Fake Dating 23

 

CHAPTER 23 

EMILIA 

We spend the rest of the day trying out different rides. After much persuasion-more like straight-up bullying-Liam drags me onto the rollercoaster. And after I promptly throw up everything I’ve eaten today, he tries to make up for it by taking me on the teacups. Not exactly the apology I had in mind, but at least I don’t feel like I’m dying. 

Hours pass in a blur of flashing lights, laughter, and the kind of fun that makes you forget why you were even here in the first place. No thoughts of the press, no contract hanging over my head-just this. 

By the time Liam pulls up in front of Tessa’s place, I’m exhausted but weirdly content. I unbuckle my seatbelt and hop out of the car, only to realize he isn’t following. I turn back, finding him still sitting behind the wheel, looking… confused? 

“Why aren’t you coming?” I ask, waving him over. 

He runs a hand through his already messy hair before finally unbuckling. “I don’t know, kinda feels like I’m being left behind after being used.” 

I snort. “Used? Please.” I cross my arms, smirking as he steps out. “I’m only bringing you inside so Tessa can com- plain to you instead of me. You’ll finally understand what it’s like to listen to her rant for hours.” I pause for dramatic effect. “Oh, wait. You’re the one she’s ranting about.” 

Liam groans, dragging a hand down his face. “Fantastic. Can’t wait.” 

I grin, heading for the door. “Oh, you should be excited. This is 

your intervention.” 

Before I can knock, the door swings open, and Tessa stands there with her arms crossed. Her gaze flicks between me and Liam, her expression stormy. Then, she sighs dramatically. “You’re late.” 

I blink. “Late for what?” 

Tessa steps aside, waving us in. “The interrogation, obviously.” 

Liam mutters something underneath his breath, but I nudge him forward. “Come on, let’s get this over with.” 

As soon as we step inside, the warmth of Tessa’s apartment wraps around us. It smells like vanilla candles and what- ever takeout she ordered tonight. 

I instantly feel bad, she only lights her vanilla candles when she’s really, really stressed out. I don’t point that out, but I give Liam a pointed look that he doesn’t see. He’s too distracted observing Tess’s decor. 

He was just here this morning, but he didn’t stick around for long. He’s obviously taken aback by how.. pretentious it 

all looks. 

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But it’s really just Tessa’s style. 

Liam glances around, looking suspicious. “Is this the part where I get ambushed?” 

Tessa plops down on the couch and raises an eyebrow. “Only if you say something stupid.” 

I snort, kicking off my sandals. “So basically, yes.” 

Liam sighs, sitting beside me. “Fantastic.” 

Tessa leans forward, resting her chin on her hand. Her eyes are sharp, stormy. “You’re bold. I’ll give you that. Show- ing up here after ignoring my calls for two weeks? Very bold.” 

Liam exhales heavily. “Listen-” 

“No, you listen.” Her voice cuts through the room like a blade. “Never. Ever. Pull that stunt again. Do you hear me?” She shakes her head, disbelief clear on her face. “Maybe you’re done with your career, but I’m not about to lose my job because you decided to lose your shit.” 

Liam shifts, jaw tightening, but she’s just getting started. 

“The ink on that contract barely dried before you disappeared off the face of the Earth! Do you have any idea how many sleepless nights. I spent cleaning up your mess? Fixing your garbage reputation just for you to try-because let’s be real, you didn’t even succeed-to ruin everything?” 

She scoffs, pushing back from the table, her hands clenched into fists. “God, I can’t even look at you right now.” 

If there’s one thing I’m good at, it’s knowing when to make an exit. 

Tessa’s still ripping into Liam when I quietly slip out and head to the kitchen. Their voices are muffled now, but I can still catch the sharp edge in hers. 

Honestly, it’s good she’s finally saying all of this. She’s been wound so tight these past few weeks, and if anyone de- serves to be yelled at, it’s Liam. 

I lean against the counter, letting out a slow breath. Maybe he’ll actually open up about whatever’s been going on with him. And maybe it’s better that I’m not around to hear it. 

We might be forced to be around each other for sake of appearances, but we’re not exactly best friends. I doubt he wants me in his business like that. 

Besides, I’m starving. Throwing up after getting on a rollercoaster does that to you. 

I rummage through the fridge and find a pack of strawberries. I scowl. 

No chocolate. What kind of monster keeps strawberries without chocolate? 

Obviously, it’s Tess. She can’t stand chocolates, but that’s something I find insane. 

Who hates chocolates? 

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CHAPTER 23 

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I blame my childhood for this ridiculous habit. Late at night, I’d sneak into the kitchen, only to find my brother al- ready there, drinking milk straight from the carton. 

Our mum’s chocolate sculpting attempts never quite worked out, so there were always bits of melted chocolate left behind. He’d pass me a spoonful, and I’d dip the strawberries in, savoring the mix of sweet and sour. 

The memory makes my heart clench. 

I sigh, pushing it aside. Right, focus. Tess gave me a whole basket of fruit this morning. Maybe I still have some- 

wait. 

She dropped them off at the bakery. Urgh. I sliced some watermelons and didn’t even end up eating them because of 

that.. 

I groan. Did I throw out the watermelons? 

So now I’m going to have to deal with spoilt fruits first thing in the morning tomorrow? Really? 

How wonderful. 

I’m still thinking about the poor, totally wasted watermelons when my phone lights up on the counter. 

I absentmindedly look at the screen and raise my eyebrows at the new message. 

It’s from the asshole that ruined my watermelons in the first place. 

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ZANE