Pretending for the Grump Next Door

I agreed to fake-date my grumpy billionaire neighbor.

Now I’m falling for him. No pretending

Ethan Caldwell is the worst next-door neighbor—cold, brooding, and impossible to read.

He keeps to himself, focused only on his daughter, Sophie, while I’m the opposite—warm, outgoing, always seeking connection.

Then his intimidating aunt arrives, and suddenly, I’m his pretend girlfriend.

It’s just a harmless arrangement. A few staged dates, a little hand-holding. Nothing real.

Except Sophie clings to me like I belong.

Except Ethan watches me like I matter.

Except for every touch, every unguarded moment feels achingly real.

He’s protective in ways that make my heart stutter. Gentle in ways I never expected.

And when he finally smiles—smiles—it’s game over.

But just as I fall for him, I realize one fact remains.

Our arrangement was never meant to last.

Now, I’m not just losing Ethan. I’m losing Sophie, too.

And the worst part is I don’t know how to let go.