---
"So you agree to date me?" Daniel asked, his eyes searching hers.
"What? No! What makes you think that?" Tracy snapped, staring at him in disbelief.
He tilted his head thoughtfully. "Hmm…"
"No, listen," she said quickly. "I just broke up with my so-called boyfriend. My family thinks I'm in a relationship, and if I tell them now that it's over, they'll be disappointed. So… if we could fake date…"
"Sure," he answered without hesitation.
Tracy blinked. "Huh? You actually agree?"
"Do you expect me to say no?"
"I thought I'd have to bribe you with some kind of offer," she muttered.
"There's no need. I'll gain from this relationship too, so don't worry."
Her lips parted in surprise. "Well, that was easy. But there are rules."
Daniel raised a brow. "What rules?"
"Rule one: no touching in public. Rule two: you can only touch or kiss me if I'm in front of my family. Rule three: no hard feelings."
"Fine."
"Hey, I'm not done yet," she added quickly. "We'll also be living together."
"What? Why?"
"Would they believe we're in a relationship if we stayed apart? They'll probably even try to push us into the same bed."
She groaned. "Fine. I'll move into your room tonight. But add this: rule four, we keep personal space. And rule five, no involving ourselves in each other's private lives."
"Agreed."
"Good. I'll call my butler to get my things ready."
"Okay. What's your room number?"
She handed him a key card. "Take this."
Daniel smirked. "See you later, Tracy."
As he walked away, his expression softened with determination. I'll make you fall in love with me sooner or later.
---
Tracy returned to her room, sighing as she packed her clothes. "How did I let myself get into this situation?" she muttered. After arranging her belongings neatly into his wardrobe, she stretched her tired shoulders. "I should take a bath. The party's almost over anyway. Time to get some rest."
Steam curled from the bathroom a few moments later, and soon she emerged in a nightgown, hair damp, eyes heavy with sleep. She slipped under the covers, exhaustion pulling her into unconsciousness.
An hour later, the door clicked open. Daniel stepped in quietly, closing it behind him. The party had ended, but his night was only beginning.
He glanced at Tracy, asleep and peaceful, her features soft in slumber. A small smile tugged at his lips as he headed to the bathroom. After his shower, he came out, the scent of soap clinging to him, his hair still damp.
He walked to the bed and lay beside her, watching her unconscious face for a moment. Gently, he reached out, brushing his fingers along her cheek.
"This time," he whispered, "you'll finally be mine."
Leaning closer, he pressed a tender kiss to her lips. Then, pulling her into his arms, he held her tightly and let sleep claim him too.
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