The morning light crept softly through the curtains, painting pale gold streaks across the room. Zara lay still on her side of the bed, eyes open, staring at nothing in particular. Her body felt tense, as though she had been awake all night, even though she hadn't moved since dawn.
Beside her, Adrian shifted.
Just slightly.
It was a small movement, but it sent a jolt through her nerves. They were close—too close. Not touching, yet close enough for her to feel his warmth, to hear the steady rhythm of his breathing. She swallowed and forced herself to stay calm.
This was all still pretend.
At least, that was what she kept telling herself.
Adrian finally stirred fully, letting out a quiet breath as he turned to face her. Their eyes met instantly, as if neither of them had truly been asleep.
"Morning," he said, his voice low and rough.
"Morning," she replied, quickly sitting up.
The movement created distance between them, but it didn't erase the awareness that lingered in the air. Zara reached for her phone on the bedside table, pretending to check the time. Anything to avoid looking at him too long.
Adrian watched her for a moment before getting up. "We should get ready. We don't want to be late."
She nodded. "Right."
They moved around the room with awkward coordination, careful not to brush against each other. Zara focused on folding the blanket, smoothing the sheets—busy work to keep her mind from replaying the way his voice had sounded when he said her name.
Downstairs, the house was quiet. The staff had clearly learned to give them privacy in the mornings. Zara poured herself a cup of tea, grateful for something warm to hold.
Adrian leaned against the counter, arms crossed. "You're quiet."
"So are you," she replied lightly.
He smiled faintly. "Fair."
There was a pause—one of those silences that felt heavier than words. Zara took a sip of tea, then winced slightly when it was too hot.
"Careful," Adrian said instinctively, stepping closer.
"I'm fine," she said quickly, though her heart had already begun to race.
He stopped just in front of her. Too close again.
"You always say that," he murmured.
She looked up before she could stop herself, and for a second, the world narrowed to just the two of them. His gaze wasn't guarded the way it usually was. There was something softer there. Something dangerously sincere.
Zara broke eye contact first. "We should leave."
The car ride was quieter than usual. Not uncomfortable—just charged. Adrian kept his hands firmly on the steering wheel, but his attention flickered toward her more often than he realized.
At a red light, Zara adjusted her seatbelt. "Your mother called last night."
He glanced at her. "Is she planning another surprise dinner?"
"She wants us to visit this weekend."
Us.
The word settled between them.
"Did you say yes?" he asked.
"I told her we'd confirm," Zara replied. "I thought I should ask you first."
Adrian nodded slowly. "That was… considerate."
She shrugged. "It's part of the arrangement, right?"
"Right," he echoed, though the word sounded less convincing coming from him.
When they arrived at the office, the moment they stepped out of the car, Adrian's posture shifted. The familiar confident expression slid back into place, like armor.
Without a word, he reached for her hand.
Zara froze for half a second before remembering herself. She slipped her fingers into his, and instantly, something changed. His grip tightened—just a little.
Too real.
They walked through the lobby together, whispers following them. Heads turned. Curious glances lingered.
Zara leaned closer to him. "Everyone's staring."
"They always do," he said quietly. "Just smile."
She did. The practiced smile came easily, but this time, it felt different. His thumb brushed lightly against her knuckles, an unconscious movement that made her breath hitch.
They stopped near the elevator. A colleague greeted them warmly, complimenting how "perfect" they looked together.
Adrian smiled politely. Zara laughed on cue.
Perfect.
The elevator ride was short but suffocating. As soon as the doors closed, Adrian let go of her hand.
The sudden absence felt louder than the noise of the office floor.
Zara exhaled. "That was exhausting."
"You did great," he said.
She turned to him. "So did you."
Their eyes met again. For a moment, neither of them moved. The distance between them felt fragile, like it could disappear with a single step.
Adrian cleared his throat. "I'll see you later."
"Yeah," she replied softly.
The rest of the day passed in a blur. Zara tried to focus on her work, but her thoughts kept drifting back to small things—the warmth of his hand, the look in his eyes that morning, the way he'd said her name without realizing it.
That evening, she was gathering her things when Adrian appeared at her desk.
"Ready?" he asked.
She blinked. "Already?"
He smiled. "Long day."
They walked out together again, the routine familiar now. But when they reached the car, Adrian hesitated before opening the door for her.
"Zara," he said quietly.
"Yes?"
"There's a charity event tomorrow night. Media will be there. I need you with me."
"I know," she replied. "I'll be there."
"That's not what I meant," he said, his voice softer. "I mean… I need you."
The honesty in his tone made her chest tighten.
She nodded slowly. "Okay."
On the drive home, neither of them spoke, but the silence no longer felt empty. It felt full—of things unsaid, of emotions neither was ready to name.
That night, as Zara lay in bed, she stared at the ceiling, her heart restless.
They were pretending less convincingly now.
And that scared her more than the pretending ever did.
Because if this stopped being fake…
She wasn't sure either of them would survive the truth.
✨ Will their act collapse under feelings they can no longer hide?
Or will pretending be the only thing keeping them safe?
If you're enjoying this story, please add it to your library ❤️ It helps this book grow and lets you know when the next chapter drops.
Author's Note 💙
Thank you so much for reading Accidental Love, Intentional Lies.
If this chapter made you feel something—please add the book to your library, leave a comment, or vote. Your support truly means everything to me and helps this story reach more readers.
With love,
Amanda Ahamefule Ugosinachi