Fake dating my enemy, The playboy billionaire

YIREN

"Looks like you need a hand."

I turn to see a tall guy with wild, dark hair, deep blue eyes framed by oversized glasses, and an intense gaze that could be straight out of a magazine. Real-life Clark Kent, I think, trying not to stare. He points to my VR setup with a half-smile. "Mind if I take a look?"

I nod, stepping aside as he plugs his laptop into my system, fingers flying over the keys with a precision that’s almost hypnotic. He studies the lines of code like a pro, fixing things I can’t even begin to understand. Within minutes, the VR screen blinks back to life, running smoother than ever.

"Faulty script," he says, pulling back. "Easy fix, but it’ll need regular checks."

"Thank you so much. You just saved my whole presentation," I breathe, still slightly in awe. This guy exudes a mysterious vibe that’s hard to ignore—muscles, broad shoulders, tattoos on his arms, calluses on his knuckles. Everything about him says fighter or maybe... mafia? Yet here he is, calmly fixing code. It doesn’t add up.

He snaps his fingers, breaking me out of my daze. "So, this is how you work with clients? Leaving them alone to deal with faulty tech?" His tone is teasing, but his expression is intense.

My brows knit. "Um... do we know each other?"

He extends a hand, smirk firmly in place. "Bruce."

My jaw drops. Bruce? My Bruce? "Bruce who?"

"Didn’t know you were talking to multiple Bruces on WhatsApp," he says, one eyebrow raised.

A mix of shock and excitement surges through me, and I practically leap forward to hug him—only to have him awkwardly dodge, keeping a polite distance by holding me by the shoulders.

"You’re just as awkward in person as you are online," I conclude, grinning. "But it’s so good to finally meet you!"

He nods, glancing around the crowd for a second, which piques my curiosity. "What are you looking at?"

"Ah, nothing." He pulls my focus back to him by lightly lifting my chin. "Actually, I freelance for tech companies in my spare time. When you mentioned VR, I couldn’t resist checking it out. So, if the offer’s still on the table, I could help out as your tech consultant?"

"Are you kidding me?!" I blink, stunned. A tech consultant had never even crossed my mind, but it’s genius—and having Bruce on my team? That’s the cherry on top. "Definitely! I could use someone to handle the tech side of things—VR simulations, digital modeling... and of course, your mind-blowing business suggestions. No backsies, though. You’re locked in."

He raises his hand in surrender, a smile tugging at his lips. "Wouldn’t dare. And since it’s flexible, I’m in."

We shake on it, and a thrill shoots through me. My team is coming together, piece by piece. And I got BRUCE!

By the end of the day, my bowl is overflowing with business cards, thanks to Bear charming everyone in sight. I’ve gathered solid contacts, a few enthusiastic interns, and Bruce stayed with me the entire time, lending a hand. As I’m packing up, counting my newfound allies, a final card drops into the bowl. I glance up to see Maya, the architect I thought had walked away earlier. She gives me a nod, a glint of interest in her eyes, then slips out.

Today was more than a win—it’s the start of something big.

As Bruce and I walk toward my truck, he’s carrying my things while Bear, out of nowhere, starts growling at him. When Bruce tries to pet him, Bear barks and snaps, refusing to let him anywhere near. That’s... odd. Bear’s usually so well-behaved, even around strangers. Maybe he’s just overwhelmed after the long day. I tuck him into my jacket, letting him snuggle and calm down. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

"I’m new to the city," Bruce says, a bit sheepishly. "I searched for a good place to eat, and apparently there’s a great hotpot spot about fifteen minutes from here. Would you like to join me?"

It’s a nice gesture, and he has helped me a ton today. Dinner would be the least I could do for him. But... Jun had planned dinner and a Disney movie tonight, and Bear’s already agitated. As if on cue, Bear squirms in my arms, clearly not thrilled.

"I’m sorry, Bruce, but I need to get this little guy home. He’s been acting off," I say, rubbing Bear’s head gently. Bruce nods with a warm smile, squeezing my shoulder.

"No worries at all. Could you drop me at my hotel? Looks like Ubers are overbooked on this route because of the showcase," he asks, still friendly.

"Of course," I reply, the least I can do. But as I settle Bear in the backseat and turn to buckle him in, he springs forward and snaps, actually biting Bruce’s arm. My eyes go wide, and before I can react, Bruce shoves Bear out of the car with surprising force.

"Bear! What the hell, Bruce?! He’s a puppy!"

Rushing out, I scoop up Bear, who’s trembling, tiny whimpers escaping him. I don’t see any visible injuries, but seeing him shaken like this twists my heart. Kicking a dog—especially a puppy—was too far. And this pup is my baby! Nobody touches him.

"I’m so sorry," Bruce says, his voice apologetic. "It was a reflex; I was just protecting myself."

No matter his excuse, I feel a sting of anger. No. I’m super super pissed.

"Bruce, I think it’s best you find another ride. I need to take Bear to the vet," I say coldly, tucking Bear gently in the passenger seat and wrapping him in my jacket. I start the engine, trying to keep calm, but before I drive off, Bruce leans down to the open window.

"Also, Yiren... please don’t mention this to anyone at Feng Enterprises. They have strict rules against outside work, and I don’t want to lose my job."

I nod, giving a tight, polite smile. "Got it."