LOGINShare
76. The Fake Hero
Last Updated:
2025-01-02 19:15:01
Priyal DessaiThanks for reading! If you're enjoying the story, consider voting with gems, or dropping a comment/review
Related chapters
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 77. A House of Lies
“Your father, Elliot Jones, killed Neil.”I wait for him to smirk, to laugh. To tell me this is just another lie he’s woven up to throw me off track. To distract me from the bad he has done to me. But Mike doesn’t falter. I shouldn’t believe it, but somehow it makes sense. I don’t understand why or how, but it feels like he’s given me the last missing piece of the puzzle, and now I have the full picture. The room spins, and I feel like I’m going to throw up. My throat tightens as my mind flashes images of Neil, my brother—memories with him. His laughter, his caring nature, his ability to turn brutal if anyone tries to hurt me. Neil’s death has always been a mystery, a painful wound that never healed. And now, Mike is telling me that my own father is responsible?"You’re lying," I whisper despite knowing deep in my bones that it is true.Mike shrugs, a cruel smile on his face. “He fell off a building, huh? Tell me how stupid that sounds. I was there, Nat. The ground was perfectly fir
Last Updated : 2025-01-04The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 78. This Isn't You
In the hushed stillness of Meera’s apartment, the only sound breaking the silence is the distant hum of traffic outside. Ric's arms are wrapped around me, his warmth seeping into my skin like a lifeline, keeping me alive. His thumb traces slow, gentle circles on my cheek, a rhythm that's become a familiar comfort. It's been three long weeks since the attack—three weeks since my world shattered, leaving me to pick up the pieces and try to make sense of what's left.Every night here has been a battle against nightmares that claw their way into my dreams. But every time I wake up, gasping and terrified, Ric is there. His arms are always ready, pulling me close in a protective embrace that feels like a shield against the darkness. He whispers reassurances, reminding me that the attacker is gone, locked away where he can't hurt me anymore. It's a mantra that helps me find my way back to a fragile sense of safety, even if it's just for a moment.The IV drip is gone now, but the wound on my
Last Updated : 2025-01-04The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 79. Stuck With Me
I sit cross-legged on Meera’s couch, the plush fabric soft under my fingers as I try to form the words. She’s scrolling through her phone, barely glancing up, but I know she senses my unease. Finally, I take a deep breath and let it out in a rush.“Ric wants to take me to the lakehouse.”Meera’s fingers pause mid-scroll. Her head snaps up, eyes narrowing with curiosity and concern. “What?”“Just for a break. To get away,” I explain quickly, watching her expression shift through a spectrum of emotions. “I want to go… to clear my head.”“Clear your head?” she repeats, setting her phone down and leaning forward. “Nat, I get it. You’ve been through hell. But are you sure this is a good idea? Being alone with him that far away?”Her words prick at me. But I know she’s just worried—she’s not so forgiving of his past. “I need this, Meera. I need space. Air. Something other than these walls.”Meera softens slightly, her lips pressing into a thin line. “You’re right. You do. But I…” She hesita
Last Updated : 2025-01-04The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 1. The Cheating Bastard
[NATALIE]The clinking of silverware and the hum of conversation surround me as I sit at the corner table of our favorite Italian restaurant. It’s the eve of our second wedding anniversary, and Michael insisted on dining out, even though I would’ve preferred a quiet night at home. He’s always been the social butterfly, the life of every party, while I’m the grounded one—the devoted wife who treasures our private moments, despite being a budding actress in Hollywood.I sip my wine, but there’s this nagging feeling in the back of my mind that something’s off. I made an effort to dress up tonight, slipping into a red silk dress that hugs my curves in all the right places. I look amazing—everyone’s eyes linger on me, except for Michael’s. He hasn’t even looked at me properly, let alone complimented me. The ache in my chest deepens. I know our relationship has faltered despite everything I’ve done to keep it together. The spark that once made him fall head over heels for me has faded. La
Last Updated : 2024-09-29The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 2. A Showdown in Style
I scroll through my Instagram feed, feeling my heart sink as I take in the posts. The venue—an opulent ballroom in the heart of the city—glitters under the soft glow of chandeliers. Every detail, from the lavish floral arrangements to the perfectly aligned crystal glasses, screams elegance and perfection—just as I envisioned and organized. I’ve spent weeks prepping for this day, ensuring that everything would be perfect, up until the fateful night a week ago.Now, I stand on the balcony of the adjoining building, a safe distance from the entrance, my eyes fixed on the scene below. It’s a grand affair, the kind of event that commands attention, and tonight, Mike is in his element.From my vantage point, I can see the throngs of people arriving, mingling, and exchanging polite pleasantries. They’re the sort of people you’d expect to see at events like this—high-powered businessmen, socialites, and even a few celebrities who grace the occasion with their presence. Everyone seems to be en
Last Updated : 2024-10-01The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 3. The Final Performance
"You seem like someone who could use another drink," he says, his voice deep and smooth.I find myself staring into his eyes — older, confident, and dark, with an air of control that quickly makes me weak in my knees. His voice makes it clear that he’s not asking; he's stating a fact. The hint of a smirk pulls at his lips, as if he already knows what my response will be.I smile, intrigued by the unexpected interruption. “Is it that obvious?”He leans against the bar, his gaze steady, assessing me with an intensity that makes me feel like I’m under a spotlight, more than any of the other cameras ever could. “Only to those who know what to look for.”I let out a soft chuckle, glancing down at my glass before locking eyes with him again. His presence is magnetic, but there’s an edge to him that sends a thrill through me — something dangerous. I trace the rim of my glass with my finger, enjoying the tension in the air. “So,” I say, my voice dipping, “you intend to get me drunk?”His lip
Last Updated : 2024-10-02The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 4. A Sizzling Reunion
“I think you should attend this event, Nat,” Meera, my personal assistant-turned-friend, says over the phone. “It’ll be a good distraction from the Mike drama,” she continues, clearly hoping to convince me. But I know all too well the questions I’d be bombarded with if I showed up.For the last two weeks, no one has cared to ask me about anything except my husband. They shamelessly beg for all the juicy details of our upcoming divorce, and honestly, I can’t even blame them. I’m the one who brought it into the public eye. Although, it was Mike’s video message that pushed me over the edge. Or maybe it was the whiskey.I don’t care anymore.Mike can burn in the deepest pits of hell for all I care. It’s almost funny now—how he didn’t even bother hiding the fact that he was cheating. All those weeks of avoiding me, throwing out lame excuses about work—I was so blind.Blind in love. Pathetic.All I want now is to disappear until the drama dies down—if it ever does—and enjoy a few peaceful d
Last Updated : 2024-10-03The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 5. One Taste Isn't Enough
I chuckle, daring myself to reach out and place my hand over his chest. “I don’t even know anything about you. Except your name.”Ric’s eyes follow the movement and the corner of his lips tilts up in a smirk. A sound escapes his throat — something between satisfaction and pleasure. He wasn't expecting me to do that. But he totally liked it.He places his hand over mine — warm and hard, wrapping it entirely. It’s a simple gesture but it knocks the breath out of me.God, he’s confident. And I’m only pretending.It was the whiskey, I realise with a subtle shake of my head.I’ve flirted with a lot of men — but it has never been genuine. I acted out the way the scripts wanted me to, but this… this is my first real daring experience. With Mike, there was always an air of comfort and familiarity. I knew him — or I thought I did. But I know I did understand him. However, in front of this man right here, I’m nothing but a shivering bunny.At his mercy.Ric leans in, and for a moment I’m sure h
Last Updated : 2024-10-10
Latest chapter
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 79. Stuck With Me
I sit cross-legged on Meera’s couch, the plush fabric soft under my fingers as I try to form the words. She’s scrolling through her phone, barely glancing up, but I know she senses my unease. Finally, I take a deep breath and let it out in a rush.“Ric wants to take me to the lakehouse.”Meera’s fingers pause mid-scroll. Her head snaps up, eyes narrowing with curiosity and concern. “What?”“Just for a break. To get away,” I explain quickly, watching her expression shift through a spectrum of emotions. “I want to go… to clear my head.”“Clear your head?” she repeats, setting her phone down and leaning forward. “Nat, I get it. You’ve been through hell. But are you sure this is a good idea? Being alone with him that far away?”Her words prick at me. But I know she’s just worried—she’s not so forgiving of his past. “I need this, Meera. I need space. Air. Something other than these walls.”Meera softens slightly, her lips pressing into a thin line. “You’re right. You do. But I…” She hesita
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 78. This Isn't You
In the hushed stillness of Meera’s apartment, the only sound breaking the silence is the distant hum of traffic outside. Ric's arms are wrapped around me, his warmth seeping into my skin like a lifeline, keeping me alive. His thumb traces slow, gentle circles on my cheek, a rhythm that's become a familiar comfort. It's been three long weeks since the attack—three weeks since my world shattered, leaving me to pick up the pieces and try to make sense of what's left.Every night here has been a battle against nightmares that claw their way into my dreams. But every time I wake up, gasping and terrified, Ric is there. His arms are always ready, pulling me close in a protective embrace that feels like a shield against the darkness. He whispers reassurances, reminding me that the attacker is gone, locked away where he can't hurt me anymore. It's a mantra that helps me find my way back to a fragile sense of safety, even if it's just for a moment.The IV drip is gone now, but the wound on my
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 77. A House of Lies
“Your father, Elliot Jones, killed Neil.”I wait for him to smirk, to laugh. To tell me this is just another lie he’s woven up to throw me off track. To distract me from the bad he has done to me. But Mike doesn’t falter. I shouldn’t believe it, but somehow it makes sense. I don’t understand why or how, but it feels like he’s given me the last missing piece of the puzzle, and now I have the full picture. The room spins, and I feel like I’m going to throw up. My throat tightens as my mind flashes images of Neil, my brother—memories with him. His laughter, his caring nature, his ability to turn brutal if anyone tries to hurt me. Neil’s death has always been a mystery, a painful wound that never healed. And now, Mike is telling me that my own father is responsible?"You’re lying," I whisper despite knowing deep in my bones that it is true.Mike shrugs, a cruel smile on his face. “He fell off a building, huh? Tell me how stupid that sounds. I was there, Nat. The ground was perfectly fir
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 76. The Fake Hero
The first thing that slams into me as I claw my way out of unconsciousness is the sharp, chemical stink of a hospital. My brain feels like it’s been dragged through mud, incapable of forming coherent thoughts. My memories are foggy. I have no clue how long I’ve been here or what the hell happened. My breaths come out shallow, weak, and when my hand shakily grazes my head, I hit the edge of a thick bandage. The ache beneath it isn’t sharp—it’s this deep, gnawing throb, like my body knows something my mind can’t piece together. Time stretches and collapses, seconds bleeding into hours, or maybe days—I can’t tell. Then, I hear Meera’s faint voice cutting through the haze. “Natalie,” she calls, and my eyelids drag open. Her gasp hits my ears, her face crumpling as tears spill over. “You’re okay,” she whispers, her voice trembling with relief. I try to respond, to say something, anything, but my throat feels like sandpaper. My lips crack as I part them, but no sound comes out. Behind
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 75. Glitz, Glamour, and Danger
The after-party is in full swing, the air buzzing with the energy of a successful premiere. I'm seated at a table with people including Meera, Chris, Hugo, and Aura. The venue echoes the clinking of glasses, laughter, and excited conversations. I watch as Anya walks towards me, excusing herself from a group of executives before leaning in, her eyes sparkling with satisfaction. “The premiere went incredibly well,” she whispers, a smirk on her otherwise sharp face. “The press is already raving about the film, and your appearance with Chris was the cherry on top.”Chris lifts his glass of champagne, a genuine smile on his face. “To Hugo, Aura, and Natalie,” he says, his voice carrying over the noise. “May 'Choose Me, Choose You' be the success it deserves to be.”I smile, feeling a warmth spread through me. There’s a lot of hard work that was put into the movie so of course we all want it to be successful. I would agree that the premiere has been great, if I could erase the memory of tha
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 74. The Show Must Go On
I swallow hard, my mind racing with doubts. But I have to remember that Anya has my best interests at heart. I nod, but I don't say a word in agreement.When we arrive at the premiere, the red carpet is already buzzing with activity. Cameras flash, and reporters call out questions, eager to get a glimpse of us. I exhale, slipping on my mask—the darling of Hollywood, but with a smeared reputation.“It’ll end before you know it,” Meera whispers, edging closer to my side.“Actually,” I begin with a smile I hope can convince her. “I’m excited about tonight. I will revel.”Meera pauses before her lips widen into a full-blown grin. “That’s the Natalie Jones they love!”“That’s the Natalie they love,” I correct. She raises a brow. “Oh yes, Meera. I’m dropping my last name after all.”I step out of the car, my gown instantly shimmering under the bright lights. The crowd erupts in cheers, and I wave, forcing myself to appear radiant despite the nerves churning in my stomach. I pose for photos,
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 73. The Premiere
My ears are ringing, and my heart is pounding so hard it feels like it might burst out of my chest. It can’t be true. Maisie, the woman I trusted, the woman who reminded me of my mother with her gentle smiles and quiet appearance, helped him? Betrayal slices through me like a knife.“I didn’t know,” she continues, her voice breaking into sobs. “I didn’t know what it was truly meant for!”I grab her arm and yank her sharply to her feet, hissing, “What do you mean?” My voice is a razor, cutting through the air, cutting through her lies.She flinches, her face twisting further in guilt and agony. “Sir told me to mix the powder with your food. I-I had no clue… I didn’t know it was going to—”“How stupid were you to listen to him blindly?” I slash at her. “How could you be so naive?”She wheezes, her breath coming in ragged gasps. “He said it was to improve your health,” she says, but I catch her on that lie. Her eyes dart away, unable to meet mine.I shake her by holding her shoulders tigh
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 72. The Nightmares
I sit on the edge of the bed, my heart pounding as I wait for Ric's response. For a moment, I believe he won't answer, that the silence will stretch on forever. I sigh and get off the bed, feeling a mix of disappointment and resignation. But just as I stand up, Ric's voice breaks through the silence, his tone heavy with confession.“I was a hitman, Natalie.”The words hit me like a blow. My breath catches in my throat, and I freeze, my mind racing to process what he’s just said. Slowly, I turn to face him, my voice barely steady. “A hitman?” I repeat, the word foreign on my tongue.His jaw tightens, and he nods, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallows hard. "Yes," he says quietly. “My family... they are associated with the Italian mafia. My father, especially. He wanted me to follow in his footsteps, but I couldn’t stomach it. I wanted to run—to escape that life. And I did... for a while.”I search his face, trying to grasp the gravity of what he’s saying. There’s no trace of bravado o
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 71. Hating One Killer While Bedding Another
Anya freezes, her eyes wide and locked on Ric’s hand, which rests around my waist. Her expression shifts from shock to anger in an instant, her lips parting slightly as if to speak, but no words come. Then, in a strained voice, she says, “I can’t do this,” and spins on her heels to leave.“Anya, wait!” I call out, my voice breaking. I step forward, reaching for her arm. “Please don’t go.”She stops but doesn’t turn around. Her shoulders heave as though she’s holding back tears. When she finally turns, her face is twisted with barely restrained anger. “Tell me what’s going on,” she demands, her voice trembling.I gesture toward the door. “Come inside. I’ll explain everything.”Meera glances at Ric, her expression laden with fear, before brushing past me into the penthouse. Anya follows, her steps hesitant but sharp. “If this has anything to do with him,” she says, nodding toward Ric, “I don’t want to hear it.”“It doesn’t,” I assure her quickly, realising that having Ric here is not at
