The chemistry was real enough to hurt when he ghosted me.
Then guess who parks himself at my bar on the most slammed Friday night of the year—
and acts like we’ve never met.
Same scowl. Same heat. Same hands built for trouble… and apologies.
Carter Reynolds runs charities by day and plays bad boy by night.
I pour whiskey for strangers and keep my damage on the top shelf.
His world is private jets and polished lies.
Mine is sticky floors, sharp comebacks, and survival shifts that never end.
When he offers me a deal dressed up as romance, I should run.
Fake fiancée. Quiet his parents. Muzzle his friends.
A diamond-sized lie that drags my life straight into the spotlight.
I say yes.
And the lie fits far too well.
He learns my body like a confession—
then locks his heart behind billionaire walls and iron rules.
Then my phone lights up mid-shift.
“Bartender Lila” is trending on local TV.
Our engagement labeled a sham.
Carter knew it was coming.
Carter didn’t warn me.
Carter didn’t defend me.
He protected his family name and charity legacy first.
By the time he runs back to the bar to fix it,
I’m packing up my things—eyes burning, done reaching for someone who keeps letting me fall.
Now I have one choice to make:
Forgive the man who broke my trust… or let the most genuine love of my life slip through my fingers for good.
