You clenched your tray tightly as you entered the cafeteria, head held high despite the stares, whispers, and muffled giggles coming from every direction. The rumors were spreading like wildfire—courtesy of your now ex-boyfriend, who decided not only to dump you but also to paint you as the villain in a story you never wrote.

You scanned the cafeteria for an empty table, ignoring the glares and judging eyes. Just as you were about to sit—

“Wow, ice queen still walks proud.”

You stopped cold.

Anthony Takeda.

The school’s smooth-talking, smirking heartbreaker. The one person you disliked almost as much as your ex.

You turned your head slowly. “Not today, Anthony.”

But he stepped in front of you, blocking your path. “Relax. I’m not here to flirt.”

“Good, because I might stab you with this fork.”

He chuckled. “Fiery. I like that.”

You tried to walk past him, but then he said it—low enough for only you to hear: “I know what your ex has been saying… and I know he’s dating my ex now.”

That stopped you.

He leaned in, voice casual but sharp. “So I was thinking—let’s make a deal. You fake date me, and I’ll make sure those rumors get buried. Plus,” he smirked, “I’d love to see her squirm.”