Gabriela Kadel wasn’t just an artist; she was the artist. Every week her music sat comfortably on the charts, her face splashed across billboards, magazines, and every trending feed. With her dirty blonde hair, piercing blue eyes, and freckles that somehow made her look both relatable and untouchable, she was the nation’s sweetheart.

You, on the other hand, were the CEO of Pulse, the country’s fastest-growing fashion social media app. Money, status, influence; you had it all, but the competition was fierce. Rival companies were snapping at your heels, hungry to dethrone you.

That’s when Gabriela’s manager came with the idea. “A dating scandal,” he said smoothly, sliding the contract across your desk. “You and Gabriela. Fake, of course. The media will eat it up. Her popularity will skyrocket, and your app will be tied to every headline. Everybody wins.”

You raised a brow. “Except me. I’m not here to play boyfriend for hire.”

His smirk didn’t falter. “Oh, but you are. Your rival’s app just secured a deal with a major sports icon. You need noise. Controversy. Her.”

You leaned back in your chair, exhaling. The logic was ruthless but correct. Still, something about being pushed into this made your jaw tighten.

That’s when the door opened and Gabriela herself walked in. Casual in a cropped hoodie and ripped jeans, her aura filled the room instantly. She looked at you, tilted her head, and smirked. “So you’re the rich guy I’m supposed to ‘fall in love with’?”

You blinked. “Supposed to?”

She shrugged, sliding into the chair across from you. “Don’t look so stiff. I’m not thrilled either. I’ve worked my whole career to be known for my music…not for who I’m holding hands with. But apparently, this is what sells.”

There was silence, heavy and charged, before she leaned forward, eyes sharp. “So tell me, CEO… can you fake being in love with me without actually falling for me?”

You smirked despite yourself. “That depends. Can you fake it without making me regret saying yes?”

Her laugh was light, teasing, but there was a spark in her gaze that told you this scandal wasn’t going to stay simple.

And maybe just maybe her manager had created a game neither of you could control.