Shadow Hedgehog is every woman's dream: unimaginably handsome, a successful M&A lawyer, and - because he couldn't afford to be any less perfect - a fashion-savvy socialite.
But Shadow refuses to become romantically involved with anybody... which is precisely why he's invented a fake fiancée of four years as a convenient excuse to shirk any and all female advances. For this fiercely guarded man, there is no greater responsibility than upholding company vision, mission, and values - unlike his off-centre adversary, Amelia Rose, who, to the untrained eye, appears no different from Shadow.
Just like him, she is also equally successful, unimaginably beautiful, and dangerously charismatic. However, Amelia's approach to love is less one-dimensional than her colleague's. She doesn't hide from it. Instead, she dampens every ounce of emotion, similar to snuffing out wax candles... all except for one stubborn flame that keeps rekindling stronger and more intensely than ever.
Seemingly having nothing in common, these high-profile lawyers steered clear of one another. And for a while, this proved effective. Until fate pairs them together in an all-important company project, magnifying their ever-glaring differences.
PAUL
I cheated on my fiancée.
Sophie and I were building our future. In love, happy, peaceful. Then she found a lump in her breast and I made the worst choice: I numbed my fear by sleeping with someone else. My worst mistake and my biggest regret. Now I see Sophie around town with him. She's radiant and laughing with people who actually show up. I'm trying to learn how to be a man who does. If she lets me, I'll spend the rest of my life proving I can choose her when it's hardest. If she lets me...
SOPHIE
I thought the promise was in sickness and in health.
But he buried his fear in someone else. On the same night, I walked into a bookstore and meet the gentle giant owner who invites me to his book club full of misfits.
I'm laughing again, I smile more than I ever have, I heal my heart.
My ex says he can learn to stay, but my bookstore owner keeps showing up like it's as easy as breathing. I don't know what the future holds; I don't know if I'll win this battle against cancer, but I do know I'm done wasting time on people that love only when it's easy.
CALLUM
She came in to Rivers & Rhodes Bookstore and asked for books with happy endings only.
I gave her a recommendation, an invitation, and an offer of friendship. Now, this beautiful brave woman is completely under my skin. I'm not here to win a competition against him. I'm here because choosing someone, second by second, is the only way I understand love.
Content Warnings: on page cheating, emotional and physical infidelity, cancer, mentions of vomiting, bleeding, surgery. Please be advised.