THE PERFECT DECEPTION

I hated blind dates. She didn’t care if I was happy. She just wanted me to land a “respectable” man, preferably one with money and power, because in her world, status meant everything. I learned early on that nothing in life comes easy—especially not for someone like me. When my father died, everything changed. His event-planning business, the one thing that had held our family together, was left in my hands. I was barely twenty when I took over Rivera Events, juggling college classes during the day and client meetings at night. I poured everything I had into saving it—late nights, missed parties, and a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. I lost friends and my self along the way. At first, my stepmother pretended to care. At first, she helped me with the business. But it didn’t take long for her real colors to show. My ex-boyfriend, Lance, was a rich guy. We've been together for almost three years and my stepmother was very supportive, and I don’t know how I would show it. She cares for our relationship because she knew she could take advantage of it through me. Our relationship was her golden ticket. And when it fell apart, so did her patience with me. “Why waste your time on a small business?” she’d sneer. “You could be living comfortably as Mrs. Castro by now.” "I don't like him anymore, Mama..." For years, while I worked day and night to keep Rivera Events running, she just stood by, waiting for me to fail. And now, with Sterling Luxe Events stealing all my clients, it felt like her wish was finally coming true. One by one, I was losing everything. The clients I’d spent years building relationships with were leaving without warning. Contracts I’d worked so hard to secure were canceled overnight. Why would anyone hire a small, independent planner when Sterling Luxe offered bigger, flashier events at half the price? I was running out of time—and running out of options. “I told you, Mia. You never listen,” she said, her voice sharp and cold. I swallowed my frustration and focused on adjusting the centerpiece in front of me. She stepped closer, her tone dripping with judgment. “If you had any sense, you’d swallow your pride and beg Lance to take you back.” Her words made me freeze. I slowly straightened up and faced her. “Are you seriously telling me to go back to a cheater?” She waved a hand like it didn’t matter. “So what if he cheated? He has money. You don’t need love, you need security.” That was the worst part. She didn’t care if I was struggling or falling apart. All she cared about was appearances—parading me around at fancy parties like I was some lost cause. And lately, she’d decided that my real problem wasn’t needing more clients or a miracle—it was not having a rich husband. “A successful woman,” she liked to remind me, “is only as valuable as the man beside her.” It was the same exhausting narratives every time. Marry rich. Look pretty. Secure a future. But we both knew the truth. This wasn’t about my future—it was about hers. Without my father’s money, she couldn’t keep up her expensive lifestyle. My trust fund kept us afloat, but even that wouldn’t last forever if I didn’t save the business. Her voice turned cold. “Don’t be selfish, Mia. Wouldn’t you feel awful if your sister’s health got worse?” And just like that, she hit me where it hurt the most—Mariz. If it weren’t for her, I would’ve kicked my stepmother out years ago. At just ten years old, Mariz was the only bright spot in my world. She was bold, fearless, and had a way of making everything feel a little less heavy. But her heart condition meant endless doctor’s appointments, medical bills, and constant worry. I couldn’t afford to think only of myself, not when she was counting on me. Which is how I found myself trapped in my mother’s latest scheme, a blind date with a man she promised was “perfect” for me. I knew this man that he planned to arrange this time. And I dislike people like him. I glanced at the clock above the bar. 7:15 PM. He was late which is a big surprise. I should’ve known better. Men like him—the rich, entitled type—thought their time was more valuable than anyone else’s. I sighed, reaching for my purse. Enough. I wasn’t wasting my evening on some arrogant stranger. “You’re leaving already?” The voice was deep and smooth but sharp enough to cut. I froze, my fingers curling around my bag before I slowly turned toward the sound. And there he was. Ethan Callahan. I recognized him immediately. Anyone with half a brain would. The billionaire CEO of Callahan Enterprises. Ruthless. Powerful. And completely out of my league. He stood tall and confident, his black suit perfectly tailored to his broad shoulders. With his sharp jawline, piercing gray eyes, and the way he moved, like the world bent to his will, it was no wonder people either feared or admired him. Unfortunately, I wasn’t one of his admirers. “I’m Ethan,” he said, sliding into the seat across from me without waiting for an invitation. “I assume you’re Mia.” I narrowed my eyes. “I thought blind dates were supposed to be… I don’t know, blind?” He gave a faint smirk, the kind that made my blood boil. “I did my research. I don’t walk into situations unprepared.” Of course, he didn’t. A control freak like him? He probably knew my entire life story. And judged me through it. I should’ve walked out. I wanted to—but instead, I sank back into my seat, crossing my arms over my chest. “This is a mistake,” I said. “I’m not interested in whatever game you’re playing. This is my stepmother’s decision, and I am just here to show up. There will be no second time.” “You think I’m here to play games?” His voice was calm, too calm—but there was a dangerous edge to it. “Trust me, Mia, I don’t waste time on things that don’t matter.” I huffed out a bitter laugh. “That makes the two of us. So, why are you here? Did my stepmother bribe you with some business deal, or are you just bored? Just to tell you, we are not as rich as you, so don’t believe whatever she told you.” His eyes flashed with something unreadable. “I don’t need bribes. I’m here because I need something from you.” I raised a brow. “From me? I’m pretty sure a billionaire like you doesn’t need help from a small-time event planner.” “You’d be surprised.” He leaned back in his chair, completely at ease while I struggled to keep my temper in check. “I need a girlfriend. A fake one.” I blinked. “Excuse me?” “My company’s board thinks I’m too... detached,” he said, his tone laced with irritation. “They’re pushing for someone more ‘stable’ to lead the company. Apparently, having a woman by my side will soften my image.” I let out a dry, humorless laugh. “So, you want me to play the part of your doting girlfriend? You’re insane.” “I’m practical.” He tilted his head slightly, studying me. “And I’m offering you something you need as a reward and help.” His words hit harder than I wanted them to. I needed help—desperately. My biggest competitor had been stealing my clients for months. If I didn’t find a way to fight back, Rivera Events would be nothing but a memory. Still, I wasn’t about to let him see how much I needed a lifeline. “I’m not for sale, Ethan,” I snapped, pushing down the panic rising in my chest. “I’m not asking for forever, Mia. Just… three months.” He paused, his expression turning serious. “You pretend to be my girlfriend, and in return, I’ll make your little problem disappear.” I stiffened. “What do you know about my problems?” “I know your competitor is trying to destroy your business,” he said smoothly. “And I know that if I make one phone call, they’ll stop.” His confidence made my blood boil—but worse, I knew he wasn’t bluffing. He had the kind of power I could only dream of, and he was offering it to me on a silver platter. At a price. “And what happens after three months?” I asked quietly. “You walk away with your business intact, and I keep my position as CEO,” he said without missing a beat. “Clean. Simple. No strings.” Simple. Right. Because fake-dating the most controlling, egotistical man in the city would be anything but simple. I should have said no. I wanted to say no. But my business, my father’s legacy, was slipping through my fingers. And as much as I hated to admit it… I needed him. “Fine,” I said, hating how shaky my voice sounded. “I’ll do it. But when this is over, I never want to see you again.” His lips curved into a slow, dangerous smile. “Deal, Mia.” And just like that, I knew—I’d made a deal with the devil.