Paper Hearts

Pop princess, fake prince, real temptation—her big comeback just got wildly complicated.

After a very public meltdown and a canceled world tour, my music career is hanging by a thread. And now, my record label is all but telling me to kiss pop-stardom goodbye.

My PR team’s brilliant solution? A fake relationship with Hollywood heartthrob Grayson Hemsley—charming on camera, and absolutely insufferable behind closed doors.

But there’s a bigger secret I’ve been keeping. A teensy detail about me that the tabloids would have a field day with: I’ve never actually…done it. There. I said it. And I’m starting to think my music is missing that authentic spark of experience.

So, I hire an escort for a one-night solution. Taio Wilkes is gorgeous, kind, hilarious, and nothing like I expected. When he discovers my true intentions, he doesn’t take my money and run. Instead, he offers something I never saw coming—friendship, and lessons in the art of intimacy without rushing the main event.

Just when things get comfortable, the paparazzi catches us together a little too close for casual. My solution to the storm of cheating accusations? Make Taio my new bodyguard.

Now I’m caught between Grayson’s sudden jealousy-infused interest and my deepening connection with Taio, who is still suffering from the wounds of his past and claims he’ll never settle down.

With the deadline for my big career comeback looming, I’m questioning everything—if the spotlight is really where I belong, or if my happily ever after might be waiting somewhere offstage.

When your whole life is one big performance, how do you figure out which feelings are real, and which ones are just for show?