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OLD GAMES AND TOUGH CONVERSATIONS
Last Updated:
2025-02-28 04:42:36
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PRETEND PRINCESS RUSHING INTO CHAOS
Yuki's povMy head was pounding.A dull, relentless throb pulsed behind my eyes, making me groan as I shifted under the covers. My mouth was dry, my limbs felt like lead, and for a brief moment, I considered staying in bed forever.Then Suzu barked.Loud. Piercing. Right in my ear.I flinched. "Not now, Mama. My shift at the bar doesn’t start until—"Wait.I don’t work at a bar anymore.My eyes snapped open, darting to the bedside clock.8:07 AM.Shit.I bolted upright. "No, no, no—fuck! Lily!"Across the bed, Lily was sprawled out, completely undisturbed by my panic attack.I shook her shoulder roughly. "Wake up! It’s past eight—I overslept!"She groaned, swatting at my hand without even opening her eyes. "Five more minutes…""Lily, it’s past eight."That got her attention.Her eyes flew open as she shot up, panic settling in. "Oh my God! Yuki! How did we—?!""I don’t know!" I groaned, rubbing my temples. "Maybe the vodka and chocolate strawberries?""Damn those evil berries," she mu
Last Updated : 2025-02-28PRETEND PRINCESS A THORN IN MY SIDE
I leaned against my desk, fingers flying over the keyboard as I stared at my screen. My head still throbbed slightly from last night’s vodka and chocolate strawberries disaster, but that wasn’t even the worst part of my morning.No. That honor belonged to the absolute joke of a project we’d been assigned.Two hours ago, General Manager Olive—the mother of the woman I hated most in this company—had strutted into the conference room and delivered the verdict."Each department must work on a project that enhances our company’s efficiency. Your results will be evaluated, and the department with the best execution will win the vacation."Sounds fair, right?Except it wasn’t.While the PR and Marketing teams got flashy campaigns, the Data Analytics and Coding team got saddled with an AI-driven customer experience system.In other words, we were expected to design and implement a fully functional AI that would revolutionize customer interactions. An interactive, personalized system that coul
Last Updated : 2025-02-28PRETEND PRINCESS TWENTY MILLION DOLLARS
Creed’s POVTwo weeks.Two excruciatingly painful weeks of this vacation bullshit.Everywhere I turned, people were smiling, laughing, talking about god-knows-what with their teeth on full display, like the air itself had been laced with some kind of happy drug.It was suffocating.Every single damn person looked like her.Like Yuyu.That pissed me off.I hadn’t spoken to her since the coffee incident with Zara, and honestly, I preferred it that way. Our lack of communication had done nothing to erase her from my surroundings, though. I still caught glimpses of her—talking to Olive, assisting Jason, handling a hundred things at once as if she had six pairs of hands.And today wasn’t any different.I had seen her earlier, standing outside the manager’s office, discussing something about extending time for the project. She was wearing a black skirt and a silky blue top, her dark hair cascading down her back, catching the light in waves.Her lips moved and moved and moved as she talked.
Last Updated : 2025-02-28PRETEND PRINCESS A WORTHLESS HERO
Twenty million dollars.The words echoed in my head, but instead of feeling victorious, I felt a strange sense of unease. My chest tightened as I looked at Creed, expecting some kind of reaction—relief, satisfaction, maybe even smugness.Instead, his expression was unreadable. His eyes darkened, fingers drumming against the polished desk in that slow, measured way that meant he was holding himself back. His lips pressed into a thin line, and tension radiated from him in waves."For what?" His voice cut through the silence, sharp and controlled.Mr. Evan leaned back, looking far too pleased with himself. "For an employee transfer."I stiffened.Creed's fingers curled into fists.Mr. Evan turned to me, his expression filled with admiration. "I like your confidence, Miss Roman. Not many would dare interrupt a high-stakes meeting and challenge me the way you did. You’re sharp, well-spoken, and you clearly have a deep understanding of what makes Creed X Technologies stand out. I want that
Last Updated : 2025-02-28PRETEND PRINCESS MIDNIGHT SPARKS
Yuki’s POV"Alright, team, we have exactly four months to finish this AI model, and if we don’t come up with something groundbreaking, we’re basically screwed."My voice echoed through the conference room as I leaned over the table, my hands splayed on the glossy surface. The other developers, designers, and data analysts sat in a semi-circle, most looking exhausted, some barely engaged."We’ve been brainstorming for two hours," Amber groaned, stretching her arms above her head. "We need something that won’t take six months to code.""We need a miracle," muttered Jacob, pushing his glasses up his nose."Or just a solid idea," I corrected. "Throw everything you have at me. Even if it sounds stupid.""Machine learning predictive models?""Too long.""Neural network training optimization?""Too complicated.""A chatbot with dynamic emotion recognition?"I sighed. "Good, but not innovative enough. We need something that makes Creed X Technologies stand out from the rest."The room fell si
Last Updated : 2025-02-28PRETEND PRINCESS UNRAVELING THOUGHTS
Creed’s POVThe drive home was quiet, but my mind was anything but."Good night, Creed."Her voice echoed in my head—light, free, like she hadn’t a single worry in the world. It was just a simple good night. It shouldn’t have meant anything. But somehow, it did.I loosened my tie as I stepped into my penthouse, the city lights casting a dim glow through the floor-to-ceiling windows. My place was pristine, minimalist, void of anything unnecessary—exactly how I liked it. And yet, for the first time, the silence felt... empty.I poured myself a glass of whiskey and sat on the edge of my bed, rolling the glass between my fingers. Sleep was elusive. Every time I shut my eyes, my mind betrayed me with images of Yuyu—her bright eyes, the way she scrunched her nose when she was deep in thought, the scent of her lingering on my jacket.My damn jacket.She still had it.Why hadn’t she returned it? And why the hell did that bother me?This was bad. This was really bad.She was annoying, reckless
Last Updated : 2025-02-28PRETEND PRINCESS UNSPOKEN CURRENTS
Creed’s POVIt took six more departments to finally dull the fire that Yuyu had somehow ignited in me.She had stormed into that conference room like a predator who already had its prey cornered, brimming with the kind of confidence that couldn't be faked. And then she nailed that damn presentation.Every part of it was perfect. The way she tied together her team’s hard work, how she brought the AI to life with her words—it reminded me of how thrilling it used to be for me to create. How, years ago, back when I was just a guy coding in Zara’s basement, every new project had felt like a spark of something great. I hadn’t felt that jolt of joy, that excitement for innovation, in years.And yet, Yuyu brought it back.I clenched my jaw and forced my mind to snap out of whatever trance I had fallen into."Next," I said, keeping my voice even.I felt a soft touch against my hand. Zara.Her fingers interlocked with mine like it was the most natural thing in the world. Her touch was familiar,
Last Updated : 2025-03-02PRETEND PRINCESS THE MOMENT OF TRUTH
Yuki’s POVThe massive conference hall looked like a grand lecture room, its high ceilings amplifying the murmurs of anxious employees. Rows of chairs stretched across the space, neatly aligned in sections according to departments, with the board members seated at an elevated panel at the front. The place was usually dull during meetings, but today, it carried an electrifying energy. Maybe it was the anticipation of victory—or the collective fear of losing.I slouched in my seat, bouncing my leg impatiently as I scanned the room. The weekend had flown by in a blur of caffeine, stress, and mild emotional breakdowns, but it was all worth it. Erik had flown off to Greece on yet another trip that my bank account couldn't afford, and I was determined to win this competition so that when he came back, I’d have something to throw in his face.The moment the double doors at the front opened, a hush fell over the hall. Creed walked in first, wearing a crisp white shirt and perfectly tailored b
Last Updated : 2025-03-02
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PRETEND PRINCESS STAY
Yuki's pov I sighed, leaning back. "Fine. But if you get worse, I'm not giving you a choice."He didn't say anything, just breathed shallowly.By the time we reached his oversized penthouse, the driver helped me get him out of the car."Good luck," he muttered as I struggled to support Creed.Thanks, old guy. Fantastic assistance.I pulled Creed in, the door man nowhere in sight closing the door behind me. The apartment was familiar—contemporary, tidy, too pristine, luxurious.I guided him to his bedroom, barely managing to get him onto the bed before he slumped.He let out a low grunt."You're—" He blinked slowly. "—really strong."I rolled my eyes, removing his shoes. "Yeah, and you're really heavy."He hummed, eyes half-closed. "You're… staying?"I paused.Only until you're settled, I thought.But there was something in the way he looked—**weak, tired, utterly unguarded—**that stopped me.".Yeah," I whispered. God save me from the clutches of this man and keep my identity a fuckin
PRETEND PRINCESS MR SICK MALCOLM
Yuki’s POVMy chest felt tight when I saw Zara clinging to Creed.Engaged or not, they were destined to be.At least, that's what it appeared.They moved like two people who had already spent a lifetime together. Whether it was toxic, whether it was a mess, there was a sense of destiny in the way she clung to him.And I hated that I was there, seeing it.I wanted to leave.I wanted to disappear before I saw something that would ruin whatever was left of my night.So I turned, heading towards the door, holding my head up high—like nobody else in that ballroom mattered.It was stupid, but it made me sick.Entitled bitch.I fought with my clutch, gripping it harder as I moved forward, angry that Creed was still standing there, looking at me."Let me take you home," his voice cut through the cold in the air, harsh and unyielding.I hesitated."I think we've had enough of a jumpscare tonight," he went on, his voice almost playful, as if he was trying to make it sound less like a command.I
PRETEND PRINCESS COLD FURY
Zara's POVThe wind slapped me in the face, but it wasn't as icy as the rage burning inside of me.I didn't know how long I'd been unconscious. Five minutes? Ten? Long enough for my toes to go numb in these ridiculous heels.Snow was falling, silent and soft, blanketing the sidewalk in a thin layer of white.I barely registered it.Because all I could see in my mind was him.Creed. And that pestering, silly, fake, peacock-hair girl.Yuyu.Of course it would have to be her. The one person who somehow succeeded in getting me like this.She wasn't even supposed to be here. Why was she here?And why was he looking at her like that?It was stupid. They were stupid.This was not jealousy. I was not jealous. I just—I wanted revenge.I hadn't even known what that was yet, but I was going to learn.Maybe I'd dance with the next fellow who emerged out here. Maybe I'd kiss someone just to defy him. Maybe—Gunfire.I froze.The sound ripped through the air like thunder, echoing from inside the g
PRETEND PRINCESS UNWANTED GUESTS
Zara's POVI had trouble keeping my gaze on the glass of champagne in front of me, much less the mindless chatter of the people around me. My gaze kept drifting—no, burning—toward them.Creed and Yuki.Sitting together, talking, their bodies inclined toward one another in that close, comfortable way. Creed had that lost look in his eyes, the same one that made people want to reach out and touch him, to repair whatever was broken inside. And Yuki—grr, she looked fabulous, as always, in that ridiculous peacock dress.I should have guessed she'd show up looking like a painting.I clenched my jaw.I wasn't jealous. Not of Yuki, at least.I was only. infuriated.I had been avoiding Creed all evening, and that he hadn't bothered to get up and seek me out? Livid."Zara, sweetheart, are you even hearing me?"I snapped back to reality, my rage sharpening into something deadly as I focused on Todd. Ew. Todd.One of the dozens of CreedX Technologies board members, someone I hadn't even known ab
PRETEND PRINCESS A GILDED CAGE
Creed's POVThe CreedX Technologies Gala was, not surprisingly, a lavish event.It was held in the city's most luxurious ballroom, and the entire production was dripping with excess. Crystal chandeliers swooped from the ceiling like water icicles, spilling shattered light across the crowd of stylishly attired upper crust. The marble floors glimmered, polished to such a high shine that they reflected the tall flower arrangements and extravagant golden centerpieces on each table. Black- and white-clad waiters navigated the crowd with trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres—small caviar canapés, smoked salmon tartlets, and small filet mignon.The air was heavy with costly perfume and the muted buzz of polite talk, punctuated every now and then by the clinking of glasses and eruptions of laughter.I was bored to tears.I had already danced with three women, each one as replaceable as the champagne flutes being replenished. The first, a brunette in an emerald gown, prattled on about her fami
PRETEND PRINCESS PICKING UP PIECES
Yuki's POVThe rain had ceased, and all that remained was the cold wetness of the air and the sound of our silence.I had stepped over a line.This shouldn't have occurred.We shouldn't have been so absorbed with one another like this—anything that dissolved the lines between us was dangerous. Worse, it could cost me my job."So… you and that restless employee?" Creed's voice came out of nowhere, shattering the silence.I blinked. "Who? Jacob?" A smile tugged at my lips."Yeah. Something's up."I feigned a gasp, placing my hand on my chest dramatically. "What are you suggesting, Mr. Malcolm? That I'm playing both of you?"He chuckled, but there was a sharp glint in his eyes."Jacob is cute," I admitted, crossing my legs. "But unfortunately, he isn't my type."A vibration rocked the truck.And then Creed was closer.Too close.My breath stuck in my throat, my heart pounding in my ear."So, Miss Roman." His voice was low, the heat of his breath on me. ".tell me, what's your type?"My th
PRETEND PRINCESS BOYFRIEND
Creeds pov The words spilled out so fast, so quietly, that I nearly missed them.I frowned. "Why?"She was quiet for a very long time, and I thought maybe she wouldn't answer. But then her voice was there, even and soft."Because it feels like he's all I have."Her words fell into my chest, heavy and sharp.I sort of leaned in, my elbows on my knees. "Don't you have someone else?"She gave a hard, bittersweet laugh. "People around me? Sure. But it's different, isn't it?"Yes. I certainly understood that. The ability to be a crowd of people but still being the only person alone in the room. "Yuyu" I spoke softly.Her head jerked up a bit, and I could barely catch a glint of her eyes in the blackness."People tell you family is the people who are supposed to love you no matter what," I continued, softer. "But sometimes, they're just the ones who hurt you the most."She didn't say anything, but I could feel her looking at me.I swung around, running a hand through my dripping hair."M
PRETEND PRINCESS BREWING DISASTER
Creed's POVI have no clue how I ended up here in this park, but it was… peaceful. I sat on a rock under a massive tree, its branches shielding me from the brunt of the rain. Cold drops still hit my skin, but it was better than wandering the streets blindly, drowning in my own thoughts.I had to think. I had to start over.And yet, the moment I closed my eyes, she was there in my head.Yu Yu Roman.That girl.I didn't know when or how, but something had changed. Something inside of me. I couldn't help it anymore. She wasn't just a passing thought—she was consuming me. The way she moved, the way she talked, the way she always seemed to be running from something, even when she was standing still.Was she the reason I called off the engagement? Was she the reason I couldn't move forward with Zara? Was she the reason I was so fucking frustrated, like my entire life had been a series of choices that led me straight to her?I exhaled a sigh, running a hand through my wet hair.This was a di
PRETEND PRINCESS MEMORIES BOUND TO ME
Creed's POVZara's lips trembled, her breath catching as she shook her head."You're a precious gem," I whispered. "And gems are supposed to be adored, not neglected by someone who doesn't know their value."For a second, I thought she'd break. That she'd cry. That she'd say she knew.Instead, she laughed. A cold, empty sound."It's you, isn't it?" she whispered, her voice biting and accusing.I frowned. "Zara—""Don't fucking lie to me, Creed," she spat, fists knotting at her sides. "It's him, isn't it?!"My brows furrowed. "No, this is about us—""It's him! Roman!" Her voice rose, shrill and cracking with emotion. "I knew that bitch was going to get in my way!""Zara, stop." I reached out to catch her, but she shoved me off, eyes blazing with hurt."All this time," she seethed. "You never loved me, did you? You never wanted this! After everything we've been through, I—" Her voice broke, and she swallowed. "We deserve to be together! You deserve to be with me!""Zara—"She slapped me
