The Fake Boyfriend Gambit - Chapter 11: Chapter 11
You are reading The Fake Boyfriend Gambit, Chapter 11: Chapter 11. Read more chapters of The Fake Boyfriend Gambit.
I woke up gasping from a nightmare.
In my dream, Lucas collapsed at my graveside, his crisp white sleeves soaked crimson with blood.
The moment my eyes flew open, I reached for him—only to find his side of the bed cold and empty.
Where was he?
My pulse hammered in my throat. I didn't even stop to slip on shoes, just bolted barefoot through the house, heart racing.
Then I heard it—odd rustling sounds from the rooftop.
Dread coiled in my stomach. I took the stairs two at a time.
When I shoved the balcony door open, the scene stopped me dead.
"Lucas?"
"Awake already?"
There he was, kneeling on thick gardening mats, wearing an apron and gloves. His hands were buried in soil, carefully tending to a row of vibrant blooms.
Every single one—my favorites.
The same flowers I'd once nurtured in my apartment. The ones that had withered after I was locked away, despite Lucas's desperate attempts to save them.
And now... he was planting them again?
"Why aren't you wearing shoes?" He frowned, stripping off his gloves and standing to fetch me a pair. Then he dragged over a small stool, patting the spot beside him.
I sat, watching as his pale, elegant fingers worked—scooping soil, pressing it gently around the roots, watering with care. Droplets clung to the pink rose petals, making them glisten like jewels.
"Why flowers?" I finally asked.
He didn't look up, just smiled faintly. "When the whole balcony is in bloom, I'll take pictures of you here. It'll be perfect."
My chest tightened.
Yes, Lucas. We'll have that day.
Lucas and I brought home the most adorable little orange tabby and a sweet yellow-and-white pup.
Honestly, Lucas was way better at taking care of them than I was—gentle, patient, the whole package. Naturally, he handled most of the housework too. Every day, he was buzzing around, but he never complained. In fact, he always had this warm, happy glow about him.
Mornings were his routine: watering the plants, feeding the pets, then strolling through the neighborhood with our furry little shadows trotting beside him.
Later, after a shower, we'd curl up on the couch together like always, the pets sprawled at our feet, purring and sighing in perfect contentment.
I couldn't have been happier.
There he was—my love, right beside me. All I had to do was turn my head, and I could steal a kiss from those soft lips of his.
Just the thought sent a thrill through me. A grin tugged at my mouth before I could stop it.
I wanted a kiss.
Wait—why was Lucas smirking like that?
Did he just read my mind?
Ugh. I thought I'd hidden it so well.
Then—his gorgeous face suddenly leaned in, and before I could react, his lips met mine in a sweet, unexpected kiss.
"Lucas?"
"Jessica," he murmured, his voice warm, "I love you."
In my dream, Lucas collapsed at my graveside, his crisp white sleeves soaked crimson with blood.
The moment my eyes flew open, I reached for him—only to find his side of the bed cold and empty.
Where was he?
My pulse hammered in my throat. I didn't even stop to slip on shoes, just bolted barefoot through the house, heart racing.
Then I heard it—odd rustling sounds from the rooftop.
Dread coiled in my stomach. I took the stairs two at a time.
When I shoved the balcony door open, the scene stopped me dead.
"Lucas?"
"Awake already?"
There he was, kneeling on thick gardening mats, wearing an apron and gloves. His hands were buried in soil, carefully tending to a row of vibrant blooms.
Every single one—my favorites.
The same flowers I'd once nurtured in my apartment. The ones that had withered after I was locked away, despite Lucas's desperate attempts to save them.
And now... he was planting them again?
"Why aren't you wearing shoes?" He frowned, stripping off his gloves and standing to fetch me a pair. Then he dragged over a small stool, patting the spot beside him.
I sat, watching as his pale, elegant fingers worked—scooping soil, pressing it gently around the roots, watering with care. Droplets clung to the pink rose petals, making them glisten like jewels.
"Why flowers?" I finally asked.
He didn't look up, just smiled faintly. "When the whole balcony is in bloom, I'll take pictures of you here. It'll be perfect."
My chest tightened.
Yes, Lucas. We'll have that day.
Lucas and I brought home the most adorable little orange tabby and a sweet yellow-and-white pup.
Honestly, Lucas was way better at taking care of them than I was—gentle, patient, the whole package. Naturally, he handled most of the housework too. Every day, he was buzzing around, but he never complained. In fact, he always had this warm, happy glow about him.
Mornings were his routine: watering the plants, feeding the pets, then strolling through the neighborhood with our furry little shadows trotting beside him.
Later, after a shower, we'd curl up on the couch together like always, the pets sprawled at our feet, purring and sighing in perfect contentment.
I couldn't have been happier.
There he was—my love, right beside me. All I had to do was turn my head, and I could steal a kiss from those soft lips of his.
Just the thought sent a thrill through me. A grin tugged at my mouth before I could stop it.
I wanted a kiss.
Wait—why was Lucas smirking like that?
Did he just read my mind?
Ugh. I thought I'd hidden it so well.
Then—his gorgeous face suddenly leaned in, and before I could react, his lips met mine in a sweet, unexpected kiss.
"Lucas?"
"Jessica," he murmured, his voice warm, "I love you."
End of The Fake Boyfriend Gambit Chapter 11. Continue reading Chapter 12 or return to The Fake Boyfriend Gambit book page.