The Fake Online Romance

After being bullied by the prettiest girl in school for three years, I did something petty and ugly.

I used her photos and started an online relationship with a rich heir.

He was gentle, polite, and generous with money. His only flaw was that he was a little too intense when it came to desire.

Very quickly, with enough sweet talk, I got four years of college tuition out of him.

On the day I decided to break up with him, I asked casually, Baby, what would you do if I suddenly disappeared?

He laughed, his tone turning dangerous.

Sweetheart, dont joke about that. I dont like it.

I didnt respond well to pressure.

So I deleted him.

Later, by accident, I ended up interning at the same tech company as the girl who had bullied me.

On our first day, the CEO from headquarters came down for an inspection.

I stood at the very back of the crowd. When I looked up, I saw a face so familiar my breath stopped.

Before I could react, the mans gaze landed on Summer Blakes face.

And his eyes suddenly lit up.

The man I had dated online for three years was standing right in front of me.

The impact was too much.

For a few seconds, my mind went completely blank.

By the time I came back to myself, his steps had paused.

Then he suddenly turned.

And walked straight toward us.

My heart pounded.

I carefully lifted my eyes.

The man was breathtakingly handsome, his expression unreadable, his whole body carrying a cold, untouchable aura.

He wore a black shirt I had once seen in his photos. It framed his broad shoulders and narrow waist with clean precision.

A section of wrist showed beneath his cuff. Faint veins lay under the skin, restrained and powerful.

Bennett Vale.

He was taller than in the photos. More handsome. Harder to look away from.

Our supervisor whispered that Mr. Vale was here to inspect the work.

She told us not to be nervous.

He had no time to bother with interns like us.

The words had barely left her mouth when Bennetts steps slowed.

A cuff link slipped without warning from his wrist.

It hit the floor with two crisp taps.

Rolled past my shoe.

Then stopped perfectly at Summers feet.

The air seemed to still for a second.

Bennett stopped in front of us.

More accurately, he stopped in front of Summer.

The two of them stood face-to-face, very close together. One cold and elegant, the other bright and beautiful.

They looked painfully well matched.

I held my breath.

Four words appeared in my mind:

a perfect pair.

His secretary immediately moved forward to pick up the cuff link.

But Bennett suddenly raised a hand and stopped him.

Summer blinked.

As if she understood something, she hurriedly bent down, picked it up, and handed it to Bennett with flushed cheeks.

Mr. Vale, you dropped this

Bennett did not take it right away.

Instead, he lowered his eyes and slowly stepped two paces closer to Summer.

I was standing closest to her.

As Bennett approached, a faint fragrance wrapped around me.

Fir and citrus, cool with a thread of warmth.

I knew that scent too well.

It was the anniversary gift I had picked for him myself during our online relationship.

I had visited so many fragrance counters, testing one bottle after another, before finally choosing that one.

I pressed my lips together and glanced sideways without moving.

Bennett was staring at the top of Summers head as if no one else existed.

Dark emotion moved in his eyes.

The joy of something lost and found again. The excitement of reunion. And even a trace of hurt from being abandoned.

Summer held out her hand for a long time, but the man across from her did not respond. She couldnt help reminding him softly.

Mr. Vale?

That finally seemed to pull him back to reality.

He cleared his throat and accepted the cuff link without changing expression.

Thank you.

After a pause, his fingertips brushed lightly across Summers palm.

Then Bennett added in a low voice.

Summer.

His voice was faintly hoarse.

Summers face turned completely red.

Yes, Im Summer, Mr. Vale

Bennett was silent for two seconds.

Then he stared at Summers face for a full five minutes before finally turning away, reluctant.

Only then did I dare breathe.

When I touched my back, it was soaked with cold sweat.

I dropped into my workstation, dazed for a long time, then pulled out my phone and searched Bennetts name.

A long string of financial news articles carrying his name appeared on the screen.

I sucked in a sharp breath.

The big boss only came once every six months.

And the moment he came, he fixed his eyes on an intern.

A young, beautiful intern.

My coworkers smelled gossip immediately and gathered around.

Summer played with her hair, her voice soft as she answered everyones questions.

I dont know Mr. Vale. This is my first time meeting him.

Oh, wait, I just remembered. Mr. Vale went to my high school. He was a senior.

I was kind of the school beauty back then. A lot of boys had crushes on me.

Maybe

Summer stopped there deliberately.

The older employees immediately picked up the thread and began weaving a story about a secret crush that had lasted from school into the workplace.

For a while, the whole office became unusually cheerful.

Oh, stop it. Dont make things up.

Summer hurriedly interrupted their guesses, her tone reproachful.

But there was a smug smile at the corner of her eyes.

After that, I couldnt hear another word they said.

I stared blankly at the search results on my phone.

Back then, my mother worked as a housekeeper for the Blake family.

Summer lost a bet.

So she encouraged my mother to help her steal my diary, the one full of my secret crushes.

Then she posted it on the school bulletin board, took photos, and uploaded them to the school forum.

Every student who passed by pointed at me and whispered jokes.

I hated her so much my teeth ached.

So I turned around, stole Summers photos and name, and started using them online to scam and cause trouble.

Lost a game with a score of zero kills and twenty-eight deaths? I turned on my mic and said my name was Summer Blake.

A stranger online threatened to come beat me up? I said without hesitation that my name was Summer Blake.

Whenever trouble came, if anyone asked, I said I was Summer Blake.

Viciously, I hoped that one day someone would show up and beat Summer senseless.

But before Summer ever got beaten, I met Bennett.

Bennett was well raised, sincere, and polite. He was also incredibly generous.

His only flaw was that he was too intense.

Looking at him just now, so elegant and immaculate, no one would imagine what he was like in private.

But I knew.

During the two years we dated online, after the first stage of getting to know each other, I almost had to listen to him over voice chat every day when he was alone and lost control.

And whenever that happened, it was as if someone else possessed him. The graceful, noble image collapsed completely.

His usually cool and proper voice would say things so filthy my face burned.

Not a single line repeated. I would be so embarrassed I couldnt take it anymore and scolded him for having no shame.

He never got angry. He only laughed softly twice and coaxed me in that sweet voice.

Later, Bennett seemed to sense something was wrong and firmly asked to meet.

Only then did I suddenly remember that I had been using Summers identity all along.

Panicked, I scrolled back through our chat history.

The moment I found the sentence My name is Summer, my heart finally died.

All those late-night confessions, all that tenderness exchanged through a screen, all those moments when I thought I was loved

They were all built on a lie.

Even my name was fake.

That night, I lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.

My heart felt like it had been gripped by a giant hand.

I regretted it.

I really regretted it.

Why did I say I was Summer in the first place?

I buried my face under the blanket and cried silently.

I didnt know how long I cried.

When I finally looked up and saw myself in the mirror, eyes swollen, I realized in a daze.

I was just ordinary.

I didnt have Summers bright, pretty face.

I didnt have her wealthy family.

I didnt even have her confidence or boldness.

Just an ordinary face. An ordinary person.

If I hadnt used Summers photos, someone like Bennett, born above the clouds, would never have liked someone like me.

A little bug in a gutter.

In the end, I forced down the sourness in my chest.

I sent Bennett one message.

[Im sorry.]

Then I blocked and deleted him.

On the third day after cutting contact, Bennett sent me an email.

Only six words.

Summer, dont leave me.

Every word was full of pleading and the helplessness of being abandoned for no reason.

Unfortunately.

I was not Summer.

Thinking back to that, I couldnt help shivering.

When I looked up, all my coworkers were watching me.

I pulled at the corner of my mouth.

What what is it?

Everyone smiled without speaking. Only Summer walked over with an innocent expression.

Grace, didnt you hear us just now?

Everyone wants to try that new milk tea shop. Would you mind going to buy some for us?

Its only three or four streets away. You can ride a shared bike. It wont take much effort.

Senior employees bullying interns was common.

But Summer naturally blended in with the older employees.

All because Bennetts attitude toward her had been unusual.

I looked at Summer.

Then at the people behind her, all standing on her side, as if they would jump out and attack me the moment I refused.

Finally, I nodded.

Okay.

Summer was very pleased by my obedience.

She turned back with a smile.

Aw, everyone, dont feel bad.

Graces mom used to be our housekeeper. She grew up doing errands with her mom, so shes best at running around.

If you need anything delivered in the future, just ask her. She loves it.

Every time Summer arrived somewhere new, she would bring up the fact that my mother had worked for her family.

She had done it for years.

I was used to it.

Besides, I did want to step out for air.

I ignored her, picked up my phone, and turned around.

But I accidentally bumped into a man.

When I looked up, I realized it was the secretary who had been following Bennett earlier.

The male secretary seemed to be in a hurry.

He shoved me aside impatiently.

I wasnt prepared and stumbled. My knee hit the table leg hard.

Pain shot through me, and I sucked in a breath.

The secretary showed no apology at all.

He gave me a casual glance, then hurried to the supervisor.

Excuse me, which one of you is Miss Summer Blake? Mr. Vale needs to see her.

Summer heard her name.

And when she heard Bennett was looking for her, she rushed over in two steps.

Im Summer. Im Summer Blake. What is it?

The secretary looked her over, then made his tone more polite.

The CEOs office is short a secretary. Mr. Vale wants you to go upstairs and fill in for a while.

Summer froze.

Then her voice rose sharply, echoing through the whole office.

Me? Mr. Vale wants me to work by his side? He told you himself?

The secretary frowned almost imperceptibly.

Then he smiled and nodded.

Yes, you. Pack up and come with me.

Summer covered her mouth, unable to hide her joy.

She happily went to grab her bag.

Mr. Lang, I dont really have anything. I can go now.

Good. Follow me.

Summer smiled with her lips pressed together.

Then she deliberately walked around to my side, looking innocent.

Grace, move a little. Mr. Vale wants me on the thirty-fourth floor. Youre blocking my way.

Work hard down here, okay? Maybe after another ten years, we can sit together on the thirty-fourth floor.

I said nothing.

Suppressing the throbbing pain in my knee, I quietly moved aside.

Summer stepped away in high heels, practically glowing as she followed the secretary.

Behind me, my coworkers watched her leave with eager eyes.

Then the office exploded.

Whoa. That new girl Summer isnt going to become the future bosss wife, is she?

Even if shes not the bosss wife, shell be his girlfriend for a while. Hes obviously interested. He transferred her to his side as secretary.

Grace, didnt you come in with Summer? Do you know whats going on between her and the boss?

Hearing my name, I swallowed the lump stuck in my throat.

Then slowly shook my head.

My voice was so soft it was almost inaudible.

No. I dont know.

Summer went to the thirty-fourth floor.

For the time being, I became the only new intern left in the office.

They gossiped about Summer for a while.

Then lost interest.

So they turned their attention back to me.

Grace, didnt you say you were treating everyone to milk tea? Youre not going back on your word, are you?

Grace, I need to pick up my son from school tonight. Help me finish this work first.

Grace, I heard you graduated from a top university. Your work ability must be strong, right? Here, take this

Before long, the folders in front of me piled into a small mountain.

By the time I finally finished all that miscellaneous work, it was already past eight at night.

I stretched and finally had time to check my phone.

A message from my dad popped up immediately.

[Kid, your mom and I saved on food and clothes to raise you.]

[This internship wasnt easy to get. You need to know what matters. Dont compare food or clothes with other people. We cant afford that.]

[Get along with your coworkers. Some things pass if you just endure them. Theres no need to argue.]

[Be diligent. Go to the company early every day. Clean up. Pour water for your leaders.]

[After a while, your managers will definitely think more highly of you. Then becoming full-time will be within reach.]

I stared at the screen, my finger hovering over the keyboard for a long time, not knowing what to reply.

Finally, I sighed and opened Instagram, scrolling gently.

Three hours ago, Summer had posted a selfie.

She stood in front of a giant floor-to-ceiling window, flashing a peace sign at the camera. Her smile was bright and bold, like a pretty little fox.

Caption:

[Another hardworking day. Thanks to my big boss for supporting me.]

My fingertip paused.

I still couldnt help zooming into the photo.

In the reflection of the window, there was a silhouette.

That person stood on the other side of the office.

Turned slightly sideways, seemingly unaware of the camera, focused on something in thought.

Even though it was only a blurry outline, I recognized him at once.

Bennett.

I stared at the photo for a long time, unable to look away.

Until a voice sounded above me.

Why are you still here this late?

I jumped.

I shot to my feet and grabbed the ashtray on the desk.

A short, round man stood in front of me.

He wore round black-rimmed glasses and looked at me curiously.

I froze, then realized he looked familiar.

After thinking for a moment, I remembered the supervisor had introduced him.

He was also one of Bennetts assistants. His last name was Harris.

I quickly put down the ashtray and explained awkwardly, Um, some work delayed me. Im leaving now.

Oh, okay.

Mr. Harris clutched his stomach, his whole face twisting in pain.

He turned to leave, then seemed to remember something and turned back with a grimace.

By the way, you. Do you have a license? Can you drive?

I froze, then nodded.

I do, I

Before I finished, his eyes lit up. He tossed a car key into my hand.

I cant. My stomach is killing me. Bosss car is downstairs.

Ill send you the address in a minute. Drive Mr. Vales car back for me, please, please. Ill buy you dinner next time. Ow, it hurts.

When youre done, take a cab home. The company will reimburse it

I stared at the car key in my hand, stunned.

I waved quickly.

No, I cant, I

Mr. Harris no longer had time for me.

He clutched his stomach and ran into the bathroom.

I stalled in my chair for a while.

But Mr. Harris never came out.

In the end, I accepted my fate and went downstairs with the car key.

Only to discover the car parked below was a Rolls-Royce, the kind I had only ever seen on TV.

I took a deep breath.

First, I walked around the car once.

Then I opened the door and sat in.

I fastened my seat belt.

Then reached to adjust the rearview mirror.

Through the mirror, I saw a man sitting in the back seat with his eyes closed.

High nose bridge, handsome features, thin lips pressed lightly together.

Two buttons of his shirt collar were undone, revealing a section of collarbone and slightly flushed skin.

Even asleep, he carried a lazy sensuality. He seemed to have been drinking.

My mind buzzed.

By reflex, I slapped a hand over the rearview mirror.

An illusion.

It had to be an illusion.

I comforted myself in my head.

Then gathered the courage to peek through my fingers.

In the rearview mirror, the man had opened his eyes at some point.

His dark gaze was fixed on me without blinking.

Heavy and deep.

Maybe it was my imagination.

But at the moment our eyes met, I seemed to see his whole body stiffen.

The hand resting on his knee curled slightly.

Even his breathing seemed to slow beyond his control.

I wanted to cry.

I gripped the steering wheel tightly.

It was too late to jump out and run.

For all I knew, people would think I had stolen something.

I quickly organized my thoughts and deliberately lowered my voice.

Mr. Vale, hello. Mr. Harris has a stomach problem, and he asked me to drive your car back. I didnt know you were in the car

He was silent for a moment, then looked away.

He gave a faint Mm and closed his eyes again, brows slightly furrowed.

Even though I knew he couldnt possibly recognize me, I still secretly breathed in relief when he closed his eyes.

But before that breath settled, another problem appeared.

Wait.

What kind of stupid car was this?

Where did they hide the ignition?

I searched everywhere and couldnt find it. Sweat covered my forehead, and I wanted to turn the entire drivers seat upside down.

Just then, a low voice sounded beside my ear.

The man behind me spoke again.

You dont know how to drive it?

I sat up straight instantly.

Embarrassed, I nodded, then quickly shook my head.

My feelings were all mixed together, and I suddenly didnt dare raise my head.

But the more I thought about it, the more wronged I felt.

Wasnt it normal that I didnt know how to drive this?

Boss, dont you know why I dont know?

The salary you pay me couldnt even buy one wheel of this Rolls-Royce. It would be stranger if I knew how to drive it.

When I got nervous, I couldnt help picking at my fingers.

Id had this habit for more than twenty years.

At that moment, my mind was blank, and my useless fingers had already twisted together.

Boss, I

I looked up.

And found his gaze fixed on my hands.

My back went cold.

I was just about to withdraw them when he looked away.

He turned toward the window.

His Adams apple moved.

The car suddenly became very quiet.

Carefully, I took out my phone and opened the browser to search.

I had typed only half the question when a shadow fell over me. A faint citrus scent instantly wrapped around me.

Press here.

His voice sounded right beside my ear.

Warm breath brushed lightly over my ear.

My whole body froze.

Too close.

Close enough that I could feel the warmth coming through his shirt.

Close enough that my hair almost brushed his jaw.

I didnt dare move.

I even forgot to breathe.

But Bennett only paused for a few seconds before sitting back in the rear seat as if nothing had happened.

His expression was calm.

Apparently, he really was just teaching me how to start the car.

I tried to steady myself.

Then started the engine mechanically.

The whole drive was silent.

Finally, we arrived at Bennetts underground garage.

Without another word, I jumped out of the car.

Boss, Ill get going. Goodbye.

I didnt wait for Bennett to respond.

I ran.

Completely unaware that behind me, the man narrowed his eyes and stared for a long time in the direction of my panicked escape.

I had chaotic dreams all night.

The next morning, I washed my face casually and dragged myself to work with dark circles under my eyes.

The moment I walked into the office, I discovered Summer, who should have been sitting on the thirty-fourth floor, sitting among the crowd and smiling brightly.

Yeah, yeah. The boss told me to come back first.

Her voice was still soft. Her delicately made-up face was flushed, and her eyes shimmered.

He said I had only just started and already went to the thirty-fourth floor, so I wouldnt have time to make friends. He thought Id be lonely.

I think he meant he was afraid I wouldnt fit in. I thought what he said made sense, so I came back for now.

As she spoke, she turned and saw me.

She immediately came over and linked her arm through mine.

Baby, Im back. Are you happy to see me?

The moment she acted so affectionate, I knew she was about to set me up again.

I hadnt slept well.

The thought flashed through my head, and without thinking, I pulled my hand away.

The atmosphere suddenly turned subtle.

No one spoke.

Summer still smiled at me.

But her gaze had obviously cooled.

Luckily, the supervisor came in and broke the deadlock.

Everyones here? Perfect. Were having a team gathering tonight to welcome Grace and Summer to the team.

The moment she said that, the coworkers behind me perked up.

Someone joked, Team gathering? Is the big boss coming?

The supervisor waved with a smile.

The big boss is busy every second of the day. Why would he come to a gathering like ours?

He wont be there. Dont worry. Have fun.

Everyone laughed, and the atmosphere finally eased.

I lowered my head.

Quietly swallowing the words I wanted to say to refuse.