CHAPTER 23: A KISS THAT ALMOST HAPPENED

Bianca sighed as she adjusted her hair in the mirror, avoiding her own reflection for too long. "So... we’re really doing this, huh? Pre-wedding photoshoot."

Adrian leaned against the wall, arms crossed. His posture was casual, but his eyes were guarded. "Apparently, it’s mandatory. You know, for the show."

"Right. God forbid our fake marriage doesn’t have fake photos to go with it."

Adrian smirked, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. "Don’t get too excited. We’re not doing any of those outdoor, cheesy, sunset-on-the-beach shots."

"Thank God," Bianca muttered, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I thought you’d force us into some ridiculous fairytale theme."

He scoffed lightly. "Please. Why waste time and money on a bunch of photos that are going to end up in the trash the moment this whole act is over?"

That stung more than she expected, but she didn’t let it show. "So... indoor studio it is?"

"Simple. Clean. Zero effort," he replied dryly. "Just enough to sell the illusion."

Bianca nodded slowly, her eyes resting on him for a moment longer than necessary. "You know, most couples argue for weeks about the theme. And here we are, deciding in five minutes."

Adrian’s voice dropped slightly, quieter. "We’re not most couples."

She gave a short, almost bitter laugh. "No. We’re definitely not."

Adrian shrugged. "At least we’re good at faking things."

The photographer called out, "We’re ready for the first shot!"

"Let’s go," Adrian said, and Bianca nodded.

And they walked toward the set, two strangers in love, at least in the eyes of the camera.

"Adrian, don’t stand so far away. Closer. Wrap your arms around Bianca. Don’t be shy," said Brandon, their pre-wedding photographer.

Adrian, who had been awkward ever since the shoot started, could only offer a weak smile at Brandon’s comment. He sighed quietly, resigned. Then, with one hand, he wrapped it around the waist of the woman beside him and gave the camera a faint, polite smile.

That touch, simple and brief, was enough to send a flush to Bianca’s cheeks. This was the closest she had ever been to her boss.

"Bianca, don’t be stiff. Give me a smile. Just pretend it’s only you and Adrian here. No need to be shy," Brandon chimed in again, this time aiming his encouragement at Bianca.

Pretend it’s only me and Adrian? Bianca’s lips twitched at that line.

If she actually followed Brandon’s suggestion, she would’ve walked out the door ages ago. Brandon had no idea that being this close to Mr. Iceberg could make her break out in a cold sweat. Being next to her boss, who was as emotionally warm as a fridge, might actually trigger mild hypothermia.

"It’s okay," Adrian said softly, his voice low enough that only the two of them could hear.

A moment later, Adrian followed Brandon’s instructions. He stepped closer to his secretary, slipped his right hand into his pocket, and gently wrapped his left arm around Bianca’s waist.

Bianca’s eyes widened in surprise at Adrian’s sudden action. With a mix of nervousness and a racing heartbeat, she hesitantly followed his lead.

Still, beneath the tension, Bianca caught the faint scent of Adrian’s cologne, cool, fresh, and oddly calming. It settled her nerves a bit, though her heart had other plans. Her chest tightened. Her pulse picked up.

"You okay?" Adrian asked under his breath, just loud enough for her to hear.

Bianca nodded, avoiding his eyes. "Yeah. Just... wasn’t expecting you to be this convincing."

He smirked, his voice low. "We did agree to sell the illusion, didn’t we?"

Bianca glanced up at him, her lips twitching. "You’re selling it a little too well."

Adrian held her gaze for a second too long before looking back toward the camera. "Then I guess I’m doing my job."

Because they were standing so close and facing each other, Bianca could feel Adrian’s warm breath brushing against her face. Since Bianca wasn’t as tall as Adrian, she had to tilt her head up to look at him.

Wearing a long white dress, her hair styled in an elegant updo, and minimal but classy makeup, Bianca looked stunning in Adrian’s eyes. He couldn’t tear his gaze away from her face.

He didn’t even realize how long he had been staring until Brandon’s voice snapped him out of his trance.

"Perfect. Just like that, Adrian. Hold it."

As their eyes locked, Adrian could clearly see the softness in her gaze. The glasses Bianca usually wore at the office had been replaced by simple black contact lenses. Her calm, dark eyes seemed to pull him in.

Unconsciously, Adrian began leaning closer. Their noses brushed gently against each other, and he didn’t stop there. Just as their lips were about to touch, Brandon’s voice pulled him right back to reality.

"Okay. That’s enough."

Adrian blinked, snapping out of whatever spell he had just fallen under. He took a half step back, jaw tightening, trying to compose himself.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

Adrian cursed silently, berating himself.

What the hell was he thinking? He had almost kissed Bianca. Right there. In the middle of a damn photoshoot.

He didn’t even know what came over him. What kind of madness had temporarily hijacked his brain?

For God’s sake...

Just looking at her lips, soft, red, inviting, it had triggered something primal in him. A wave of impulse he couldn’t explain. It hit him hard. Relentless.

Adrian clenched his jaw, a wave of shame washing over him.

He had never lost control like that. Not once.

And yet, in that moment, he forgot everything, who she was, what they were doing, and why they were even there.

He stole a quick glance at Bianca. She was adjusting her hair and looking anywhere but at him, cheeks flushed, clearly just as shaken.

Adrian swallowed hard, the weight of what almost happened sinking in. It wasn’t supposed to mean anything. This was supposed to be just a performance. A lie. A show.

So why did it feel so damn real?

"For the final pose, the shoot will take place in the next room," Brandon explained, guiding them toward the adjacent space. "This time, all you need to do is hold hands, smile, and laugh naturally toward the camera."

While the photography crew was busy setting up the equipment and adjusting the props for the next shoot, Adrian took the opportunity to clear the air with Bianca about what had just happened. He didn’t want her to get the wrong idea, especially not that he was attracted to her.

"Um... About earlier. I’m sorry," Adrian began, his voice low but steady. "I got caught up in the moment. I was too focused on playing our roles as a couple about to get married. So I hope you understand."

"I understand, sir," Bianca replied calmly.

"Good. Glad we’re on the same page," Adrian said, satisfied with her response.

***