Borrowed smiles
Jamie’s POV
From the balcony, I had the perfect view.
It wasn’t supposed to matter anymore. I’d told myself that too many times and I’ve lost count. That I could handle it. That I knew the rules.
But rules start to feel like cages when you’re the only one following them.
Down below, the paparazzi circled Aiden and Leona like sharks closing in on a prey. Bright lights flashed, marking the start of a performance I hated with every bone in me.
The cameras loved her. Of course they did. She was radiant in that scarlet gown, her hand perfectly looped through Aiden’s arm like it had always belonged there. And Aiden? He played along with the ease of someone who’d been taught from birth that hiding was survival. His laugh echoed off the marble entrance of the hotel like it was real and genuine.
I leaned against the railing, watching them perform.
And then came the questions.
“Is it true, Aiden? Do you have a mystery man in your life?”
“Who was in the window, Aiden? That wasn’t your assistant, was it?”
“Is this just PR, or are you and Leona really together?”
“Are you dating Leona now? Is it official?”
I didn’t realize how hard my jaw had clenched until my teeth began to ache.
They threw questions, each one felt like an arrow hitting his back, even though he answered with grace.
Aiden laughed—smooth and polished, while raising his jaw, blocking out the chaos. Like he didn’t just spend the night in my arms, whispering my name like a prayer he didn’t want to stop saying.
“I don’t know where these rumors came from”, he said, flashing that perfect, teeth and dimples grin. "That's nonsense,” he said, his voice smooth, controlling.
“People love to stir things up with shadows and half-truths, but there’s nothing like that going on”.
He glanced at Leona, then reached for her hand. “What I can say proudly is that Leona and I are dating. She is my girlfriend. She always has been. And I’m lucky to have her by my side. No secrets. No drama.”
No shame, I thought bitterly. Unless it’s about me.
The press applauded. The photographers clicked like machine guns. Leona stepped closer and beamed.
Then they turned to Leona.
“And how does it feel to be publicly dating Aiden Vale?”
“Aiden’s been wonderful,” she said. “We’ve kept things quiet because we wanted to make sure it was real before going public. And now… we’re ready.”
She rested her head lightly on his shoulder, curling her arm tighter around his. The image was flawless. Her voice was syrup-sweet.
“And tell us about your new makeup collab—any shade ideas yet?” a reporter called out.
“Yes! I’m thrilled. I’ve just partnered with a luxury makeup brand for a campaign I’m really proud of,” she said.
This partnership with opal cosmetics has been a dream come true, and seeing Aiden by my side just adds to the magic. Everything is more exciting now that we’re together in both life and career.
She smiled—smooth, effortless.
Another question came, lighthearted and easy. “Any wedding bells in the future?”
That earned a coy smirk from her, the kind that had every journalist leaning in. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” she teased, then added, “but I wouldn’t mind.”
She glanced at Aiden and winked, which earned a round of collective swoons from the crowd.
She was good. Too good. Exactly what Victoria wanted.
But I knew something they didn’t. That Aiden had fallen asleep last night with his head on my chest, his legs tangled in mine, my fingers still running down the bare skin of his back.
He had moaned my name into my throat just hours before.
Now, he was the perfect boyfriend — to someone else.
The interview ended with more camera flashes and a few high-pitched fan screams. They had a charity gala to attend next. As if the lie needed more exposure.
I stepped back from the balcony, my chest tightening
“Sir,” one of the security details nodded at me. “We’re ready.”
I said nothing. I Just grabbed the keys and headed downstairs, out the back to get the car.
This time, I wasn’t driving.
I sat in the front passenger seat, letting the tinted windows be my shield while Aiden and Leona slid into the backseat together, giggling like teenagers on prom night. I didn’t need to turn around to know she had her hand on his knee, that her lipstick had probably kissed his cheek already — maybe even smudged a little for effect.
“Let’s make a video,” she chirped. “We just became official. My followers will lose their minds!”
“I don’t know if it’s a good idea,” Aiden muttered.
“Oh, come on,” she teased, pulling her phone out. “We’ll be cute. Say something cheesy. Maybe that you’ve never been happier.”
I stole a glance at him through the rearview mirror. His jaw was tight. He wasn’t looking at her — or me.
But then he nodded. “Okay. Just one.”
She beamed and started recording.
“Hey, guys!” she said in her usual influencer tone, her smile blinding. “Guess who finally stopped hiding from the world?”
She leaned into Aiden, who gave a soft chuckle and nodded.
“Yep,” he said. “No more secrets.”
I nearly laughed. Bitter. Quiet. Hollow.
“We’re on our way to the charity gala,” she continued, “and we can’t wait to see you all there. Right, babe?”
He hesitated, then looked at her. “Right.”
And that was it. The clip ended. She tapped her screen, ready to post.
“This will definitely go viral,” she said, more to herself than him. “Victoria will be thrilled.”
Aiden stayed silent.
The gala venue glowed as if borrowed from dreamscapes and fairytales, chandeliers dripping crystals, red carpets laid like tapestries under the feet of eager fans. The Cameras waited, hungrily.
The car rolled to a stop in front of the grand event hall. Paparazzi were already stationed like wolves at the gates, ready for another round of illusions.
The moment the car door opened, Aiden stepped out and turned around like a man who knew the script by heart. He held out his hand and helped Leona out like a gentleman.
She took his hand as though it was the only true thing she’d ever known. He pulled her into the spotlight—perfect synergy, perfect display.
The crowd roared.
He smiled.
He always smiled.
He tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow and guided her through the flash of cameras, fans cheering, microphones pushing forward.
And I?
I followed behind.
Just the assistant again.
Not the man who watched him fall asleep whispering promises into the dark. Not the man who knew how to make him unravel with a single word, a single command.
Just the ghost in his spotlight. And yet… I wasn’t trembling anymore.
Because I knew behind this facade and charade, he belonged to me. But I am beginning to wonder if that even mattered anymore.
It felt like I was slowly losing my grip on him.