[Wattys 2023 Grand Prize Winner] After an eight-hour flight sitting next to her high school nemesis Jackson Carter, fashion designer and barista Isabelle Curtis thought that would finally be the last she would see of him. But as the saying goes, famous last words. * * * Isabelle Curtis and Jackson Carter were fierce academic rivals in high school, up until Jackson moved to the UK in junior year for boarding school. Eight years later, Jackson has returned from abroad to take on the role of CEO at his late father's company. When Isabelle and Jackson meet again, there's a war of words, banter and a passionate dislike towards each other. Throw in a high school reunion, some more chaos, and a 'deal' in the mix-one that might just involve a little faking and pretending. It's all fun and games and tit for tat, almost just like in high school, until real feelings become involved...

~complete~ But what would happen when a military captain who barely talks meets an overly joyous girl who works at a bookstore? Surprising, wouldn't it be? When he asks first for them to be friends and constantly finds time in his busy schedule just to be around her? Add two little friends who will stop at nothing but see these two together. Isn't this a ship that's meant to sail till the end? ✪ ✪ ✪ "G-Grey?" I called out softly before he left the store. I was afraid that something would happen to him when he was away. "You'll come back?" I just wanted him to assure me that he would be safe. He was strong yes, but I was conflicted. "Always, tulip." He gently stroked my hair as he extended his pinky finger. I extended mine too and his thumb pressed on mine in a promise and I relaxed slightly. ||Highest ranking|| #3 in protective 5/13/2023 #6 in humor 5/13/2023 #2 in adorable 5/20/2023 #7 in sweet-romance 5/22/2023 #1 in kind 5/25/2023 #2 in grumpy 5/30/2023 #7 in sweet 6/1/2023 #75 in love 6/3/2023 #3 in lovely 6/23/3023 #2 in soft 6/25/2023 #3 in slowburn 7/12/2023 #4 in sunshine 7/25/2023 #1 in smile 10/18/2023 #5 in cute 11/17/2023