Sarah****
The party hummed around me, a symphony of clinking glasses and murmured conversations. The terrace had offered a brief reprieve, but as I re-entered the ballroom, the weight of the evening returned. Thomas was somewhere nearby, speaking to his father’s business associates, and I had excused myself for air, needing a moment to steady my thoughts. I smoothed the silk of my midnight-blue gown and adjusted my posture, slipping effortlessly back into the role I’d been playing for years—the perfect girlfriend, poised and unshakable. Then I saw him. Max. I froze. The air seemed to shift, the sounds of the party fading into a distant hum as my eyes locked onto him. It wasn’t just his appearance—though, God, he looked breathtakingly different. The man standing in the doorway wasn’t the Max I had left behind. This man owned the room with a confidence that sent a shiver down my spine. His tuxedo fit him like it was crafted from the fabric of power itself, and his dark eyes—those same eyes that once held tenderness for me—were sharper, colder, and yet still magnetic. He turned, his gaze sweeping over the crowd until it found mine. The intensity of his stare rooted me in place. A slow, deliberate smirk curved his lips, and I felt my heart slam against my ribs. I wanted to run. Or maybe I wanted to stay. I couldn’t tell the difference. “Good evening,” Max said smoothly as he approached, the crowd parting for him like he was royalty. “Max,” I whispered, unable to hide the tremor in my voice. “Still know my name, I see,” he said, his voice low, a tease beneath the formality. “I was starting to think you’d forgotten me entirely.” Before I could respond, he extended his hand. “Care to dance, Sara?” I hesitated, glancing around. Thomas was across the room, too far to intervene. The curious eyes of the crowd burned into me. “Max, I don’t think—” “Come on,” he interrupted, his tone soft but commanding. “One dance. For old times’ sake.” Against my better judgment, I placed my hand in his. His fingers curled around mine, firm and warm, sending a jolt of electricity through me. He led me onto the dance floor, and the music seemed to shift, slowing to something sensual, almost intimate. His hand slid to my waist, pulling me closer than was appropriate, and I found myself pressed against him, our bodies moving in sync. The heat between us was instant, undeniable. My breath caught as he guided me through the steps, his touch steady but deliberate, a reminder of just how well he knew me. “You shouldn’t be here,” I said, my voice low, the words catching in my throat. “Why not?” he asked, his tone maddeningly casual. “Don’t I belong in your world now?” He stepped closer, his presence overpowering, making my words caught in my throat. "I am no longer the poor struggling player you once knew," he whispered, his eyes burning with intensity. "I have risen above that world, and now I am here for you. A billionaire who can give you everything you desire." “I don't need your money or your gifts,” I replied, my voice firm. “You can’t just waltz back into my life like this.” "Why, because you're afraid of what I have become?" he challenged, a hint of hurt in his eyes. "I may have changed, but my feelings for you haven't." I felt torn between the past and the present, unsure of how to respond to his unexpected declaration. "You are mine, and I will fight for you," he declared, his voice filled with determination. "You don't have to fight for me," I whispered, feeling a mix of emotions. "I am with Sam now." His grip on my waist tightened slightly, his lips curling into a smirk. “Then why are you here in arms?” I couldn’t look away from him. His gaze was too intense, his presence too overwhelming. Every step of the dance felt like a battle—a push and pull of emotions I had tried to bury. “Why are you doing this?” I asked, my voice softer now, almost pleading. His hand slid up my back, his touch sending a shiver through me. He leaned in, his breath warm against my ear as he whispered, “Because you still feel it. Don’t you?” My body betrayed me, leaning into him for a fraction of a second before I forced myself to pull back. But the look in his eyes told me he had noticed. “Let me go, Max,” I said, my voice trembling. “Not until you admit it,” he said, his gaze dropping to my lips for the briefest moment. “Admit that this—we—aren’t over.” Before I could answer, a firm hand gripped my arm, pulling me away from Max. “Everything all right here?” Sam’s voice was cool, but I could hear the edge in it. I turned to find him standing there, his expression composed but his jaw tight. He pulled me to his side, his hand possessive on my waist. “Perfectly fine,” Max said smoothly, his expression unreadable now. “Sara and I were just reminiscing.” “Is that what you call it?” Sam asked, his tone sharp. Max’s smirk returned, a challenge flickering in his eyes. “Relax, Samuel. I was just asking Sara for a dance. You don’t mind, do you?” “I do, actually,” Sam said, his grip on me tightening. “Sara is with me now. And I’d appreciate it if you respected that.” The tension between them crackled, thick and suffocating. I felt like a rope being tugged in a game of war. “Of course,” Max said, taking a step back. His gaze lingered on me for a moment, softer now but no less intense. “But for how long?” he said with a smirk. I could sense the underlying threat in his words, and a chill ran down my spine. "Wait…," I interjected, my voice shaky. "What do you mean by that?" Max's smirk widened, his eyes glinting with mischief. "You will know soon enough," he replied cryptically before turning and walking away, leaving me with a sense of unease that lingered long after he was gone. Sam turned to me, his eyes searching mine. “Are you okay?” I nodded, but the truth was, I wasn’t. Not even close. Max was back, and he wasn’t just a ghost from my past. He still had the ability to unravel me, and I wasn’t sure if I could withstand him.Sarah**The music played on, a distant murmur now, as I stood there, trapped between Sam’s steady presence and the ghost of Max. The tension in the air was thick, a storm brewing on the horizon, and I could feel the weight of it pressing down on me, suffocating.Sam’s hand remained firm on my waist, but there was something unreadable in his eyes, a flicker of something I hadn’t seen before—concern, yes, but maybe something darker. His protective instincts were sharp, but I couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that he wasn’t entirely sure what he was up against. Neither of us was, really.“Are you sure you’re alright?” Sam asked, his voice quieter now, almost tentative.I forced a smile, trying to reassure him, but it felt like a mask that was about to crack. “I’m fine. Just... surprised.”“You don’t look fine,” he said, his voice low and filled with a trace of worry. “I don’t like how he looks at you.”I swallowed, the memory of Max’s gaze still lingering on my skin like a searing brand
MAXThe hum of the crowd felt like static in my ears, the music blurring into an unintelligible murmur. But I couldn’t focus on the noise—not when they were standing there—Sara and Sam, locked in their own world. Her laughter, that sound I used to hear more than anything else, filled the space between us. It was light, carefree. It made my chest ache in ways I couldn’t escape.I leaned against the wall, hidden in the shadows, my heart thundering as I watched them. Every smile, every gentle touch Sam gave her—my Sara—felt like a knife twisting deeper into my gut. How could she have moved on?I hadn’t expected it to hurt this much, but it did. Seeing them together was like a gut punch, but it wasn’t the sight of her with him that burned—it was the thought of her forgetting me. Of all the memories we shared, all the moments that were supposed to be ours, slipping away like sand through my fingers.I closed my eyes for a moment, and instantly, memories came flooding back.The way she laug
Sara***The night buzzed with energy, the flashing lights and pulsing music weaving into a blur as Sam’s hand settled on my back. His touch was steady, like an anchor in the chaos around us, the rhythm of his thumb tracing gentle circles against the fabric of my dress. I couldn’t help but lean into it, letting myself melt into his warmth, but even as I did, something in me stirred uneasily.“Are you sure you’re okay?” Sam’s voice was soft, the concern in his eyes pulling me back from the edge of my thoughts. His thumb brushed against the back of my neck, a tender gesture that sent a shiver through me.“I’m fine,” I whispered, though the lie sat heavy in my chest. I wasn’t fine. How could I be when thoughts of Max kept haunting me, even in this moment with Sam?Sam shifted, his lips brushing my temple in a soft kiss. His breath, warm and steady, made the ache in my chest feel just a little less heavy. “You don’t have to hide anything from me, you know that?”His words wrapped around me
Sarah****I sighed, staring at my trembling hands. I didn’t know what to do.I didn’t know if what I was about to do was right or not.I shook my head, forcing resolve to take hold. No. I must do this—for Max.It’s the only way he can focus on his game. I don’t want to be his distraction, the chain holding him back from his dreams.“Sara...” Max’s voice broke through my thoughts. I felt the warmth of his hands gently resting on my shoulders.I closed my eyes, lingering in his touch for just a few more seconds.I sighed again, summoning every ounce of strength within me. It’s now or never.“Max...” I said, standing to face him. My heart clenched as I met his gaze, his handsome face lit with an affectionate smile. “We need to talk.”“Okay...” he said softly, his smile widening as he lifted my hand to his lips, kissing the promise ring he had gifted me.“We can’t be together,” I said, the words leaving my lips like a dagger slicing through my heart.Confusion flickered in his eyes. “What
Sarah***“So here’s another basket from our favorite Maximus.”“Yeah, and yet another win for the team.”“It’s great to have a player who once quit basketball now ruling the court.”“You’re right. And it’s also great we’re all here to witness another win for his team.”“Why do you think they call him Magnus Maximus?”“Yeah, right…”“How many times do I have to tell you not to waste your time watching this nonsense?” Sam’s voice cut through the commentary, and before I could protest, he turned off the television with a sigh.“I hate you!” I groaned, throwing myself back onto the couch, not even trying to hide my irritation.“Hate me all you want,” he replied, completely unfazed. “But we don’t have time to waste on these games.” He gestured dismissively at the darkened screen.“I was just watching the match, not wasting time,” I argued, sitting up with a pout.“Fine. But now, get up and change into something appropriate. You can’t keep walking around in your PJs.”I glanced down at myse
Max***Actress Sara and her billionaire boyfriend, Samuel Johnson, made their grand entrance at his parents' anniversary celebration, radiating sophistication and elegance. The event buzzed with excitement as the couple, now in their fifth year together, dazzled everyone with their undeniable chemistry. They were the epitome of modern romance, their connection seemingly unbreakable, a testament to years of shared experiences, laughter, and deep love.Those who knew them couldn’t help but feel a sense of admiration for their relationship. Friends and family had long watched the evolution of their love story, from the first meeting to the inevitable merging of their lives. As the evening progressed, murmurs of a potential proposal floated in the air. The couple’s bond, forged through shared dreams and unwavering support, made it clear that the next step was imminent. Everyone eagerly anticipated the announcement, whispering excitedly about the future chapters of their journey together.
Sarah****"Sarah… Will you do me a favor and turn our fake relationship into a real one?"What? My heart skipped a beat as I processed his unexpected request. I had never anticipated that their pretend romance would evolve into something genuine. The air crackled with anticipation as I searched for the right words to respond.Who could have thought that a day like this would come into my life? As I looked into his eyes, I saw a vulnerability and sincerity that I had never noticed before. The possibility of a real relationship with him suddenly felt both thrilling and terrifying.I sighed louder than I accepted as I stood still in silence. The weight of my emotions was almost suffocating, and I struggled to find the courage to speak. The intensity of the moment hung in the air, making it difficult to ignore the undeniable connection between us."Sarah..." Sam mumbled softly, breaking the silence. His voice trembled with a mix of hope and fear, mirroring my own emotions. I could tell th
Sara***The night buzzed with energy, the flashing lights and pulsing music weaving into a blur as Sam’s hand settled on my back. His touch was steady, like an anchor in the chaos around us, the rhythm of his thumb tracing gentle circles against the fabric of my dress. I couldn’t help but lean into it, letting myself melt into his warmth, but even as I did, something in me stirred uneasily.“Are you sure you’re okay?” Sam’s voice was soft, the concern in his eyes pulling me back from the edge of my thoughts. His thumb brushed against the back of my neck, a tender gesture that sent a shiver through me.“I’m fine,” I whispered, though the lie sat heavy in my chest. I wasn’t fine. How could I be when thoughts of Max kept haunting me, even in this moment with Sam?Sam shifted, his lips brushing my temple in a soft kiss. His breath, warm and steady, made the ache in my chest feel just a little less heavy. “You don’t have to hide anything from me, you know that?”His words wrapped around me
MAXThe hum of the crowd felt like static in my ears, the music blurring into an unintelligible murmur. But I couldn’t focus on the noise—not when they were standing there—Sara and Sam, locked in their own world. Her laughter, that sound I used to hear more than anything else, filled the space between us. It was light, carefree. It made my chest ache in ways I couldn’t escape.I leaned against the wall, hidden in the shadows, my heart thundering as I watched them. Every smile, every gentle touch Sam gave her—my Sara—felt like a knife twisting deeper into my gut. How could she have moved on?I hadn’t expected it to hurt this much, but it did. Seeing them together was like a gut punch, but it wasn’t the sight of her with him that burned—it was the thought of her forgetting me. Of all the memories we shared, all the moments that were supposed to be ours, slipping away like sand through my fingers.I closed my eyes for a moment, and instantly, memories came flooding back.The way she laug
Sarah**The music played on, a distant murmur now, as I stood there, trapped between Sam’s steady presence and the ghost of Max. The tension in the air was thick, a storm brewing on the horizon, and I could feel the weight of it pressing down on me, suffocating.Sam’s hand remained firm on my waist, but there was something unreadable in his eyes, a flicker of something I hadn’t seen before—concern, yes, but maybe something darker. His protective instincts were sharp, but I couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that he wasn’t entirely sure what he was up against. Neither of us was, really.“Are you sure you’re alright?” Sam asked, his voice quieter now, almost tentative.I forced a smile, trying to reassure him, but it felt like a mask that was about to crack. “I’m fine. Just... surprised.”“You don’t look fine,” he said, his voice low and filled with a trace of worry. “I don’t like how he looks at you.”I swallowed, the memory of Max’s gaze still lingering on my skin like a searing brand
Sarah****The party hummed around me, a symphony of clinking glasses and murmured conversations. The terrace had offered a brief reprieve, but as I re-entered the ballroom, the weight of the evening returned. Thomas was somewhere nearby, speaking to his father’s business associates, and I had excused myself for air, needing a moment to steady my thoughts.I smoothed the silk of my midnight-blue gown and adjusted my posture, slipping effortlessly back into the role I’d been playing for years—the perfect girlfriend, poised and unshakable.Then I saw him.Max.I froze. The air seemed to shift, the sounds of the party fading into a distant hum as my eyes locked onto him.It wasn’t just his appearance—though, God, he looked breathtakingly different. The man standing in the doorway wasn’t the Max I had left behind. This man owned the room with a confidence that sent a shiver down my spine. His tuxedo fit him like it was crafted from the fabric of power itself, and his dark eyes—those same e
Sarah****"Sarah… Will you do me a favor and turn our fake relationship into a real one?"What? My heart skipped a beat as I processed his unexpected request. I had never anticipated that their pretend romance would evolve into something genuine. The air crackled with anticipation as I searched for the right words to respond.Who could have thought that a day like this would come into my life? As I looked into his eyes, I saw a vulnerability and sincerity that I had never noticed before. The possibility of a real relationship with him suddenly felt both thrilling and terrifying.I sighed louder than I accepted as I stood still in silence. The weight of my emotions was almost suffocating, and I struggled to find the courage to speak. The intensity of the moment hung in the air, making it difficult to ignore the undeniable connection between us."Sarah..." Sam mumbled softly, breaking the silence. His voice trembled with a mix of hope and fear, mirroring my own emotions. I could tell th
Max***Actress Sara and her billionaire boyfriend, Samuel Johnson, made their grand entrance at his parents' anniversary celebration, radiating sophistication and elegance. The event buzzed with excitement as the couple, now in their fifth year together, dazzled everyone with their undeniable chemistry. They were the epitome of modern romance, their connection seemingly unbreakable, a testament to years of shared experiences, laughter, and deep love.Those who knew them couldn’t help but feel a sense of admiration for their relationship. Friends and family had long watched the evolution of their love story, from the first meeting to the inevitable merging of their lives. As the evening progressed, murmurs of a potential proposal floated in the air. The couple’s bond, forged through shared dreams and unwavering support, made it clear that the next step was imminent. Everyone eagerly anticipated the announcement, whispering excitedly about the future chapters of their journey together.
Sarah***“So here’s another basket from our favorite Maximus.”“Yeah, and yet another win for the team.”“It’s great to have a player who once quit basketball now ruling the court.”“You’re right. And it’s also great we’re all here to witness another win for his team.”“Why do you think they call him Magnus Maximus?”“Yeah, right…”“How many times do I have to tell you not to waste your time watching this nonsense?” Sam’s voice cut through the commentary, and before I could protest, he turned off the television with a sigh.“I hate you!” I groaned, throwing myself back onto the couch, not even trying to hide my irritation.“Hate me all you want,” he replied, completely unfazed. “But we don’t have time to waste on these games.” He gestured dismissively at the darkened screen.“I was just watching the match, not wasting time,” I argued, sitting up with a pout.“Fine. But now, get up and change into something appropriate. You can’t keep walking around in your PJs.”I glanced down at myse
Sarah****I sighed, staring at my trembling hands. I didn’t know what to do.I didn’t know if what I was about to do was right or not.I shook my head, forcing resolve to take hold. No. I must do this—for Max.It’s the only way he can focus on his game. I don’t want to be his distraction, the chain holding him back from his dreams.“Sara...” Max’s voice broke through my thoughts. I felt the warmth of his hands gently resting on my shoulders.I closed my eyes, lingering in his touch for just a few more seconds.I sighed again, summoning every ounce of strength within me. It’s now or never.“Max...” I said, standing to face him. My heart clenched as I met his gaze, his handsome face lit with an affectionate smile. “We need to talk.”“Okay...” he said softly, his smile widening as he lifted my hand to his lips, kissing the promise ring he had gifted me.“We can’t be together,” I said, the words leaving my lips like a dagger slicing through my heart.Confusion flickered in his eyes. “What