Emma's fingers tightened around the flyer, its bright colours glaring against the grey lobby. "Best Couple Competition: Cash Prize + Special Rewards," it read. Couples' trivia, dance-offs, and "The Love Challenge" were listed below. She scoffed. The last thing she needed was to pretend in some ridiculous competition judged by nosy neighbours. But this year, participation was mandatory - with couples randomly paired. Her eyes flicked to the fine print: "All couples will be randomly assigned. Pairings revealed soon." A strange chill ran down her spine. Something was off. Just then, Ryan Matthews, her annoying next-door neighbour, appeared at the elevator door. "Well, this is going to be interesting," he said with a mocking smile, eyeing the flyer. "Why does this feel like a disaster waiting to happen?" he added, strolling toward her. Emma rolled her eyes. "I didn't ask for your opinion." Ryan chuckled. "We might just make the perfect pair." She froze. "You've got to be kidding. I'd rather spend a week in silence than pretend to be a couple with you." He smirked. "I wasn't the one who signed us up." "Wait, what?" He tapped the flyer. "All couples randomly paired. Guess we'll find out your match soon." "No," Emma said sharply. "You don't think it's us, do you?" His grin softened briefly, then returned. "Wouldn't that be something?" He turned and headed for the stairs. "See you around, Carter." Emma's heart pounded. It couldn't be - or could it? And somehow, she sensed this was just the start of something complicated.

Without hesitation I crashed my lips to his. He was too surprised to kiss back at first, but he quickly recovered and snaked his arms around me. Now I was the one not responding due to shock. He didn't push me away? Just as the kiss was about to deepen, I pulled away from him and sprinted down the thankfully empty hallway. • • • • • Emma Burns and her two best friends have a tradition. Each year one girl takes a turn - the first person you bump into on the first day of school, you have to complete the three kisses with. Kiss #1 - No matter what, you kiss them then and there. Kiss #2 - Get them to kiss you. Kiss #3 - Tongue. COVER MADE BY @angelicapascoe check out her work she's amazing!!

"Are you trying to tell me that she may never accept you as her husband?" asked a furious Anirudh. Amar chuckled at his cousin's anger and answered "It's not her fault. Your mother, my beloved aunt, forced her into marrying me. Remember?" "Forced weddings can be annulled. Our constitution says so" said Anirudh. "But my wife doesn't say so. She wants to give our relationship a chance and I promised her my complete support and cooperation" explained Amar. "So, the world famous business tycoon, Amar Pratap Devaraju, with unbelievable female fan following is being friendzoned by his own wife" said Anirudh. And they burst out laughing. *** Vennela Dhanunjaya's blissful life turned upside down when she was asked to wed her cousin's fiance. Rejecting the proposal would lead to huge loss in business. Accepting the proposal would result in an unhappy marriage. "I shall marry him but he will not be my husband unless I start liking him genuinely. Until then, he shall be a friend and nothing more." She decides. Join Amar and Vennela in their humorous yet soulful journey while their cousins take turns to play cupid and unite them. Highest Ranking : #7 in Romance, #1 in Business Cover by: Rinii.