Fake dating my enemy, The playboy billionaire-Chapter 58: Bear the mascot

Deep eyes, a devilish grin, messy hair, and—God save me—Satan in an apron. That pretty much sums up the vision haunting my dreams all night. The man sleeps right next to me, and every time the sheets ruffle with his movements, my heart skips. I’m terrified that one day I’ll lose control and commit an unspeakable sin.

When he offered to help in the kitchen, I half-expected him to be useless with a knife, making a mess and chopping vegetables into unrecognizable bits. But no. Of course, Jun’s skilled. Watching those hands work, swift and precise, has me imagining what else they could do. I’ve never thought of anyone this way before, but lately... oh, well. My mind is venturing into dangerous places.

Normally, my infatuations burn out quickly, but this one? It’s climbing the charts at breakneck speed. And it’s not just the carnal thoughts—I can feel it in my heart, fluttering every time he does something unselfish for me, brushing it off like it’s nothing. He’s supposed to be arrogant and distant, but these days, I find myself looking forward to our coffee chats and quiet dinners, wondering when he’ll tease me next.

But this is all fake, I remind myself. This arrangement, this coziness—it’s all part of the act. And yet, a small part of me is already dreading the day this ends.

Thankfully, the looming showcase and my presentation this Friday kept me busy and I hardly get time to chat with him. Surprisingly, he even let me take over his study without a single interruption. Ah and I hate him for being so understanding and not push my button during this time.

But you know what? I miss it.

He was correct, our teasing and bickering is a foreplay.

THE DAY OF SHOWCASE

"Good luck! I know you got this. Later we’ll celebrate with a Disney movie and wine tonight."

I groan at the message and pocket my phone. Ah, Jun! I haven’t even started yet you are already confident I’m going to be successful! I’m supposed to reboot my system! Go away!

Bear’s bark pulls my attention, his little tail wagging like mad as we pull up to the event venue.

"Yay! Buddy! It’s showtime. You know what to do, right?" I grin, handing him his favorite treat, and he gives an enthusiastic bark in reply. With a little confidence boost from my furry partner in crime, I head inside, ready to tackle this showcase.

******

As the VR simulation plays, I dive into my pitch. "I’m not looking for employees," I call out to curious onlookers. "I’m after creative collaborators—people who want to bring fresh ideas to the table." My registration desk is a subtle lure: a notebook, my contact details, and Bear, my secret weapon. This little furball draws people in like magic; no one can resist his wagging tail and puppy eyes.

I watch them get hooked on Bear and then hit them with my pitch, showing off the million-dollar lake house VR design. Even though I can’t name my client, anyone with half a brain could figure out what kind of elite people owns such properties.

Then, I spot Tang Levi—a respected engineer. I recognize him instantly and call out, "Mr. Tang! Care to try?" He gives me a nod, and steps forward as I offer him the headset.

"This isn’t just about one project," I announce to the growing crowd, my eyes landing on Maya Lin, an up-and-coming structural architect whose work I’ve admired. "I’m reimagining the architecture firm. Imagine a creative collective—no strict hierarchy, just people contributing their best ideas. It’s all about flexibility, creativity, and technology."

Levi looks at me over the headset, curiosity sparking in his gaze. "No hierarchy? That’s bold. Most firms keep structure for a reason."

"And that’s why I’m here to shake things up," I say, holding his gaze. "When talented people are free to experiment, incredible things happen. Traditional firms can limit that. I want to change it."

He doesn’t reply but sinks into the VR world with a slight smirk. That’s a good sign. Please, Levi—leave your card. Fingers crossed.

"This setup is impressive," Maya says, "And you’ve got a smart little mascot here," Bear wags his tail, basking in the attention. "I like the idea of collaboration."

"Thanks! I’m just getting started, but I want to build a team that feels like a collective. Each project will be a space to experiment, grow, and share in the rewards and credit."

"This is your first project?" she asks, eyeing the layout on screen. "The property suggests it’s not an average client. Mind sharing who it is?"

I manage a polite smile. "Sorry, bound by client confidentiality."

She sizes me up, considering, then without a word, heads off without leaving her card. Not everyone’s ready for a shake-up, I guess.

But Levi? He drops his card into my palm with a firm handshake. "I like the idea of working without strings. I’m juggling some projects, but I could use the flexibility you’re offering. And if I’m being honest, the industry could use some fresh thinking."

Victory! My heart does a mini-celebration as he strolls away to explore the rest of the event. Levi Tang is on board—one step closer to building my dream team.

My phone pings with a WhatsApp message. Jun- "How is it going? Is Bear behaving?"

I smile, "Good. He is my lucky mascot. Once our fake dating is over, I’m taking him with me. He is mine forever."

Jun- "He comes in a package, sweetheart. Me and him. Are you saying you want to keep me forever?"

My cheeks turn tomato red. "I’ll reply to it once I’m home by kicking your azz. Gotta go." Pocketing my home I get back to my work. Jeez Jun! You don’t use a filter on your mouth.

As I showcase the latest feature of the lake house, the Hagrid’s hut and the dragon gazebo the VR simulation flickers, then freezes entirely. My heart sinks as the image distorts, pixelates, and finally goes dark. Around me, a few people murmur, some even wandering off, disappointed.

"No, no, no!" I mutter under my breath, panic clawing up my throat. Not now—this was my big moment!