A Fake Heiress’s Guide to Love and Power novel Chapter 285

Right on time, Alessia waited outside the building.

She hadn’t felt nervous at first, but after the way her friends had teased her earlier, a flutter of anxiety crept in.

Luckily, she didn’t have much time to overthink–Cole’s car pulled up at the curb moments later.

Cole owned several cars, usually opting for a discreet sedan when he was out and about. But today, he’d chosen to make a statement: a limited–edition sports car gleamed in the evening sun.

As far as she could remember, Cole had barely driven this car more than twice since buying it.

She stood aside, waiting for him to park.

“Why’d you decide to bring out-”

“You look even more beautiful today than you did yesterday.” Cole’s ears burned red as he rubbed behind them, looking bashful.

For reasons she couldn’t explain, Alessia’s cheeks warmed too.

“Thanks.” Her tone was softer than yesterday, missing the breezy nonchalance she’d had when first agreeing to this date–she even forgot the question she’d meant to ask him.

They got into the car, same seats, same people, but somehow everything felt different now.

“So, where to?” Alessia broke the odd, charged silence.

“Let’s hit the amusement park first. Afterward, we can grab dinner, catch a movie, and maybe take a walk. How’s that sound?”

She raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at her lips, and nodded.

The two of them spent the afternoon like any ordinary couple, hopping from one ride to the next until the sun began to set and bathed the world in gold. Only then did they duck into a cozy café.

Cole glanced at his phone before scanning the QR code on the table to order drinks.

Anything you want?” he asked.

1/3

09:35

Chapter 285

Alessia shook her head. Cole didn’t press further.

They knew each other’s tastes so well that, whenever one couldn’t decide, the other would simply choose for them. No matter what, it was never the wrong pick. This silent understanding had become their norm.

But this time, the waiter brought over an oversized drink with two straws sticking out from the same glass.

Alessia shot him a teasing look.

“I saw couples do this online,” Cole admitted, rubbing his nose, clearly a little embarrassed.

She didn’t say a word, just watched him as she took a sip from one of the straws. Cole swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he averted his gaze.

“You’re not thirsty?” Alessia asked, deliberately.

“I’m… not really,” he stammered.

“If you say so.” She nodded, her voice tinged with playful disappointment.

“So, what should we do after this?”

Normally, Cole would have meticulously planned every step of the evening. But tonight, he kept checking his phone before making decisions.

“If you’re hungry, we could-”

Before he could finish, Alessia reached over and picked up his phone. Even though it was locked, as soon as her face came into view, it unlocked automatically.

“Even-”

“Oooh,” Alessia drawled.

While Cole fidgeted, clearly flustered, Alessia scrolled leisurely through the endless notes on his phone.

“100 Sweet Things for a Couple’s First Date,” she read aloud, glancing up at him. Cole tried to snatch his phone back, but she dodged easily.

She kept scrolling, many of the items were already crossed off.

“Order the couple’s special, book out the restaurant, hire a violinist. Go to the movies, buy popcorn, create a chance for intimacy…”

Cole’s face was crimson as he finally managed to retrieve his phone.

212

00.35

Chapter

Alessia watched him with an amused smile while he fiddled nervously with his phone, pretending to cough, doing anything to avoid her gaze.

“I just wanted to look up some tips for a first date…” he mumbled.

“No wonder you’ve been acting so weird all day.” Alessia sighed and stood up.

“Are you mad?” Cole shot up as well, his face etched with worry.

She reached over and pinched his cheek. “Relax, boyfriend. With or without those so–called tips, you’d do just fine.”

Cole stared at her, stunned. Before she could say anything else, he suddenly leaned in and kissed her, catching her by surprise.