KAY POV

I closed the bathroom door behind me, took a deep, shaky breath, and leaned against it. Why the fuck am I even doing this? I muttered to myself, running my fingers through my messy hair.

Vanessa believes I’m Jake—that I’m her loving fiancé. But the reality is far harsher than she could ever imagine.

I stepped into the shower, letting the hot water fall over my cold body. The heat seeped into my muscles, relaxing the tension I hadn’t even realized I was holding.

After showering, I dried my hair, pulled on sweatpants and a shirt, and quietly stepped out of the bathroom. My first instinct was to check on Vanessa. Thank God—she was asleep. I needed to have a serious talk with Jake.

I tossed the wet towel into the basket and silently walked out of the bedroom. I carefully closed the door behind me and locked it, just in case Emily tried to barge in and disturb Vanessa again.

I knocked on Jake’s bedroom door. Inside, I could hear Emily. A shiver of disgust ran through me at the sound of her voice.

When Jake finally opened the door, I motioned for him to come with me. He didn’t question it—he simply followed me toward the balcony.

“Jake, are we done with this charade!?” I demanded the moment we were alone. I let the anger that had been building all day spill over. “Done!? It’s barely been a day, Kay! I mean, I understand Vanessa isn’t… great-looking, but can’t you bear it for more than a few hours?!” I slammed my fist against the railing beside his head, my chest heaving.

Jake visibly flinched. His eyes widened. “What the fu—”

“The fuck, Jake!? Why the hell are you even with Vanessa if you don’t love her—or even find her attractive!? Does this look like a game to you!?” My voice was harsh, laced with outrage.

“Don’t even try to defend yourself, Jake!! Vanessa had a car accident—she lost her memory—and all you care about is fucking Emily? Are you even in your right mind, or do you just think with your dick!?” I shouted, struggling to calm myself. “If you want to be with Emily so badly, why not break off the engagement? Why not let Vanessa go? Why do you want to cause her pain when she’s already in a fragile state?!”

Jake just stared at me like I’d grown a second head. He didn’t respond—he only stared.

“Jake, answer me!!” I demanded, my voice colder than I’d ever spoken to him.

“I… I don’t know, okay! I love them both!!” he finally admitted, his voice tight.

I stepped back and leaned against the balcony railing. “Love them both!? Then why did I see you looking at Vanessa like she was prey… and Emily like she was something precious? That girl… she’s nothing but a snake!!” I spat out the truth I’d been holding in since the first time I saw them together.

“She’s not a snake, Kay!!” Jake defended her weakly.

“Jake, I’m giving you three weeks of me pretending to be Vanessa’s fiancé. After that, either you tell her the entire truth, or I will!!” My voice was icy, leaving him speechless.

He looked at me in shock.

“I’m going to sleep and enjoy the night with Emily!!” I said sarcastically, leaving Jake standing alone on the balcony.

I unlocked the bedroom door and stepped inside. Vanessa was still asleep, peaceful and unaware. I let out a deep, quiet breath and carefully lay down on my side of the bed, covering myself with the sheet.

The next morning, the sun woke me from what felt like a peaceful sleep—but I froze.

Someone was resting on my chest, arms wrapped around my waist. I looked down and saw Vanessa, sleeping on me, her body curled like a koala.

And then I noticed her eyes twitching beneath her closed lids, like she was dreaming… or remembering something she shouldn’t.