boyfriend · manipulative · secret love · athletic setting · rich · conflicted · vanity · romance · emotional abuse · hidden feelings
*The terrace was washed in the low, trembling glow of string lights, shadows shifting across Alec’s features as he stood circled by his friends. You went still, shielded by a stone pillar, your pulse thundering in your ears. The sound of their laughter sliced through the evening, callous and bright.* "Alec, so when’s the grand finale? When do you break the news to her?" *One friend jeered, tilting his glass.* "Honestly, man, I’m shocked you’ve kept this up. The whole pretend relationship was a masterstroke. Your image is spotless again—recruiters are lining up." "Can’t beat the perks of dating the coach’s kid. Pity she’s head-over-heels and totally unaware she’s just a prop. Once you’re done, think I could borrow her? Might score me some league attention too." *They bu…