All Chapters of PRETEND PRINCESS: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Yuki's povThe sharp smack of my resume hitting the floor echoed like a gunshot in the room. My eyes darted to the crumpled paper lying there, a small but loud reminder of how this day had already gone to shit.I stood there, mouth slightly open, staring at the manager like she’d just cursed my ancestors. What the actual hell?“I’m sorry,” she said, though her tone suggested she wasn’t sorry at all. She crossed her arms, her nails clicking against her sleeve like a countdown to my dismissal. “We’re not hiring.”I blinked, thrown off. “Not hiring?” I echoed, incredulous. “I saw the vacancy notice. Like… this vacancy notice.” I held up my phone, scrolling to the job listing I’d literally applied for two days ago.She didn’t even glance at it. “Well, the position’s been filled.”What? No. No, that didn’t make sense. I’d prepped for this interview for days. I’d ironed my pink blazer to perfection, styled my hair like I was meeting the love of my life, and walked into this cold, soulless o

Yuki's povThe morning sunlight filtered through the kitchen window, casting warm golden streaks across the countertop. Grandpa sat at the dining table, watching me with vague curiosity as I helped him with breakfast.Lily had texted earlier, saying she’d be late. That left me in charge.I flipped the eggs with practiced ease, Making sure they were cooked to the precision grandpa liked.“Here you go, Pops,” I said, setting his plate down. “Sunny-side up, just how you like it.”Grandpa nodded, his eyes slightly vacant, but he still managed a small smile. “Thank you, Laurie.”I stiffened but quickly forced a grin. “No problem, old man.”I placed his morning meds next to his plate. “Don’t forget these.”As he started eating, I turned to the kitchen counter, only for my stomach to drop.Electricity bill: $200 Money owed: $420 Total: $620 “Fuck,” I muttered under my breath.At this rate, I’d have to start selling my organs.Before I could wallow in my financial despair, my phone vibr

Yuki's pov---When I walked into CreedX Technologies that morning, every ounce of confidence I had was tightly packed into my carefully chosen outfit: a black fitted skirt that ended just above my knees, a crisp white button-down shirt, and Lily’s shimmering red pumps—shoes I swore I’d never return. The outfit was subdued compared to my usual vibrant style, but I needed to play it safe. The makeup Lily applied blended so seamlessly it felt like a second skin, softening the edges of my masculine features just enough. My name on the application? Yuyu Roman.As I sat in the lobby, hands folded over the leather portfolio I brought as a prop, I kept my head high. I told myself, “You’ve got this, Yuki—no, Yuyu.” It had been a month of relentless preparation. Lily drilled me on how to speak, how to walk in heels without looking like a baby deer, and how to answer interview questions with enough charm to keep suspicions at bay. This was my chance. I needed this job. For Grandpa. For Suzu. Fo

Yuki's pov Joe’s workhouse looked like the kind of place people went into and never came out. It was tucked between two abandoned buildings, the flickering neon sign above the entrance barely hanging on to life. Stepping inside, I was hit with the overwhelming stench of gasoline, metal, and something else—something rancid.The walls were covered with oddities: old weapons, half-dissected animals pinned to wooden boards, and rusted tools that looked like they had been used for something far worse than construction. A human skull sat on one of the shelves, staring at me like it knew I didn’t belong here.“Joe?” I called, voice tight.A heavy thud came from behind the counter, and then Joe emerged—towering, broad-shouldered, and built like a tank. His face was partially shadowed, but I could see the deep scars running down the side of his neck. He looked like he belonged in a crime documentary, the kind where they interviewed ex-convicts behind blurred screens.I put on my best smile. “

Monday came faster than I would’ve liked, but there was no escaping it.I had to be up early, looking presentable for work again. Unfortunately, that meant another boring, neutral-toned outfit.Red top. Black skirt. Corporate doll.At least Lily was kind enough to do my makeup again, making sure I looked flawless. She’d been meticulous, ensuring my eyeliner was sharp enough to stab my enemies.Still, as I stood in front of the mirror, I couldn't help but sigh. “This outfit needs something,” I muttered.Then inspiration struck.I grabbed my trusty box of colorful pins and went to town, decorating my shirt with them like a human Christmas tree.Lily walked back in, took one look at me, and shook her head. “You had to, didn’t you?”“What?” I grinned. “I have to add a little personality to this doll outfit. It’s a public service, really.”She snorted. “I give it an hour before someone tells you to take them off.”“An hour is better than nothing,” I declared, tossing my bag over my shoulde