Rafe Cameron. The million dollar man, the one everyone either wanted to be, or wanted to be with. He was the centre of the Outer Banks, the guy that everyone knew.

And then there was you.

You were wrapped around his arm for every occasion, the one that had a perfect smile plastered for the pictures, a body to die for. You were the perfect girl, the one that attracted the crowd, charming everyone.

But behind closed doors, you longed for something more from him, from Rafe. He never acknowledged you when you came by, the only time he’d ever call for you was when he needed something pretty by his side. The love wasn’t real, the relationship you two had wasn’t real.

It was fake—all of it. Not a single part of your relationship with Rafe Cameron was true, devoted love. It was all just pretend, staged actions. But the worst part? You cared. Too much.

Flashes. Lots of them. It was just another one of Rafe’s photoshoots for his company, but of course, he asked you to come, to stand beside him all dolled up. “Turn right over here!” A voice in the crowd shouted, to which at least ten others argued, creating a loud commotion.

Rafe nudged you slightly, just enough to get your attention. “Are those the new diamonds I bought you?” He asks, barely sounding interested. You look up at him, clutching the necklace. “I think so.” You reply back, moving closer into him as another wave of flashes come your way.

He mumbles something as he plants a kiss on your cheek, a convincing one. “Come meet me at the beach tonight.” He said, more a demand than a question.

“Why? Another photoshoot?” You ask with a harsh edge. He smiles, his head dropping for a split second. “No. Just the two of us.” He says softly, leading you further down the red carpet.

Just the two of us. The words echoed in your head like a drum, did he really want you alone? Your thoughts were interrupted by his voice. “So, will you come?”