A contract marriage brings Evie and billionaire CEO Caleb together—but she soon discovers his biggest secret: he has secretly admired her for five years! ❤️💍
Will their fake marriage turn into real love?
#AIDrama #ShortDrama #RomanceDrama #BillionaireCEO #ContractMarriage #SecretFan #LoveStory #AIStory #DramaLovers #Dailymotion
Will their fake marriage turn into real love?
#AIDrama #ShortDrama #RomanceDrama #BillionaireCEO #ContractMarriage #SecretFan #LoveStory #AIStory #DramaLovers #Dailymotion
Category
🎈
FunTranscript
00:03I was still a nobody, so I had to bow to my parents.
00:07Accept the arranged marriage.
00:08I had to accept the arranged marriage.
00:10My fiancé disliked me.
00:12Hello.
00:13There's someone else I love.
00:15Don't waste your time on me.
00:17You can date whoever you want.
00:18I won't interfere.
00:20This marriage is only a business deal.
00:22One year.
00:23Then we get divorced.
00:24And don't cry or refuse to sign the papers when the time comes.
00:27He announced it and then just hung up.
00:29And right then, I was at the door to his study.
00:32The room was filled with my posters, my albums, every single thing I'd ever released.
00:39The man I was marrying was Caleb Quinn, the eldest son of the Quinn family.
00:44My friend told me about it.
00:45Caleb had a face that could ruin people.
00:48A modern-day demo in a cute suit.
00:51For her audition.
00:53He only cared about profit.
00:54Lily, everyone feels bad for you.
00:57You're marrying a man like that?
00:58A heartless monster.
01:00Who knows what kind of life you'll have after this?
01:02I stayed silent for a long time.
01:04In the end, I could only let out two helpless.
01:08Then, I posted the retirement statement I had kept in my drafts for months.
01:12I was only a D-list actress.
01:14But I still had a few loyal fans.
01:17Among the endless messages, one name stood out.
01:20Q.
01:21For the past five years, my most devoted fan.
01:25Every photo he took of me looked like a magazine cover.
01:28He never showed his face.
01:29But what made me remember him most was every comment he left.
01:34I hope you're happy every day.
01:36But today, he broke his pattern.
01:39The chat box was packed with words.
01:41I found one of your videos by accident.
01:43It was during the darkest time of my life.
01:46It got me through the night.
01:48After that, I started waiting for every post.
01:50Sometimes, I'd get so excited, my hands would actually shake.
01:55I'm sorry, but I still want to tell you.
01:58Evie, you are as important to me as my own life.
02:01In the end, I replied to him seriously.
02:04Thank you for liking me.
02:06I hope you're happy every day.
02:08Maybe we'll meet again someday.
02:10After replying to every message, I was about to delete my account forever.
02:15Then, I saw a trending topic.
02:17Caleb Quinn crying in his car.
02:20What?
02:22Curious, I tapped it.
02:23A streetlight cast a warm glow across Caleb Quinn's face.
02:27His shoulders trembled.
02:28Tears streaked across his cheeks.
02:30He looked completely shattered.
02:32The comments exploded.
02:34So the Ice King actually cries?
02:36What could possibly make a man like him cry?
02:39Maybe he hated the arranged marriage.
02:41Maybe work had finally broken him.
02:44Maybe something terrible had happened.
02:46None of them interested me.
02:47After wrapping things up with my manager, I crashed.
02:50The next morning, my phone woke me up.
02:52Unknown number.
02:55Hello?
02:56Good morning, Miss Reed.
02:58I'm Caleb Quinn, your fiance.
03:00There's someone I love.
03:01This marriage is a business arrangement.
03:04Nothing more.
03:04I won't interfere with your private life, and I expect the same from you.
03:08Your father mentioned your first love.
03:10If you'd like, I can give you two a chance to reconnect.
03:12Wait.
03:13You're offering to cover for me?
03:16So I can go see my ex?
03:18His answer came instantly.
03:19Then...
03:20If you're already in love with someone else, that makes things easier for both of us.
03:23I didn't even know how to respond to that.
03:26Okay.
03:27What else?
03:28One more thing.
03:29His voice turned even more serious.
03:31Our marriage lasts one year.
03:33After that, we divorce.
03:34Don't make a scene.
03:36I leaned back against my pillow.
03:38Don't worry.
03:39I won't.
03:40There was a pause.
03:41Then I heard him exhale.
03:43He actually sounded relieved.
03:45I don't think we need a wedding.
03:46And obviously, there's no reason for us to sleep together.
03:48I didn't care either way.
03:50Fine by me.
03:51Another silence.
03:52Apparently, he was making sure he hadn't missed anything.
03:55Finally, he spoke again.
03:57Miss Reed, I'm a businessman.
03:58I don't make deals based on promises.
04:00So I'd like all of this in writing.
04:02A contract.
04:03I raised an eyebrow.
04:04A contract?
04:06Yes.
04:07Everything we just agreed on.
04:09Sure.
04:09Send it over when it's ready.
04:11Good.
04:11He sounded satisfied.
04:13Then he said...
04:14I'm outside your house.
04:15What?
04:17A few minutes later, I crept to the top of the stairs.
04:20Black suit.
04:21Long legs crossed.
04:22Perfect posture.
04:24My friend hadn't exaggerated.
04:26The man was ridiculously handsome.
04:28No wonder Dad had been so proud of this match.
04:31Then, something caught my eye.
04:33A pink wristband was peeking out from under Caleb's cuff.
04:36Pink was my fan color.
04:38I could spot that exact shade anywhere.
04:41A man who looked like that?
04:43Wearing a cute little pink wristband?
04:45Huh.
04:46Didn't see that coming.
04:47Dad kept glancing up at me.
04:49Caleb didn't even look.
04:50He had zero interest in meeting the fiancé he'd never asked for.
04:55Dad finally gave up on being subtle.
04:57Caleb, why don't you stay for breakfast?
04:58You can see Lily.
04:59No need.
05:00We'll have plenty of time to be stuck with each other after we're married.
05:04No reason to start early.
05:05Thanks for your time, Mr. Reed.
05:06He turned and headed for the door.
05:09By the time I finished getting ready and walked downstairs, Caleb was walking out.
05:13The door shut between us.
05:14He never once looked up in my direction.
05:17If the back of his head could talk, it would have said,
05:20Not interested.
05:23Caleb had barely left when my phone rang.
05:26Miss Reed, I left the contract with your father.
05:29If everything looks good, sign it.
05:30My assistant will pick it up later.
05:32I opened the contract and read every page.
05:35Everything we'd agreed on was there.
05:37And when the marriage ended, I'd walk away with another huge settlement.
05:41Suddenly, marrying Caleb didn't seem nearly as terrible.
05:44Then, something occurred to me.
05:46There's nothing in here about the woman you love.
05:48Did you forget?
05:49But Caleb's reply sounded resistant and impatient.
05:53You don't need to test me.
05:54I understand you'll be at a disadvantage in this marriage.
05:57I won't do anything that could publicly humiliate you.
06:00I could practically picture him on the other end, frowning.
06:04Probably thinking, she's already trying to control me.
06:07And I would never make her the other woman.
06:09Until our marriage is completely over.
06:11Then I'll pursue her properly.
06:13I'll tell her how I feel.
06:14And if she'll have me, I'll be with her.
06:17Caleb went quiet for a moment.
06:19Send me your passport details.
06:20Why?
06:21I'm flying overseas the day after we get married.
06:24And it happens to be the same city where your ex lives.
06:27I paused.
06:28Don't you want to see him?
06:28Caleb continued.
06:30I can book you on my flight.
06:31I'll cover for you.
06:33We'll tell our families it's our honeymoon.
06:34I hesitated.
06:37Going on the trip was one thing.
06:39Seeing my ex was another.
06:41After our breakup, I'd blocked him everywhere.
06:43Caleb must have heard the hesitation in my voice.
06:46Because suddenly, he became very patient.
06:49Miss Reed.
06:51Think about it.
06:52This is the perfect opportunity.
06:54If you let this one go, who knows when you'll see him again.
06:58This man really wanted me to see my ex.
07:00Still, I hesitated.
07:02Caleb wasn't giving up.
07:04Your father told me the breakup was messy.
07:08And I have a friend who's great with relationships.
07:10He fixes this kind of thing all the time.
07:12I almost laughed.
07:13What are you saying?
07:15I'm saying I'll bring him.
07:16Maybe even get you back together.
07:18I went silent.
07:19But a free trip didn't sound bad.
07:22I could treat it like a vacation.
07:24Fine.
07:25I'll send you my passport info.
07:26His answer came instantly.
07:28Perfect.
07:28He sounded actually happy.
07:31I slowly lowered the phone.
07:32Wow.
07:33He really was terrified I'd fall for him.
07:37Caleb's assistant was supposed to pick up the contract.
07:39But that evening, Caleb texted me.
07:42Miss Reed.
07:43Something came up.
07:44My assistant stuck in a meeting.
07:45Could you bring the contract over?
07:47And I'd rather you bring it yourself.
07:49I don't trust couriers with something this important.
07:52Fair enough.
07:52He was worried I'd back out.
07:54I was worried he'd change the number of zeros.
07:56So ten minutes later, I was standing outside Caleb Quinn's house.
08:01Luckily, he lived close.
08:02He'd already given me the door code.
08:04The second I stepped inside, something felt familiar.
08:07His house looked exactly like I expected.
08:10White walls.
08:11Black furniture.
08:12Black curtains.
08:13Cold.
08:14Minimal.
08:15Very Caleb.
08:16I headed down the hall, looking for his study.
08:18Then I stopped.
08:20One door was bright pink.
08:21I stared at it.
08:23Then looked around.
08:24Seriously?
08:24I walked over, slowly pushed the door open.
08:28A massive poster covered the wall.
08:30Was me.
08:31It was a photo from my second year in show business.
08:34I'd almost forgotten it existed.
08:36My eyes moved past the poster.
08:38Photo cards.
08:39Limited edition merch.
08:40Products I'd endorsed years ago.
08:43All mine.
08:44Some were still sealed.
08:45Each one had a date written beside it.
08:47I stood in the middle of the room, speechless.
08:50Then slowly looked back at the giant poster of myself.
08:54What the hell?
08:57I rubbed my eyes.
08:58Hard.
08:59Nope.
09:00Still there.
09:00Then something else caught my eye.
09:02The desk.
09:03The angle.
09:04I'd seen this before.
09:06I pulled out my phone.
09:07Opened Q's profile.
09:09Scrolled through his old post.
09:11Then held the screen up.
09:12Same desk.
09:12Same room.
09:13No way.
09:14Caleb Quinn.
09:15The cold, ruthless CEO.
09:17Who'd spent the last 24 hours making sure I wouldn't fall for him.
09:22Was Q.
09:23My biggest fan.
09:25My phone buzzed.
09:26A message from Caleb.
09:28Miss Reed.
09:28I forgot to mention something.
09:30The study I meant is upstairs.
09:33Not the one downstairs.
09:34I slowly looked around me.
09:36Oops.
09:36I typed back.
09:37Sorry.
09:38I already left the contract in the downstairs study.
09:40Then please leave it there and come out.
09:43Don't touch anything.
09:44Everything in that room is extremely important to me.
09:47If anything gets damaged, we're going to have a problem.
09:50I looked up for my phone.
09:52All of it was mine.
09:53And this man was threatening me.
09:56I bit back a laugh.
09:57Relax.
09:58I didn't touch anything.
09:59I lowered my phone.
10:00My eyes landed on the shelves again.
10:02Some of this stuff was so old.
10:04Even I couldn't find it anymore.
10:06But Caleb had kept every piece perfectly preserved.
10:10I picked up my phone and typed,
10:12Mr. Quinn, that woman you said you're in love with?
10:15I glanced at the giant poster of myself, then hit send.
10:19Don't tell me it's Evie.
10:21A long time passed.
10:23Then Caleb finally replied.
10:25Yeah.
10:26Do you know her?
10:26Then, wait, are you a fan too?
10:29Are we into the same girl?
10:30I couldn't help it.
10:31Huh?
10:32I don't think I know her.
10:33Caleb went quiet again.
10:34When he finally replied, he actually sounded a little disappointed.
10:38She never really made it big.
10:40I finally took full control of the company this year.
10:43I was going to quietly get her better roles.
10:45Everything she deserved.
10:47And then she retired.
10:48I stared at the screen.
10:49He kept going.
10:50What is she even going to do now?
10:52Do you think she'll get married this year?
10:54Then, God, some lucky bastard is probably going to end up with her.
10:58Caleb wasn't done.
10:59Whoever he is, he better treat her right.
11:01Because if he hurts her, I'll hunt that bastard down myself.
11:04I don't care where he runs.
11:06I'll make him regret ever being born.
11:08I stared at the messages.
11:10Then, at the contract on his desk.
11:12Then, back at the messages.
11:14Then, decided to give him one last chance.
11:16By the way, Caleb, are you absolutely sure we don't need to meet before we get married?
11:21Answer came without.
11:22A long time passed.
11:24Then, Caleb finally replied.
11:26Yeah.
11:27Do you know her?
11:27Then, wait, are you a fan too?
11:29Her contract on his desk.
11:34Then, back at the messages.
11:36Then, decided to give him one last chance.
11:39By the way, Caleb, are you absolutely sure we don't need to meet before we get married?
11:44Hesitation.
11:45Yes, I've already told you.
11:46There's no reason for us to meet.
11:48I stared at the screen.
11:51Okay, just don't regret it later.
11:54His tone changed instantly.
11:56What does that mean?
11:58Then, another message.
12:00Are you having second thoughts?
12:01Miss Reed, we already signed a contract.
12:04You can't back out now.
12:06I laughed under my breath.
12:08Relax.
12:08I'm not backing out.
12:10Apparently, that wasn't enough for him.
12:13Good.
12:14Because the contract clearly states there are consequences for breaking our agreement.
12:18I smiled.
12:20I know.
12:21Then I typed.
12:22Whoever backs out first is an idiot.
12:24Caleb went quiet.
12:26For two whole seconds.
12:28Then, fine.
12:30Deal.
12:30Another message popped up.
12:32Whoever backs out first is, a pause, an idiot.
12:36I almost laughed out loud.
12:38Caleb, people tell you you're really smart a lot, don't they?
12:42His reply came immediately.
12:45All the time.
12:46Then, I've always been proud of my above-average intelligence.
12:49I stared at the screen.
12:51If he knew I was Evie.
12:54Three days flew by.
12:56Caleb and I didn't speak once.
12:58Then came the day we were supposed to get married.
13:00I got to the courthouse 30 minutes early.
13:03By the time Caleb's Maybach pulled up, I was leaning against the wall, half asleep.
13:08His entire body went still.
13:10Both hands tightened around the steering wheel.
13:12He just stared.
13:14I started walking toward him.
13:16My phone began buzzing inside my bag.
13:18Caleb, Miss Reed.
13:20Can we push our appointment back a little?
13:22I just saw her.
13:25I looked up.
13:26Through the windshield, Caleb was still staring straight at me.
13:30My phone buzzed again.
13:32She's walking toward me.
13:33I just want to talk to her.
13:35One sentence.
13:36That's all.
13:37Please.
13:38Another message.
13:39Shit.
13:40My heart is beating way too fast.
13:42Is this normal?
13:43Then, I think I might actually...
13:46I stopped beside his car and tapped lightly on the window.
13:51Caleb froze.
13:52The window slowly rolled down.
13:54His phone was still in his hand, but his eyes were locked on me.
13:59The cold CEO from three days ago was gone.
14:02I leaned down slightly, met his eyes, and smiled.
14:06Hi.
14:07I'm Lily Reed.
14:09What?
14:10I gave him a second, then added casually...
14:14Although, you probably know me better as Evie.
14:18Caleb stared on my hand, then back at my face.
14:21His smile slowly fell apart.
14:25Caleb didn't move, didn't blink, didn't breathe.
14:28He just sat there, completely frozen.
14:32But his phone was still connected to the car speakers,
14:34and his friend was still yelling through them.
14:37Caleb?
14:38You still there?
14:39You never answered me.
14:41Did you meet Lily yet?
14:42Nothing.
14:43His friend kept going.
14:45Her parents have kept her out of the public eye for years.
14:47They always said she had health issues.
14:49Nobody even knows what she looks like.
14:52I'm dying to know.
14:53Caleb!
14:55Did you meet Lily or not?
14:56Caleb finally moved.
14:58Very slowly, he lowered his head.
15:01His face was completely blank.
15:03Then he forced one word through clenched teeth.
15:06No.
15:08His friend went silent.
15:11What do you mean, no?
15:12You didn't see Lily?
15:14Then who the hell did you see?
15:16Caleb said nothing for a long, painful second.
15:20Then he slowly closed his eyes, like his soul had just left his body.
15:27My wife.
15:29Silence.
15:29His friend finally said,
15:31What?
15:33We sat across from each other in a quiet corner booth at an Italian restaurant.
15:38Our marriage appointment had been postponed after all,
15:40because right after hanging up that call,
15:43Caleb had closed his eyes and slapped himself,
15:46hard enough to leave his face swollen.
15:49Definitely not courthouse photo ready.
15:51And now, his ears were bright red.
15:54I couldn't tell if that was from the slapping or something else.
15:58Ever since he'd found out who I was,
16:00he'd followed me around in a daze.
16:02Not one word.
16:07Now he just sat there, staring at the table.
16:10I waved a hand in front of his face.
16:12Caleb?
16:13His eyes landed on my face for exactly one second,
16:17then immediately darted away.
16:19He grabbed a bottle from the table and took a huge gulp.
16:22Caleb?
16:22That's balsamic vinegar.
16:24Nearly.
16:25I waited until he recovered.
16:28Then I asked, casually,
16:29So, are we still getting wedding rings?
16:33Of course we...
16:34Oh, wait.
16:35I cut him off and started digging through my bag.
16:38Give me a second.
16:39I know I have it somewhere.
16:41Caleb immediately sat up straighter.
16:44His eyes got brighter.
16:45Ah, found it.
16:47I pulled something out.
16:49Caleb looked at my hand, full of hope.
16:51I dropped our contract onto the table.
16:53His smile froze.
16:55I flipped through the pages and tapped it with my finger.
16:58Oh, right.
17:00I almost forgot.
17:01You were very clear about this.
17:04No wedding rings required.
17:09So, guess we don't need them after all.
17:13Wait.
17:15I should check if you made any rules about dinner, too.
17:18Don't eat yet.
17:18I lowered my head and started flipping through the contract.
17:22Caleb stared at the papers in my hands, almost resentfully.
17:25Do you seriously carry that thing everywhere?
17:27I looked up.
17:29What do you mean, that thing?
17:31You told me to keep it safe.
17:32You literally said I should lock it in a safe.
17:34I paused.
17:35Speaking of, did you buy one yet?
17:38Caleb went silent.
17:40Not yet.
17:41I nodded.
17:41Don't forget.
17:42His smile looked painful.
17:45I won't.
17:47I finally put the contract away, then tilted my head.
17:51Oh, right.
17:52You're leaving on that business trip tomorrow, aren't you?
17:55Caleb froze.
17:56Yes.
17:57And I'm coming with you?
17:59Yes.
18:00And you're taking me to see my ex?
18:02Silence.
18:03Caleb refused to answer.
18:05And you're covering for me, right?
18:07His voice came out through clenched teeth.
18:11Actually, I...
18:12I know.
18:12I cut him off.
18:13This is the perfect opportunity.
18:15Who knows when I'll ever get another chance like this, right?
18:19You don't have to give me the whole speech again.
18:21No, that's not...
18:22And you're bringing your friend too, right?
18:25I smiled at him.
18:26Don't forget.
18:27Whether my ex and I get back together is all up to you two.
18:31He looked like he wanted to die.
18:33What time's our flight tomorrow night?
18:35His voice actually trembled.
18:37Lily, please stop torturing me.
18:41Caleb lowered his eyes.
18:43He looked like he was about to cry.
18:45I'm sorry.
18:48I'm an idiot.
18:49No, I'm worse than an idiot.
18:51I'm the dumbest man alive.
18:52If I had one functioning brain cell, none of this would have happened.
18:55Seriously, did my mom drop me on my head as a baby?
18:58How am I this stupid?
19:00I said nothing.
19:01Caleb looked at me desperately.
19:04Lily, can you just pretend that Caleb Quinn from three days ago never ends?
19:07He's gone.
19:09He's gone.
19:09Dead.
19:10Buried.
19:11That wasn't me.
19:12I raised an eyebrow.
19:14Caleb panicked.
19:15I'm serious.
19:17I'm not even Caleb Quinn anymore.
19:20I'm...
19:20He visibly struggled for an answer.
19:23Quinn Caleb.
19:24I stared at him.
19:26Pure regret washed over his face.
19:28Today, Caleb had dressed for our marriage appointment.
19:31Black suit.
19:32Every inch of him looked polished.
19:35Mature.
19:36Untouchable.
19:37And yet, this very expensive looking man, looking like a kicked puppy.
19:42Please.
19:43I looked away.
19:44Then took a long sip of ice water.
19:49Okay.
19:50Caleb slowly looked up.
19:52His eyes were red.
19:53His lashes were damp.
19:56Enough.
19:57Sit down.
19:57He immediately returned to his seat.
19:59A few minutes passed.
20:01Caleb glanced at me.
20:02He worked up the courage to ask...
20:05So?
20:05His voice was barely above a whisper.
20:08Can we still get married?
20:11Why wouldn't we?
20:13There was a lot of money riding on this marriage.
20:16Why wouldn't we?
20:17Caleb looked a little less devastated.
20:19I still have a chance.
20:21Okay.
20:22Good.
20:23But a second later, his eyes dropped again.
20:26And...
20:28Could we maybe start over?
20:30I mean...
20:30You and me?
20:31Caleb and Lily?
20:33Can we forget everything from before...
20:35And meet each other again?
20:36Starting now?
20:37He looked at me carefully.
20:39Please?
20:40Seriously.
20:41Please.
20:42Were men always this complicated?
20:45What difference did it make?
20:46I frowned.
20:47Sure.
20:48Whatever.
20:49Caleb's head snapped up.
20:51His eyes lit up.
20:52Really?
20:52I reached for my tongue.
20:54Before my fingers even touched it, Caleb grabbed it.
20:57He opened it for me.
20:59I stared at him.
21:01Then sniffed.
21:02Caleb immediately pulled two napkins from the dispenser and held them out.
21:07Thanks.
21:09I slowly lowered my fork.
21:11Caleb looked up, watching me expectantly.
21:14Like a puppy waiting to be praised.
21:16If he had a tail, it would have been wagging.
21:19Caleb, don't.
21:22What?
21:23I thought you said we could start over.
21:25I wiped my mouth.
21:26You don't need to waste your time on me.
21:28You can love whoever you want.
21:30I won't interfere.
21:31His face fell.
21:33Don't forget.
21:34This marriage is just a business deal.
21:36We divorce in one year.
21:38So prepare yourself.
21:39And when the time comes, don't cry.
21:42Caleb stared at me, speechless.
21:44I raised an eyebrow.
21:46Your words.
21:47Remember?
21:49His shoulders trembled.
21:51I...
21:52Oh, there's something I forgot to tell you.
21:55He looked up.
21:55I met his eyes.
21:56I never expected anything from this marriage.
21:58Not love, not romance, nothing.
22:01The only thing I ever wanted out of this marriage was the money.
22:05From the very beginning, that's all I wanted.
22:08So you acting like this now is only making things difficult for me.
22:11Please remember what this marriage actually is.
22:15Anyway, enjoy your dinner.
22:17I'm leaving.
22:18Lily!
22:18Lily!
22:19He reached for me.
22:20I was faster.
22:21Take it home.
22:22Read it a few more times.
22:24Maybe it'll refresh your memory.
22:25You seem to have forgotten everything you wrote.
22:27I gave him one last look, then turned and walked toward the door.
22:31Behind me, Caleb didn't move.
22:33The glass door caught his reflection.
22:35Contract clenched in his hand, shoulders trembling.
22:39From that day on, Caleb completely changed.
22:42The cold, arrogant man I'd met before.
22:45Now, he wouldn't shut up.
22:47Every morning.
22:48Good morning, Lily.
22:50Every night.
22:51Good night.
22:52He felt the need to report every detail of his day.
22:55One day, he called me again.
22:56Oh, by the way, Lily, something happened to your plane ticket.
23:00I accidentally canceled it.
23:01What happened?
23:02Crazy, right?
23:03A perfectly good ticket.
23:04Just...
23:05He sighed dramatically.
23:06Maybe it's a sign.
23:07Maybe you and your ex just aren't meant to see each other.
23:09What are the odds?
23:10You accidentally canceled a plane ticket?
23:11Are you always this unreliable?
23:13No, of course not.
23:15If you're this unreliable, maybe I need to reconsider this marriage.
23:19Lily, please don't reconsider.
23:21I was wrong.
23:22I didn't cancel it by accident.
23:23I did it on purpose.
23:24I just...
23:24Caleb, a moment later, my phone buzzed.
23:27A payment notification.
23:28I stared at the amount.
23:30I typed back, go away.
23:31One more message and you're blocked.
23:34Two seconds later, message deleted.
23:36Message deleted.
23:37Message deleted.
23:38He deleted everything he'd sent.
23:41Caleb finally stopped spamming me.
23:43Mostly.
23:44But then, he found a new way to bother me.
23:47He started showing up at my house.
23:50The next time Caleb showed up, Dad greeted him like usual.
23:54I'll go get Lily.
23:55Caleb's face immediately brightened.
23:57He was just about to nod when...
23:59Oh, wait.
24:01I almost forgot.
24:02You said there was no need for you two to meet.
24:04You said you'd be stuck seeing each other enough after the wedding.
24:07I remember.
24:08Don't worry.
24:09I won't call her down.
24:10Definitely not.
24:11Caleb stared at him.
24:13Caleb was silent for a long moment.
24:16Mr. Reid.
24:18You probably won't believe me.
24:19But the man who said that was temporarily insane.
24:24What?
24:25Actually, I guess I should call you Dad now.
24:28Huh?
24:28Dad, have you had breakfast?
24:29I can go get something.
24:30What do you like?
24:31What does Mom like?
24:33Actually, the floors could use some cleaning.
24:35The windows, too.
24:35I saw some laundry in the utility room.
24:37And the dog probably needs a walk.
24:38A few minutes later, Dad came upstairs looking genuinely concerned.
24:42Lily, is Caleb okay?
24:45He wasn't like this three days ago.
24:48I looked downstairs.
24:49Caleb was already mopping the floor.
24:51And that was only the beginning.
24:54For days, I'd wake up, walk downstairs, and find Caleb somewhere in my house.
24:59He massaged Dad's shoulders.
25:02Helped Mom with whatever she needed.
25:04Washed the dog.
25:05Walked the dog.
25:06Boiled the dog.
25:07And every morning, there'd be my favorite breakfast on the table.
25:10Along with a fresh bouquet of red roses.
25:13He remembered everything I said.
25:15One afternoon, I mumbled in my sleep that I wanted cinnamon rolls.
25:19It was pouring outside.
25:21Delivery apps were backed up for hours.
25:23So Caleb went out into the rain.
25:26When he came back, his hair was soaked.
25:28His cold was dripping.
25:30But the box in his hands was perfectly dry.
25:33I actually felt a little guilty.
25:35Caleb noticed.
25:36He gave me a crooked smile.
25:39Don't.
25:40The idiot's just trying to make it up to you.
25:43Caleb, you really don't have to do all this.
25:46No idea what you're talking about.
25:49I'll clean your study.
25:50And just like that, he escaped upstairs.
25:55He stayed in my study for the rest of the evening, alone.
25:59When he finally came out, he looked completely out of it.
26:02He even tripped on his way downstairs.
26:05I had no idea what was wrong with him.
26:08Until later that night, my phone buzzed.
26:11A message from Caleb.
26:13Lily, are you still in love with your first love?
26:17Caleb showed up again the next morning.
26:19But something was different.
26:20No tailored suit, no dress shirt.
26:23Instead, he was wearing a casual college hoodie.
26:26I stared at him.
26:27The hoodie looked weirdly familiar.
26:30Caleb, what's with the outfit?
26:32I...
26:33Do you like me dressed like this?
26:34With a face like Caleb's, he could wear almost anything and still look good.
26:38Yeah.
26:39It looks good on you.
26:41He lowered his eyes.
26:42As long as you like it, I'm fine with it.
26:45I frowned.
26:46Okay.
26:50That night, I was reorganizing my bookshelf when an old photo slipped out of a book.
26:56I bent down and picked it up.
26:58It was a photo of me and my first boyfriend.
27:01After our breakup, I'd gotten rid of everything else.
27:04This one must have survived because it was hidden inside the book.
27:07I was about to put it away when I noticed his clothes, the hoodie.
27:12It looked almost exactly like the one Caleb had been wearing all day.
27:16Then everything clicked.
27:18Caleb had spent hours alone in my study yesterday.
27:21Today, he suddenly showed up dressed like my ex.
27:24Was Caleb Quinn trying to dress like my ex-boyfriend?
27:29I didn't know whether to laugh or feel bad for him.
27:32So I called Caleb.
27:34He picked up almost immediately.
27:36Hey.
27:37Caleb, I don't think my dad gave you the full story about my ex.
27:40What story?
27:41He cheated on me.
27:42That's why we broke up.
27:43Caleb went completely silent.
27:45I continued.
27:46So if I ever went to see him, it wouldn't be to get back together.
27:48I'd be going there to kick his ass.
27:50And that trip with you?
27:51I only wanted to go because I thought it'd be a free vacation.
27:53I never planned on seeing him.
27:55Oh, why are you telling me this?
27:56I mean, it's not like I really wanted to know.
27:58The next morning, Caleb was in my kitchen again.
28:01He was practically glowing.
28:03Unbelievable.
28:04A month passed like that.
28:05Day one, I thought Caleb Quinn was insane.
28:09Day seven, I started feeling a little sorry for him.
28:12Day 13, I caught myself thinking, he was actually kind of cute sometimes.
28:17Day 23, he was working in the kitchen when I noticed sweat on his forehead.
28:21Without thinking, I reached up and wiped it away.
28:24Caleb froze.
28:25So did I.
28:26Neither of us said anything.
28:28Day 30, Caleb was sitting by the window, playing chess with my dad.
28:32Sunlight fell across the side of his face.
28:34He smiled as dad moved to peace.
28:36I couldn't look away.
28:37By the time I realized what I was doing, I'd already leaned down and kissed him softly on
28:42the cheek.
28:43The chess piece slipped from his fingers and hit the floor.
28:47The second I realized I'd actually kissed him, I jumped up and ran straight to my room.
28:52Until dad told me Caleb had left, only then did I carefully crack open my door.
28:58The second I stepped out, a hand caught my wrist.
29:01Caleb pulled me toward him.
29:02His tall frame closed in, one arm sliding around my waist.
29:07His other hand tipped my chin up.
29:09Then he slowly leaned down.
29:11My breath caught.
29:12My fingers tightened around his shirt.
29:14And without thinking, I closed my eyes.
29:19What were you expecting with your eyes closed like that?
29:22My face burned.
29:23He played it.
29:25Caleb Quinn, you...
29:27He kissed me.
29:28The rest of my sentence disappeared against his lips.
29:31This time, he wasn't teasing.
29:34His arm tightened around my waist.
29:37Caleb was warm against me.
29:41By the way, I have some bad news.
29:44What?
29:45My house got broken into a couple days ago.
29:47What?
29:48Was anything valuable stolen?
29:49No.
29:50Nothing valuable.
29:51Then what did they take?
29:52The contracts.
29:54Ours.
29:56Caleb Quinn, you lying little...
29:58No.
29:59No.
29:59No.
29:59No.
30:00No.
30:01No.
30:02No.
30:02You