Fake dating my enemy, The playboy billionaire

The terrace is buzzing with laughter and chatter, reserved entirely for family and friends. I find myself in the coolest girl gang—Meimei, Suyin, Ning, Vivian, and me. We’re huddled around a table, drinks in hand, lost in juicy gossip and stories that have us laughing until our sides hurt.

Across the terrace, the boys are gathered near the bar, and I can’t help but steal a few glances. Honestly, this looks like a gathering of Greek gods—broad shoulders, chiseled jawlines, and the kind of confidence that can only come from knowing you’re ridiculously good-looking.

And then there’s him.

One guy stands out among the rest, with piercing blue eyes, broad shoulders, and long hair that gives him an uncanny resemblance to a real-life Clark Kent. He’s the most striking of the lot, but there’s something about him—an aura of danger, like a storm simmering just beneath the surface.

Shit. He caught me staring.

Look away, Yiren. Look anywhere. Pretend you’re busy.

"Careful, Yiren," Meimei whispers, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Jun is a jealous freak, you know."

I shrug, feigning nonchalance. "That’s a rare specimen sitting at the bar. Can you blame me?"

Meimei grins. "Rare, indeed. Don’t tell Jianyu, but I might have a secret crush on that guy too."

"Me too," Suyin chimes in, and we all laugh.

A waiter arrives with drinks, and Meimei quickly pockets a note that was clearly meant for her. She sneaks a glance at Jianyu, who’s watching her with a smirk from across the terrace, and blushes. When the food comes, Suyin starts adding dishes to everyone’s plates like a doting mom.

"You two are nothing like what I’ve heard," Ning says, eyeing Meimei and Suyin curiously.

"Like what?" Meimei perks up, clearly eager for some tea. "Come on, spill it. I love good gossip."

"Dominating, strict, and spoiled," Ning replies matter-of-factly.

"Oh, we’re all three," Suyin says with a mischievous grin, "but only for our husbands. And soon, Yiren will be all three and then some."

Ning’s gaze turns to me, sharp and knowing. She knows this is a fake relationship. But it’s like she’s searching my face for something more, something deeper. Thankfully, Kai calls her attention away just in time. "Ning, time for your meds," he says, walking over with a small tray.

I watch as Kai gives her the meds. When she pouts at the sheer number of pills in her hand, he pulls out a piece of caramel candy—one of Mom’s recipes. My chest tightens at the sight. He made this for her. The tender look he gives her, the way she softens in response—it’s love in its purest form.

From the corner of my eye, I notice Vivian slipping away to meet Zian. He tucks a butterfly hairpin into her hair, whispering something that makes her cheeks flush bright red. He tilts her chin up and kisses her softly, and she looks like she’s floating.

And then there’s Dr. Shishi, watching Suyin like she’s the only star in his galaxy. His eyes hold so much warmth, so much devotion. The sight of all this love and connection around me leaves me feeling... out of place.

My gaze drifts toward the bar, landing on Jun. He’s watching me. His subtle head tilt asks, "All okay?" I blink slowly in response, our silent way of saying yes.

He pinches his thumb and finger together, sending me a tiny heart. My own heart flutters in response. I blow him a flying kiss.

Wait.

The other man—Clark Kent with the blue eyes—is also staring at me now. And he catches the kiss.

WTF! That wasn’t for you!

It’s too late. His intense gaze locks on mine, and, oh no—why is he walking over here?

"Hi," a deep, gravelly voice greets me.

I look up into those impossibly blue eyes. His presence is magnetic, pulling the air right out of my lungs.

"I’m Lu Xion," he says, extending a hand.

"Yiren," I reply, slipping my hand into his. His grip is firm, his hand rough and calloused, with countless scars etched into his skin—a man who’s clearly lived a life filled with danger.

"Beautiful name," he says, lifting my hand toward his lips.

Before I can even react, Jun is right there, snatching my hand away and dusting off the invisible germs like Xion’s touch itself is a crime against humanity. Without missing a beat, Jun plants a wet kiss on the back of my hand, clearly marking his territory.

"Taken," he declares, his voice dripping with possessiveness. "Not ready to mingle. Move on."

Xion throws his head back and laughs, a deep, raspy sound that rakes through me like the rumble of thunder.

Xion glances back toward the bar where the other guys are watching like hawks.

"It’s always fun teasing these love-struck men," he says, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "They get so flustered in my presence."

I shrug, "Well, you are ridiculously handsome and have this ridiculously attractive personality. Can’t a woman appreciate beauty without being interested?"

"Definitely," he agrees, his lips curling into a wicked grin. "But how do I make these jealous bastards understand that? They see me as a threat every time."

"I don’t blame them, because you sure don’t act like a saint. You instigate them on purpose."

His laughter rumbles again, this time more genuine, like I’ve said something he truly finds funny. "I like this one," Xion says, glancing at Jun. "She’ll keep you on your toes."

Jun wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me closer. Though Xion might be the most striking man I’ve ever seen, he doesn’t have the warmth, the steadiness, or the calming presence that Jun radiates effortlessly.

"Yiren," Jun murmurs, his tone low but firm, "he’s the king of the underworld. Stay away."

My jaw drops. Oh, great. Was I just sassing the king of the freaking underworld?

"Will he kill me?" I whisper to Jun.

"Or worse," he replies, deadpan.

"Should I apologize?"

"No. Just avoid him. Avoid, avoid."

"But—how does a king of the underworld end up in your circle?"

"He forced his way in," Jun mutters, glaring at Xion.

"Don’t listen to him," Xion counters with a smirk. "I’m just here for the free drinks. And beautiful women."

He leans and as if about to kiss my cheek but Jun swiftly tug me to the other side. Xion grabs the napkin from the table and winks at us. At Jun mostly....