I tried to put a smile on my face when I saw Nova walk into the room; I didn't want her to realise or even take notice that I had returned home early from the party and had been crying nonstop.

"How could you hide such big news from your best friend." She pouted her face twisting in a frown as she sat beside me.

My eyes crinkled as I peered at her wondering what big news she was referring to.

Nova rolled her eyes an exasperated sigh escaping her lips.

"Why are you pretending not to know what I'm talking about? You and Gannon are in love, was that the reason you've been avoiding him? I'm glad you two figured things out and confessed your feelings," Her lips widened into a gigantic grin and she embraced me.

Honestly, Nova was the one person I thought wasn't going to fall for what happened at the party but she bought the display. Were we really that convincing? I felt my eyes welling up with tears as I recalled Gannon's words to me after the kiss.

"Believe me, I'm truly sorry; I only did that to make Jenna, my ex, jealous." A pang of pain shot through my heart and I nibbled on my lower lip to stop myself from crying out loud as Gannon's words from earlier replayed in my head.

I think Nova noticed my silence because she pulled away from me and tilted my head, which was downcast, she gasped the moment our eyes met," You are crying; what is wrong?"

I didn't try to hold my tears back anymore; I just let them roll off my cheeks.

"Everything Gannon said was a lie. I have no feelings for him, and I never will; he just said all of that to make that Jenna girl who was talking to him earlier jealous. Everything just happened, it was unplanned."

Nova's eyes narrowed, her brows furrowed in confusion." You mean to say the kiss and everything that he said was all just a show?"

"Yes, " I nodded.

Nova wrapped her arms around me, engulfing me in a warm embrace; I sobbed as she patted my back comfortingly.

"I'm so stupid to have kissed him. I am such a fool. I never want to set my eyes on him again."

Nova broke the hug and placed her hands on my shoulder, making me face her.

"No, you are not a fool. It's Gannon's fault. I should have known he said all of that to spite Jenna, she showed up with another guy and introduced him as her new boyfriend when it hasn't been up to a month since they broke up, but why did you leave the party without telling me? You should have told me everything and I would have made Gannon pay for doing that to you." Nova rasped.

"I wanted to tell you but you were busy making out with Blake. Moreover, Gannon is your friend. I do not want you both to have issues because of me. And it's not entirely his fault, seeing I was the first to kiss him," I murmured, making Nova gawk at me like I was speaking in an unknown language.

"Gannon is my friend, yes, but you are my best friend, and I wouldn't hesitate to put him in his place if he tries to mess up with you. Also, about Blake, we weren't making out; it was just a kiss," she muttered.

I chuckled shaking my head, "What's the difference? It's practically the same."

Nova shook her finger in disagreement, "You are so naive; kissing and making out are two different things; kissing is," she started to say, but I interrupted her.

"I'll be fine, not knowing the difference; you are the pro, after all," I stated, waving her off, and she rolled her eyes at me.

"Now, what are we going to do? Did he speak to you after the kiss?" Nova asked looking at me.

I opened my mouth to speak, but the doorbell rang, making me hold back.

"I'll go have a look," Nova mumbled before walking to the door.

I stood upon seeing Gannon walk in behind Nova. Fury coursed through me as I watched him peer at me with an expression which appeared to be concerned etching his face.

"What are you doing here?" I fumed, glaring at him, and then moved my gaze to Nova, demanding an explanation with my eyes. It was quite unbelievable that Nova let Gannon in even after everything I told her.

"I'm sorry but he said he wouldn't leave until I give him a chance to speak with you. Trust me I asked him to leave the moment I saw him. I'll leave you two to talk," Nova glanced at me apologetically before shifting her gaze to Gannon. A serious expression took over her countenance," Do not upset her." She cautioned before scooting away.

I folded my arms across my chest peeking at Gannon without saying a word to him. Ignoring the unwelcoming look on my face he still moved closer to me until there was no distance between us. My heart started to race at his closeness; his breath gently grazed my forehead, a sensation that heightened the proximity between us. We stood so intimately close that with a mere upward glance, I could behold his captivating, handsome gaze that held gentleness. What was this feeling that I hated and loved at the same time? I gulped down the lump that seemed to have formed in my throat as his hazel eyes bore into mine.

"I'm sorry, Eleanora." He said in a whisper, but it was clear enough for me to hear; soon, I felt his hand on mine, which sent goosebumps crawling all over my skin. Reminding myself that if I didn't put a stop to this I was going to end up kissing him again, I yanked my hand away from his grip and took steps away from him.

"You are sorry, fine then. You can leave now."

He ran his fingers through his hair, and a sigh left his lips as his eyes scrutinised my face. I found that gesture of his incredibly hot but I couldn't tell him that. I had never imagined that the man I hated so much was going to be the same person who would turn into the temptation I would always find hard to resist.

"You are still mad at me. I'm sorry. I thought that since I announced our relationship in front of the guest, we might need to continue it," He let out, not taking his eyes off me; I could tell he was anxiously waiting for my reaction from the look on his face.

I laughed hearing him say those words. Was that a joke or what? If it was, it sure did make me laugh.

"Please hear me out. I'm sure it must have gotten to the press that I've gotten a new girlfriend, and if all of a sudden you don't show up anymore everyone might just think that I'm a liar,"

My eyes narrowed in disbelief. This guy was selfish and insane, with no arguments. All he cared about was what people would think about him. "And what are you? You lied to them. Did you think about all of that before telling your guests that I was your girlfriend and kissing me in front of them?" I sneered.

"I know, but we can't fix that if you keep blaming me. I'm doing this because the press might go to any extent to ruin your reputation and fabricate all manner of stories. I could pay you if you want so we can go on with the relationship."

"Are you nuts? When did I say I need your money?" I yelled after hearing his response.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that. It's going to be a fake relationship; when the matter must have died down, we will end it, I promise."

I chortled, shaking my head," I think I've entertained you enough; please leave. I shouldn't have come to your party, coming there was a terrible mistake."

He plastered a smile on his face, "I'm sorry, Eleanora. I would leave but please give it a thought."

After that, he started to amble away but halted after taking a few steps; he turned swiftly to face me.

"Remember you were the one who kissed me first."

I made to utter a retort but he was already out of the room before I could.

"Jerk!" I grumbled under my breath. How could he even mention that I kissed him first? If he hadn't introduced me as his girlfriend and enticed me, I would never have kissed him.

I plopped on the couch and rested my head on the headrest, shutting my eyes close I took a deep breath, slowly exhaling when Nova's footsteps and loud voice screaming out my name made my eyes wrench open.

"Eleanor!"

"You need to see this," Nova coming to sit beside me.

"What is it that I need to see?" I groaned groaned.

"The news," Nova smiled.

Eleanor stared at her, " And when did you become a fan of the news!" She asked.

"Well since it's about you," Nova grinned.

"Me, let me see," I mumbled taking Nova's phone.

"CEO Gannon Starks seems to have moved on from his girlfriend Jenna, the supermodel, just a few weeks after their breakup; he had announced at his housewarming party and introduced a lady named Elenora as his girlfriend, after which they shared a kiss."I read.

"See you are famous, girl!" Nova winked.

I scoffed, letting out a sigh; now I could understand what Gannon was talking about.

"If this is what it means to be famous then I never want to be famous."

"Oh, come on, let me read some comments; this page's hottest gist is the best," Nova grinned, taking the phone from me.

"I'm glad Gannon found a new girl, not like Jenna, who is a gold digger; she broke up with him in public after they'd been together for six good years. Let me read another, I wonder how stupid this Eleanor of a girl is," Nova started to read but stopped and shifted her gaze to look at me.

"Go on, read it," I forced a smile, but Nova shook her head in refusal.

"No, I won't; that lady is just pained; I'm sure she's one of the ladies crushing on Gannon." Nova shrugged.

"If you won't read it, then I would," I declared and took the phone out of her hand.

"No, don't read it," Nova shook her head, trying to take the phone from me, but I moved away from her.

"I wonder how stupid this Eleanor of a girl is to think that Gannon has moved on, come on we all know how much he loves Jenna, he's just going to use her and then go back to Jenna at the end, I can't help but wonder if she is a gold digger." I huffed after I was done reading it.

Nova put her hands around my shoulder and heaved a breath as she looked at me. "I told you not to, just forget about the nonsense comment."

"It's all Gannon's fault; all this wouldn't have happened if he didn't do what he did," I groaned, facepalming.

"I'm sorry; if I knew this was going to happen, I wouldn't have insisted you attend the party." Nova sighed.

"It's not your fault, it's his and do you even know what he said to me? He said that we should go on with the relationship, because of what the press would put out there, that it might ruin my image." I frowned.

"You mean fake dating?" Nova inquired and I nodded.

"Don't tell me you actually think it is a good idea?" I gasped seeing the look on her face.

Nova gulped," it's not such a bad idea, it might be better for you," she uttered.

I scoffed," What! I can't believe you are saying this, when Gannon did, I wasn't a bit surprised because he is crazy and stupid but you." My brows furrowed in disappointment and I wriggled my head.

"Try to understand. You just read one comment, and I'm sure there are many others like that. But if you and Gannon continue the relationship, at least in the sight of the press, it might get a lot easier," Nova explained.

Eleanor shook her head in denial," No, no, no, he even offered to pay me, saying the press would think he lied, blah blah blah."

"Just give it a thought; whatever your decision is, I would be sure to support you." Nova smiled pulling me into a hug. There was no way I would agree to this especially since I'm well aware that it won't turn out well for me.