Love, Lies, and a Fake GPA Chapter 1

My mom: "Someone's going to add you on WeChat later. Reject them."

Me: "?"

My mom: "He's a 6'1" cutie."

Me: "What? Why? Do you think he's too hot for me?"

My mom: "I was chatting with his mom, and I thought she was bragging about her son, so I bragged back that you had a 4.0 GPA, cooked like a chef, did all the housework, were naturally gorgeous, and hated spending money. Who knew she'd actually want you for her son! So remember to reject him."

Me: "..."

* * *

I added him on WeChat, only to discover it was my ex-boyfriend.

Julian sent a message: "When we were together, how come I didn't know you had a 4.0 GPA, cooked like a chef, did all the housework, were naturally gorgeous, and hated spending money?"

I typed, deleted, typed again. "Let me explain... no, let me clarify."

Julian wouldn't let it go. "Go on, elaborate."

I stammered, "That was just my mom talking nonsense... actually I..."

Julian: "Oh."

Early the next morning, my mom dragged me out of bed, muttering, "Hannah, someone's coming over later. Dress nice, don't embarrass me."

I rolled over, grumpy. "Who's coming over this early?"

My mom yanked my blanket. "The lady who liked you last time and wanted you as her daughter-in-law."

"She got my number somehow and said she's bringing her son over for New Year's greetings."

I woke up instantly.

"What... Mom! Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

"We need to be prepared for battle!"

Suddenly, the doorbell rang.

I jumped out of bed and fled into my bathroom.

"Mom, remember to tidy up my room!"

Looking in the mirror, I saw myself in dinosaur pajamas with a bird's nest on my head.

Good thing I ran fast...

Being an 8 AM class girlie paid off. I did a "no-makeup" makeup look in fifteen minutes.

Clothes make the man.

I put on a Chanel-style suit with fur trim on the cuffs and collar.

I even spritzed some of my expensive perfume.

Julian had never seen me dressed like this. This should stun him.

Knock, knock, knock on my door.

"It's open, come in."

Julian pushed the door open and locked it behind him.

I stood up and flashed him a sweet smile.

For a second, I saw a flash of amazement in his eyes.

Admit it, Julian, you're obsessed with me.

His gaze fixed on me. "Why didn't you dress like this when we were together?"

He stepped closer.

Damn, looking at his face, I understood why they say physical attraction doesn't lie.

I pretended to be calm. "Ex-boyfriend, you're crossing the line."

"This is too ambiguous."

Suddenly, he took a step forward, trapping me between his arms and the vanity table.

Eye to eye, Julian chuckled. "But I think you look best without makeup."

I glared at him, about to break free.

"Hannah, come help with the dishes!"

My mom yelled from the kitchen, startling me. I pushed him away with my freshly manicured hands.

"Julian, get away from me."

He acted as if nothing happened and went to the kitchen with me.