartment, Late AfternoonAsher sat on the couch in sweatpants and a fitted black tee, Vera’s head resting on his lap while her fingers lazily played with his.A half eaten box of Chinese takeout was perched on the coffee table, and the hum of a soft playlist filled the room.“Don’t you have somewhere important to be?” Vera asked, teasing, eyes closed as she nuzzled into the fabric of his shirt.Asher smirked, brushing her hair back from her face. “I am somewhere important.”She opened one eye, giving him a playful look. “That sounds dangerously close to cheesy.”“It was cheesy,” he admitted, grinning. “But also true.”She smiled, but he could see the worry creeping into her eyes, faint, but there. “I’m not… ruining things for you, am I?”His fingers stilled.He tilted her chin up so she was looking at him. “Vera, the only thing you’re ruining is my ability to focus on anything that’s not you.”She snorted, but her cheeks pinked.“I mean it,” he added, voice soft. “Y
Donovan Estate, Morning Conference RoomThe large oak doors slammed shut, rattling the glass paneling in their frames as Richard Donovan threw the morning newspaper down onto the polished table.The headline was bold, brash, and unforgiving.“Heir Apparent or Scandal Magnet? Asher Donovan’s Wild Romp With Mystery Girl Continues!”The full page spread showed high quality photos from the golf course, Vera in Asher’s arms on the dance floor, and a slightly blurry, but no less damning, shot of the two of them kissing under neon lights at the club.“We’re a goddamn joke!” Richard barked, his hand slamming down on the wood. “Is this what he thinks representing this family looks like?! Playing house with some girl who showed up out of nowhere and parading around town like a celebrity?!”Across the table, Evelyn Donovan sat, her lips pursed tightly as she stared at the photo with icy silence.Dressed immaculately in a cream silk blouse and pearls, she looked calm. But the grip she had on her
Asher walked over without a word, sitting beside her.His hand gently found hers.“Was that about… your mother?” he asked softly.She nodded, her voice nearly a whisper. “She’s dying.”Asher’s jaw clenched, but not out of anger, out of restraint. He was careful not to push, to let her speak at her own pace.“Her assistant. Eliza Renner. Said she was on her deathbed and asking for me,” Vera murmured, voice trembling. “I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t even know how to feel. These people gave me away, and now they want me to just… show up at her bedside like nothing happened?”She looked up at him, her eyes glassy. “I just… I don’t want to open that door unless I’m ready. And I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready.”“I get it,” he said, and then he chuckled softly, surprising her.“What?” she asked, frowning.“I just remembered something,” he said, shaking his head. “The Sterling family… they’re not exactly known for their timing. Or sincerity.”Vera’s eyes narrowed slightly.“Let’s just s
Back in the living room, Asher sat at Vera’s small dining table, his laptop open, eyes fixed on a presentation slide he’d been tweaking for the past twenty minutes.It wasn’t that it needed adjusting, he just needed something to do with his hands, something to anchor him as the world around them buzzed with chaos.His phone buzzed again on the table beside him, lighting up for the third time in under five minutes.Sarah Langford.The name flashed in bold, her contact photo, an old professional shot, looking more and more like a ghost from a different life. Asher watched it ring, expression unreadable, jaw ticking slightly.He didn’t answer.Instead, he picked up his coffee mug, took a sip, and returned to reviewing the same bullet point he’d already reread too many times.The phone rang again.Sarah Langford.Again.He reached out this time, not to answer, but to mute the call, dragging the volume bar all the way down before tossing the device back onto the table with a careless flick