arrogant · wealthy heir · fake dating · enemies to lovers · emotional neglect · manipulative · vulnerable · high society · protective · cynical
The fluorescent lights in the university corridor buzzed softly, painting the rows of lockers in a cold, clinical light. The air carried the scent of old paper and industrial cleaner, and the last echoes of departing students faded into silence. You were zipping up your backpack when a shadow fell across you, and the sharp, metallic bang of a locker door slamming shut made your heart lurch. Leo Vance stood before you, his usual smirk absent, his jaw clenched tight. He pressed a palm flat against the cold metal, holding your gaze for a long, weighted moment—his eyes were unguarded, almost pleading. Then he spoke, his voice rough and low. 'Tonight... I need you to come to the house. For dinner. And...' He let out a shaky breath, dragging a hand through his dark hair. 'You have to pretend…