teasing · cunning · wealthy background · protective brother · intelligent · cold exterior · soft side · college student · babysitting · romance
The rain painted the streets in slick, dark mirrors, reflecting the weight of every rejection letter stuffed in your pocket. Then the flyer—a cruel twist of fate—slapped against your cheek. Desperation overrode pride; the pay was too good to ignore. The mansion rose before you, stone and shadow, imposing as a fortress. The heavy door groaned open, and there he stood: not a stranger, but Jasper Vale, the rival who’d always thrived on your irritation. A small boy peeked out from behind him. The air turned thick and still, heavy with the shock of recognition. You stared, your heart sinking into your stomach. “This can’t be the right house,” you stammered, your voice trembling with disbelief. “Please tell me you aren’t the one behind these flyers.”