The sun shimmered over the sparkling waters of the luxurious Swiss resort, casting a golden glow across the poolside. Birds chirped softly in the distance, but even their melody was nothing compared to the rising heartbeat of Monty.
Romy had a plan.
And like always, his plan started with him… shirtless.
He stepped into the pool with slow, deliberate grace — water lapping against his sculpted abs, each ripple catching the light as if the universe was showing off his six-pack like it was a national treasure. His damp hair glistened, and his jawline could've sliced through diamonds.
One by one, heads turned.
Women lounging with fruity cocktails dropped their sunglasses just to get a better look. A group of girls whispered, giggled, and pointed discreetly—well, almost discreetly.
Even Monty, hiding behind a palm tree in a flowy kaftan and oversized sunglasses, nearly dropped his smoothie. His heart thudded in his chest like a warning bell. Why the hell is this idiot so damn hot? he thought, biting his lip as he stared at Romy emerging from the water like some forbidden fantasy.
And then… Naina noticed.
Her attention slowly peeled away from Harsh, her arm candy, and landed squarely on Romy. Her eyes widened. Her lips parted slightly. Harsh was mid-sentence, rambling about bitcoin or something equally boring — but she wasn't listening anymore.
Romy walked past Naina, droplets cascading down his body, not sparing her a single glance. That was the key. He wasn't interested. Not even a "hi." Just a wink-worthy strut that screamed confidence.
Naina blinked. Bit her lip. Then leaned toward Harsh, fake smiling. "I need to use the ladies' room," she purred, already standing before he could reply.
Romy had just reached the poolside cabana, towel slung over his shoulder, pretending not to notice the effect he'd caused. He was adjusting his wet hair when a soft voice called behind him.
"You know…" Naina said, sliding closer, "…that was the most delicious walk I've seen in years."
Romy turned, raising an eyebrow. "Was it the walk? Or the water doing its magic on my abs?"
Naina laughed, stepping closer. "You're not just handsome, you're… dangerously charming."
"Oh? Dangerous enough to make you forget you came here with someone?" he teased, leaning just enough to whisper in her ear. "Or are you into danger?"
She flushed, flustered but clearly intrigued. "Let's just say I like… distractions."
Meanwhile, just around the corner, Monty peeked through a gap in the pool curtains like a spy on a mission. His eyes narrowed as he watched Naina practically melt into Romy's presence.
Control yourself, Monty thought; you're on a mission. You're not jealous. You're just… irritated that she's all over your fake husband. Yes, that's it.
But the more he watched, the more it stung.
Back at the washroom hallway, Naina had moved closer. Too close.
"You have a beautiful… everything," she murmured, her fingers trailing along Romy's arm. "Your lips, your jaw… your chest…" She looked up at him with a sultry smile. "And this voice… I could listen to you say my name, Naina, on repeat."
Romy smirked, enjoying the moment. "I could say a lot more than just your name, but I don't think your boyfriend would like that."
Naina giggled. "Oh, please. He's not even a boyfriend. He's a... timepass. What's your name, handsome?"
Romy said, "I'm Romy, beautiful."
She boldly took Romy's hand and placed it right over her chest, eyes locked on his. "Tell me, Romy… does this feel like someone who's in a real relationship?"
Behind the curtain, Monty gasped — so loud he had to quickly cover his mouth.
WHAT. THE. HELL.
His jaw dropped as he watched Naina pull Romy's hand closer to her heart, eyes filled with invitation. Monty's fists clenched, not out of moral outrage, but out of sheer jealousy. This woman has no shame! And Romy… he's just playing along!
Romy, meanwhile, pulled back gently and leaned close to whisper, "Tempting. But seduction isn't just about touch, sweetheart. It's about timing."
He winked and stepped back, leaving Naina blinking and breathless.
"I'll see you around, Miss Timepass," he added with a grin.
As he walked away, Monty quickly turned and ran back toward the lounge, tripping slightly over a lounge chair. "Stupid heart! Why are you racing?" he scolded himself. "It's just a plan! It's part of the mission!"
But deep down, Monty knew — watching Romy seduce someone else, even for revenge, wasn't going to be easy.
Especially when the line between fake attraction and real feelings was starting to blur.
And Romy?
He was enjoying every second of the game.