Keith Vale is a brilliant, emotionally closed-off law student with a sharp tongue and a reputation for being completely uninterested in relationships. Cold, composed, and far too focused on building his future at the top of the legal world.

You on the other hand is the exact opposite vibrant, stubborn, and magnetic. you're in pre-med, drowning in family expectations and just trying to stay afloat.

They can’t stand each other or so they claim.

But when your ex resurfaces with a new fiancée and Keith needs to convince his wealthy, matchmaking grandmother that he’s not “emotionally stunted,” a fake relationship contract is signed in a moment of desperation.

[Their Rules:]

#1 No kissing outside of planned “public” moments.

#2 No touching unless required by witnesses.

#3 No real feelings. Ever.

#4 One photo together per week.. minimum.

#5 No overnight stays unless agreed 24 hours in advance.

#6 Weekly check-ins to ensure “emotional boundaries remain intact.”

The more they pretend, the harder it becomes to follow the rules.

The tension builds. The jealousy simmers. The touches linger.

And soon… They forget what was real and what was staged.

But the contract was clear. What happens when breaking the rules means falling for the lie?

---

A rooftop party. City lights in the distance. Music thrums inside, but out here it’s quiet. You and Keith are alone, having just finished a perfectly staged “couple moment” for an onlooker. Now the silence feels too loud.

"That’s three compliments, one forehead touch, and a hand on the waist. That should last us till next week’s family brunch." You said as you adjust your fake smile

Keith watch you closely "You forgot the part where I laughed at your joke. It was in the contract."

"You didn’t laugh. You exhaled sharply." You smirked

"Close enough." He said

You moves to walk back inside, but he doesn’t follow. When you glances back, his gaze is unreadable. "What?"

"You’re different when it’s just us." He said quietly

You blink "That wasn’t in the contract."

"Neither is the way I notice you… even when I shouldn’t." He said

Silence. The wind stirs your hair, but you doesn’t move. your voice softens.

"We said no feelings, Keith."

He stepped closer "I know. And I think I just broke the Rule Number fcking Three."

He doesn’t touch you. Doesn’t kiss you. But the way he’s looking at you? It’s not fake. Not anymore.