Fake dating my enemy, The playboy billionaire

YIREN (Part1)

The drinks keep coming, and after the night I’ve had, I’m more than happy to let the alcohol work its magic. It takes the edge off, loosens the tension in my shoulders, and lets me relax into the playful atmosphere Suyin, MeiMei, and I have built at the table. The guys are still engrossed in their serious discussion across the room, their brows furrowed in deep concentration. It’s almost amusing how intense they look, and Suyin notices too.

"What do you think they’re talking about?" MeiMei says, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Business? Or who looks better in a tux?"

Suyin fans herself dramatically, a grin tugging at her lips. "Does it really matter? Have you seen how good they look tonight?"

I giggle, the alcohol giving me a boldness I didn’t expect. "If I’m being honest," I start, lowering my voice in a conspiratorial whisper, "I wouldn’t mind being bent over by Jun."

Suyin and MeiMei’s heads whip toward me, their eyes wide in surprise. There’s a beat of silence before both women burst into laughter, nearly spilling their drinks in the process.

"Yiren!" Suyin gasps between giggles, covering her mouth in mock shock. "I didn’t expect that from you!"

MeiMei’s eyes are gleaming with amusement. "Oh, we’ve got a naughty one over here," she teases, tapping her glass against mine. "I knew there was more to you than that innocent face."

I can feel my face heating up, but the laughter between us feels good, a relief after everything that’s happened tonight. I needed this, even if I’m starting to feel a little tipsy.

Still, a part of me is exhausted—Jun’s earlier attempts at acting the part of the perfect boyfriend were painfully stiff, and I could feel the weight of his awkwardness the entire night. But even so, I have to admit, my own acting felt... natural. Too natural. And if I’m being honest, I’ve been enjoying it more than I care to admit.

As if sensing my thoughts, Jun’s gaze meets mine from across the room. The serious conversation he’s having with his brothers seems to fall away as our eyes lock. For a moment, the world around us fades, and I can feel the connection between us, lingering in the air.

I quickly avert my gaze, catching the knowing looks from Suyin and MeiMei. They’ve clearly noticed the little exchange.

"You know," I say, trying to shift the conversation back to something safer, "Jun isn’t the same as he used to be. Back in college, he was always so carefree, but now... it’s like something changed in him."

MeiMei nods thoughtfully, swirling her drink. "Yeah, he’s definitely different. A lot more guarded. Something happened—no one really knows the details, though. Not even us. I doubt he’s even told Jianyu or Shishi. That’s why we are worried for him."

A pang of guilt twists in my chest. I’ve been so focused on playing my part in this fake relationship that I haven’t really thought about what Jun’s been going through. There’s clearly more to him than the playful guy I used to know.

Before I can say more, Chris appears beside our table, a charming smile plastered on his face. My heart sinks.

"Ladies," Chris says smoothly, ordering a round of drinks. His eyes linger on me a little too long, sending an uncomfortable chill down my spine.

Suyin and MeiMei exchange glances but remain polite. "Thanks, but we’re good," Suyin says, her voice calm but firm.

Chris raises his hands in mock surrender, flashing his trademark grin. "Alright, alright. Just trying to be friendly." He winks at me before turning to leave, but not without leaving the drinks behind.

As soon as he’s gone, Suyin leans in, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Don’t drink that."

I frown. "Why not?"

Suyin pulls out her phone, showing me a text from Jun. "Tell her not to drink it. That guy’s been gawking at her all night. He’s a creep."

I blink, shocked. Jun sent that? I glance back across the room where Jun is still deep in conversation with his brothers. For someone who’s supposed to be "acting" as my boyfriend, he’s being a little more protective than necessary.

MeiMei smirks. "Looks like Jun’s keeping a closer eye on you than you thought."

I laugh it off, but inside, I can’t shake the surprise. Was Jun really watching me this whole time?

Needing a break from the whirlwind of emotions, I excuse myself to check on Bear, who’s currently charming the socks off a group of ladies in the corner. It’s hard not to smile when I see him wagging his tail, soaking up all the attention. If there’s one true gentleman here tonight, it’s Bear. Every woman in the room would probably take him home if they could—no matter their age.

But just as I’m about to reach him, I feel a hand snake around my waist, pulling me back.

Chris

Before I can react, Chris drags me toward the dance floor, his grip firm and unyielding. My heart races, but I keep my face calm, not wanting to create a scene in front of everyone—especially Jun’s family.

"Yiren," Chris murmurs, his voice low as he leans in close. "You know you’re wasting your time with him. He’s not like me. He can’t give you what I can."

I pull back, trying to free myself from his hold, but his arm tightens around my waist. I force a smile, keeping my voice light even though my anger is bubbling just beneath the surface. "Chris, let go. This isn’t the time or place for this conversation."

Maldita sea.

He ignores my words, pulling me closer as he guides me into a dance. "Come on, Yiren. You know we were good together. You just don’t want to admit it."

His eyes gleam with something darker, and I realize he’s using the crowd and the formal setting to his advantage. He knows I won’t make a scene, and he’s counting on that.

"I’m with Jun now," I say firmly, trying to step back. "And I’m not interested in this little game you’re playing."

Chris laughs, his grip tightening painfully around my waist. "You’re really going to stick with that guy? Come on, Yiren. He just uses women like a toy. You don’t actually think he cares about you."

I grind my teeth, holding my temper in check. "If anyone’s using people, it’s you, Chris. Now let go."

But instead of listening, he spins me in the dance, pulling me even closer when I turn back toward him. His hand slowly slides down under my backless gown. My frustration mounts, and I try to knee him in the crotch but he locks my legs between his. "Don’t you dare, asshole."

His smirk only deepens. "Or what? You’ll call for your knight in shining armor?"

I open my mouth to retort, but before I can say anything, I feel a familiar presence behind me. Strong arms wrap around my waist, pulling me away from Chris’s hold in one smooth motion.

Jun.

I fall back against his chest, his strong heartbeat against my cheek sends a shiver through me. His grip is firm but protective, and when I glance up at him, his eyes are locked on Chris, a fierce and dangerous look burning in them.

"Get your hands off her," Jun says, his voice low and lethal.

Chris sneers, extending his hand as if to take me back, but Jun grabs him by the wrist, squeezing hard enough to make Chris’s face pale. I can see the strain in Chris’s expression as Jun’s grip tightens, his hand turning red from the pressure.

"I said, back off," Jun growls, his voice barely above a whisper but more terrifying than I’ve ever heard it. I look around to see if anyone noticing us. Thankfully everyone is either too busy drinking or just lost in dance.

Chris winces, his mouth twisting in pain as Jun crushes his wrist. "Alright, alright!" Chris mutters, yanking his hand free. His face is flushed with embarrassment and frustration, and he glares at me before muttering, "You’ll regret this, Yiren."

But I don’t respond. I’m too stunned by the intensity radiating off Jun. Chris turns and stalks away, disappearing into the crowd, leaving me standing there with my heart racing.

Jun’s arms stay firmly around me, even as the tension from the moment slowly ebbs away. I glance up at him, unsure of what to say.

"Are you okay?" he asks, his voice gentler now but still holding that protective edge as he tucks the few hair strands behind my ear.

I nod, my breath shaky. "Yeah, I’m fine."

His eyes linger on mine for a moment longer, and I can feel the weight of everything that’s happened between us tonight pressing down on both of us. There’s so much left unsaid, but right now, all I feel is relief that he was here.

******