Olivia knew today was going to be a disaster the moment she walked into the studio and felt every pair of eyes turn to her.
The whispers were almost deafening.
"Is she really dating Liam?"
"I heard she was just hired to cover up his last scandal."
"Poor girl. She has no idea what she's gotten herself into."
Olivia clenched her jaw, refusing to let their words sink in. She wasn't new to rejection,
wasn't new to scrutiny, but this?
This was a level of pressure she hadn't signed up for. It wasn't just her professional reputation at stake anymore, it was her entire life being picked apart for entertainment.
She found Ethan pacing near the dressing area, phone pressed to his ear. The moment he spotted her, he yanked the phone away.
"Oh, good, you're here," he said, exhaling sharply. "We have a crisis."
"No kidding." She folded her arms. "Tell me something I don't know."
Ethan groaned, running a hand down his face. "The media storm isn't dying down. If
anything, Liam's little tweet made it worse."
"Of course it did." Olivia pinched the bridge of her nose. "Why am I not surprised?"
"We need to get ahead of this." He glanced around, lowering his voice. "Management is
thinking of making an official statement. Either deny the relationship outright or… play along."
Her stomach twisted. "Play along?"
Michael hesitated. "A fake relationship. Just until the press dies down."
Olivia's brain short-circuited. "You want me to pretend to date Liam?"
"It's not the worst idea. It keeps his image clean and makes you look like a victim instead of a homewrecker."
She stared at him. "Ethan, I'm his assistant. Not some PR stunt."
"I know, I know." He exhaled. "But think about it, if we deny it, the media will dig harder. If we embrace it, we control the narrative."
Olivia didn't even get a chance to argue before she heard someone clearing their throat behind her.
Liam.
Smirking.
Of course.
"Well, well," he drawled, crossing his arms. "Talking about me behind my back? I'm
flattered."
Olivia turned to him, hands on her hips. "Do you have any idea the mess you've made?"
His smirk didn't waver. "You'll have to be more specific. I make a lot of messes."
She wanted to throw something at him.
Ethan cut in. "Liam, we need damage control. Your PR team is suggesting a temporary fake relationship."
Liam's smirk grew. "So, Olivia and I… dating?" He looked amused. "Now, that's a plot twist."
Olivia glared at him. "It's not funny."
He shrugged. "It's a little funny."
Ethan sighed. "Look, we just need you two to make a couple of public appearances. Hold hands, smile for the cameras, convince people you're together. A few weeks and this all dies down."
Olivia shook her head. "I can't believe this is happening."
Liam leaned in slightly, dropping his voice. "You sure you can handle it, sweetheart? Or are you afraid you'll actually fall for me?"
Her pulse jumped.
She covered it with a scoff. "In your dreams."
He chuckled. "We'll see."
************************
The First 'Date'
The arrangement was set. Their first public appearance as a 'couple' would be at a
high-profile gala that evening.
The moment Olivia arrived at the venue, she felt sick.
Cameras flashed. Reporters shouted. The world was watching.
And then she felt a hand on her lower back.
Liam.
He leaned down, whispering, "Smile, sweetheart. We're in love, remember?"
She wanted to punch him. Instead, she forced a smile as he led her inside.
The evening was a blur of interviews, staged affection, and forced laughter. Liam played the role of the charming boyfriend too well.
His arm rested on her waist like it belonged there.
He whispered things in her ear that made her laugh against her will. And worst of all…
It felt natural.
Halfway through the night, Olivia found herself in a quiet corner, taking a breath.
Liam found her, two champagne glasses in hand.
"Escaping already?" he teased, handing her one.
She took it, sighing. "This is exhausting."
He studied her for a moment, something unreadable in his gaze. "You're handling it better than I thought."
She raised an eyebrow. "You thought I'd crack?"
He smirked. "I thought you'd run."
She took a sip of champagne, holding his gaze. "Maybe I like proving you wrong."
Something flickered in his expression, something almost genuine but before she could place it, a voice interrupted them.
"Oh, look at this."
Olivia stiffened.
Serena.
Liam's ex.
Serena smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "You two look so happy. Almost convincing."
Olivia's grip tightened around her glass.
Liam, however, only smirked. "Serena. Didn't think you'd show."
She tilted her head. "And miss this spectacle? Absolutely not."
Olivia braced herself for whatever venom was coming next. But to her surprise, Liam moved
closer to her, his hand ghosting over hers.
"You should get used to seeing us together, Serena," he said smoothly. "We're just getting
started."
Olivia's breath hitched.
Serena's expression faltered, just for a second before she plastered on a fake smile. "Oh,
darling, let's see how long you can keep up the act."
With that, she sauntered away, leaving Olivia and Liam standing there in thick silence.
Olivia turned to him. "What was that?"
Liam grinned. "Damage control."
She sighed. "This is going to be a disaster."
His gaze darkened slightly, amusement fading just a fraction. "Depends."
She frowned. "On what?"
His smirk returned, but it was softer this time. "Whether or not it's really just an act."
Olivia's heart skipped.
She looked away. "It is."
He hummed. "If you say so."
She hated how uncertain she suddenly felt.