The Damaged Grumpy Billionaire Boss: An Enemies to Lovers Forced Proximity Romance by Kentman Meg

Author:Kentman, Meg
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2026-01-19T00:00:00+00:00

Playing Pretend

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Aria is ignoring me completely now, her sharp tongue back in place as if we’ve returned to those first days she worked with me.

But beneath it, something in her has shifted—her presence carries a weight I can’t explain. I tell myself to keep my distance, yet there’s a pull I can’t fight that keeps dragging me closer.

The day’s briefing has ended, but her scent lingers in the room like a ghost. It clings to me, subtle and persistent—a reminder that I can never quite shake her off. I know that fragrance as well as my own heartbeat. Even in dreams, it follows me.

I uncap the bourbon and let a single gulp burn its way down my throat, heat spreading through my chest. Leaning back, I shut my eyes—not to sleep, to ease the ache I am feeling in my chest.

But the moment darkness closes in, she returns. Memories of that night surge through me, replaying themselves repeatedly whenever I am alone.

I can almost feel Aria’s skin against mine—but it is nothing more than a memory. A cruel echo, teasing me with fragments I have no right to want, no reason to hold on to… yet I do.

My cell phone’s vibration slices through the quiet, jolting me out of my thoughts. I glance at the screen. Dad.

I straighten instantly, my pulse quickening. If he is calling, it has to be important.

After the usual exchange of pleasantries, he wastes no time.

“So,” he says, his voice firm. “Remember what I suggested a few weeks ago? Have you been on any dates?”

My throat tightens. “No,” I admit.

“Well, then,” he continues without pause, “I’ve found the perfect woman for you. I’ve already set up a date with her for this weekend.”

Nervousness surges through me, leaving me nearly speechless. My mind scrambles, thoughts racing faster than I can control. I have to think at the speed of light—and so I do.

“Dad,” I blurted, “I’ve already found someone. I have a girlfriend.”

There’s a beat of silence before his sharp reply: “So why did you infer there was no one when I asked at the beginning of this call?”

I force a laugh, trying to mask my panic. “I wanted to surprise you at dinner… but thinking about it now, you’d probably be asleep by the time I stopped by.”

There is another pause, but this time his voice breaks with excitement. “I can’t believe this. I’m so glad. I can’t wait to meet this girlfriend of yours.” He chuckles, sounding lighter. “Now I can finally go back to my study in peace.”

“Yes, you can,” I say, relief washing over me. “We’ll talk later.”

“Alright, son. Take care of yourself.” The line goes dead, leaving me staring at the phone, my heart still pounding from the lie that has just slipped from my lips.

Where on earth am I supposed to find a girlfriend? My mind flips through every name in my contacts, but none of them seem right. None of them could stand convincingly at my side—not the way I need them to.

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