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Chapter 16

Author: Mandy B
last update Last Updated: 2025-01-16 17:04:25

For the first time since I met Adriel, I saw a genuine smile on his face, a real one that crinkled his eyes and revealed his teeth in full display. It was mesmerizing, radiant, and utterly unexpected. I couldn’t look away.

If I thought he was handsome before, this smile was a transformation I wasn’t prepared for.

Realizing I was staring, I cleared my throat and quickly dropped my gaze to the floor. It was better to count imaginary specks of dust than let him see how deeply I have been staring at him.

“I’m sure this will go well,” he said, his voice steady and confident. “You won’t regret your choice. This is going to be a blast.” His eyes stayed fixed on me, but I refused to look up.

I reminded myself why I was here. None of this was real. Adriel Jaime wasn’t my boyfriend; he was using me because it was convenient. I was just a stand-in for the countless women who’d drop everything to be in my shoes.

If he had ever announced that he needed something like this, it would be an audition
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