Fake Love, Real Trouble

Nathan sat across from Lilian at an upscale café, a place she had chosen, tucked away in a quiet corner away from prying eyes. The atmosphere was warm, the soft lighting giving everything a golden hue. She stirred her iced coffee absentmindedly, while Nathan leaned back in his chair, one hand lazily drumming against the table.

For a while, neither of them spoke. It was a comfortable silence—until Nathan decided to break it.

"So... when is this going to end?"

Lilian blinked, looking up at him. "What?"

Nathan rested his elbow on the table, propping his chin up with one hand. "This fake relationship. You haven't really been using it for anything. Is this supposed to go on forever?"

Lilian tilted her head slightly, as if considering his words. Then, instead of answering, she smirked. "Why? Are you getting tired of it?"

Nathan scoffed, shaking his head. "No, but it's weird. I thought you'd milk this for all it's worth—make your parents back off, avoid suitors, something. But you haven't really done anything with it."

Lilian sipped her drink, not breaking eye contact. "Maybe I just like having you as my boyfriend."

Nathan froze for a second.

He stared at her, gauging her expression. Was she serious? The way she said it was too casual, too smooth—like she was testing him. But something about it still caught him off guard.

Then, his lips curled into a smirk.

"Just admit it. You've had a crush on me this whole time."

Lilian didn't even hesitate. She flicked her fingers forward and flicked Nathan's forehead.

"Keep dreaming."

Nathan chuckled, rubbing the spot where she had hit him. "You didn't deny it."

Lilian rolled her eyes, but there was a small, amused smile on her lips.

For a moment, Nathan forgot about everything else—the weight of expectations, the suffocating obligations, the name "Cole" that he carried. For once, this felt normal.

Nathan leaned forward slightly, propping his chin on his hand. "You know, if this wasn't fake, I think I'd be a pretty great boyfriend."

Lilian raised an eyebrow. "Oh really?"

Nathan smirked. "Yeah. I'd take you out to fancy places, buy you overpriced gifts, maybe even remember your birthday."

Lilian scoffed, crossing her arms. "Maybe? Wow, what a dream boyfriend."

Nathan shrugged. "What can I say? I like to keep things exciting."

Lilian shook her head, but she was clearly entertained. "You're so full of yourself."

"And yet, here we are," Nathan pointed out, leaning back again. "On a date."

Lilian rolled her eyes, but she didn't refute it.

The moment lingered—lighthearted, effortless.

But just as quickly as it came, Nathan felt a familiar weight creep back into his chest.

This wasn't real.

And eventually, all of this would come crashing down.

---

Later That Night

Nathan stepped into his apartment, tossing his keys onto the counter. He loosened the collar of his shirt, letting out a slow exhale.

The night had been… nice. Too nice.

It almost made him forget.

Almost.

The moment he sank into his couch, his phone buzzed.

He pulled it out, frowning at the unknown number flashing on the screen.

He hesitated for a second before answering.

"Nathan Cole. I believe it's time for us to meet."

Nathan's grip on the phone tightened. The voice on the other end was smooth, authoritative, and unmistakably confident.

"Who is this?"

"Joseph Carter. I assume you know who I am."

Nathan straightened up. Lilian's father?

Why was he calling him directly?

"I'll send you the location. Be there. And wear something formal."

Before Nathan could respond, the line went dead.

He exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair.

Whatever this was, it wasn't just a casual introduction.

And for some reason, Joseph Carter wanted to see Nathan Cole.

Not the fake boyfriend Lilian thought he was.

Not the laid-back student everyone at school knew.

But him.

And that was never a good thing.

Nathan adjusted the cuffs of his black suit, glancing at his reflection in the tinted car window. His usual slightly messy hair was neatly styled back, giving him a sharper and more refined look. This wasn't the Nathan everyone at school knew—this was Nathan Cole, heir to one of the most powerful business empires.

He stepped out of the car, his polished shoes hitting the marble floor of the luxurious venue. The grand hall was filled with high-profile businessmen, elegantly dressed guests, and a quiet air of power. But Nathan didn't care for any of them. His focus was solely on the man waiting at the end of the room.

Joseph Carter.

Unlike his own father, Denis Cole, who always carried a cold and demanding presence, Joseph seemed… calm. Collected. There was something about the way he stood, completely at ease, as if he had nothing to prove.

When their eyes met, Joseph smiled slightly. "Ah, Nathan Cole. I assume you already met my daughter at the party?"

Nathan nodded, keeping his expression composed. "Yes. We've met."

Joseph studied him for a moment before his smile grew a little more amused.

"Or should I say… you both are already dating?"

Nathan, who had been about to respond smoothly, suddenly choked on absolutely nothing. He quickly turned away, clearing his throat before composing himself again. "Ahem—how did you know?"

Joseph chuckled lightly. "Maybe because my daughter told me herself… that she has a new boyfriend."

Nathan's breath hitched for half a second.

Lilian actually told her father that?

So all this time… she never considered this as just a "fake relationship"?

Nathan kept his expression unreadable, but his mind was already racing.

"Huh." Nathan exhaled, forcing a smirk. "Looks like Lilian has a good relationship with her father… unlike me."

Joseph's gaze softened slightly. "You and Denis don't get along?"

Nathan scoffed. "We just don't share the same views." He leaned back slightly, looking away. "I never wanted to take over Cole's Group. I used to love playing football… but all of that was taken away from me. Because of him."

Joseph was silent for a moment, as if carefully considering his words. Finally, he let out a soft breath.

"That must have been difficult."

Nathan hadn't expected sympathy. Usually, businessmen like Joseph only saw the value in legacy, money, and power. But instead of lecturing him, Joseph simply accepted his feelings.

Nathan looked at him, expression unreadable, before sighing. "Can I ask for a favor?"

Joseph raised an eyebrow. "Depends on the favor."

Nathan met his gaze directly. "Please don't tell Lilian who I really am. She doesn't know that I'm… well, me. I prefer it that way."

Joseph studied him for a long moment before finally… smiling.

"Alright. I'll respect that."

Nathan dipped his head slightly. "Thank you."

He turned to leave, but just as he stepped outside, a familiar voice rang out.

"Dad!"

Nathan glanced over just in time to see Lilian rushing towards Joseph.

The problem?

She was moving too fast, not looking where she was stepping.

Nathan reacted instantly. With precise movement, he reached out and caught her just as she stumbled forward.

For a brief second, everything stopped.

Lilian's face was just inches from Nathan's, their breaths mingling. Her eyes widened slightly, and there was a faint pink dusting her cheeks.

Nathan smirked. "Oops. Careful there, missy."

Lilian quickly pushed herself away, scowling. "Shut up."

Nathan chuckled, stepping back smoothly. "Just looking out for you."

Lilian shot him an annoyed glare, brushing off her dress before turning away.

Nathan simply watched her, amused.

She really had no idea.

And somehow… that made it even more fun.

---

Later That Night

Nathan lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling.

Lilian thought their relationship was real.

The entire time, she never once considered it as fake.

Nathan closed his eyes, exhaling.

Then, despite everything—despite the chaos, despite the lies—he found himself smiling.

Maybe, just maybe…

This wasn't so bad after all.

End of Chapter 8.