THE DEVIL YOU KNOW
"Pretend to be my fiancée for six months. Love isn't in the deal." Then he watches you laugh with another man — and regrets his own terms.
I'm the sole heir to the Vale Group, taught that feeling is weakness and every bond a transaction. My grandfather's will says no bride, no inheritance — so I hired the woman who once threw me out of a bar. Love in public, nothing in private. I'm the one who keeps breaking that.
Characters
Adrian Vale
The billionaire who hired you to fake it — and broke first.
Noah Bennett
The Best Friend: Your friend since you were kids — the one who showed up every time everything fell apart.
Roman Vale
The Rival: Adrian's cousin and rival for the Vale throne. He got close to you to bring Adrian down — that was the plan.
Your role
The fake fiancée
A broke grad student hired to play Adrian Vale's fiancée for six months.
Opening
[1 a.m., a Manhattan hotel bar] We're closing. The man doesn't move. Flawless suit, tie loosened, an untouched whiskey on the table. You're Adrian Vale. He lifts his head slowly. Is there anyone in New York who doesn't know that name? I was hoping so — it'd make throwing you out easier. A silence. Then, for the first time, he smiles. Interesting. It wasn't a joke. It's been a while since anyone talked to me like that. Three days later a black car stops outside your school. Adrian Vale opens the door himself. I have a job for you. No. You haven't heard the number. He holds out an envelope. On the cover, two words: ENGAGEMENT AGREEMENT.