Page 81 of Faking with Three

“This is where I used to hide when life got overwhelming,” I admit, glancing at Olivia as the cameras roll. “I’d bury myself in books, pretending the world didn’t exist.”

“Was it effective?” Olivia asks, genuinely curious.

“Sometimes,” I say. “Other times, it just made me wish I could stay in those stories forever.”

We’re setting up a shot in one of the old reading nooks when I hear a familiar voice call out.

“Dad?”

I freeze. Turning, I see Jill standing at the entrance, holding a backpack and looking like she’s just stumbled into the middle of a dream. She rushes over, wrapping her arms around me before I can even process what’s happening.

“Jill,” I say, my voice a little shaky. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m working on a school project,” she says, her eyes lighting up as she spots the cameras. “Are you filming something?”

Olivia steps forward, curious. “Who’s this?”

“This is my daughter,” I say, rubbing the back of my neck. “Jill, meet Olivia. And, uh, the rest of the team.”

Jill’s face splits into a grin. “The Olivia? From the show?”

Olivia looks startled, then amused. “I guess I’m the Olivia.”

I frown. “You’re watching the show?” I thought her mother kept everything in parental control.

Jill laughs conspiratorially. “Of course I am; everybody in town is.”

I glance at Olivia, who’s frowning. So, if the truth about us comes out, everything will be exposed, even to Jill.

CHAPTER 25

OLIVIA

The driveto Jax’s summer house feels like a road trip out of a movie. The sun is starting its lazy descent, painting the sky in warm oranges and pinks. I’m in the back seat, wedged between Marcus and Ethan, while Jax drives. The windows are down, and the salty breeze hints that we’re getting close to the coast. Jax has music blasting—a classic rock playlist that feels perfectly him—and even though we’re heading out for work, it feels suspiciously like a vacation.

Sometimes I forget how rich Jax is. His easy charm and laid-back demeanor don’t scream "owns a summer house by the beach," but here we are.

Ethan and Jax are arguing over whether Jax’s taste in music is dated or timeless, and even though I’m tempted to roll my eyes, I have to admit that it’s the happiest I’ve been in a long time.

Marcus, on the other hand, is unusually quiet. He stares out the window, fingers absently tapping on his knee. It’s not hard to guess what’s on his mind.

The run-in with Jill earlier clearly rattled him.

He’s never really talked about her beyond her name and school, and I’d never pressed. It was obviously how much heloved and adored her. But the moment Jill mentioned watching our show, Marcus had stiffened like someone had dumped a bucket of ice water over his head.

As we pull into the driveway, the house comes into view, and it’s every bit as spectacular as I expected. A sleek, modern structure with floor-to-ceiling windows that catch the fading sunlight. Beyond it, the beach stretches out like a postcard, the sand soft and pale, the waves breaking gently in the distance. It’s breathtaking.

The crew hasn’t arrived yet, and they won’t till the weekend, so it’s just us. Ethan’s the first one out of the car, grabbing the camera and turning it toward me. “Olivia, first thoughts?” he asks.

“It’s nice,” I say.

“Nice?” Jax repeats, mock-offended. “This is my pride and joy, Chase. Show a little enthusiasm.”

“Okay, okay it’s incredible,” I say, walking towards the patio steps.

Inside, it’s even more stunning. Open spaces, sleek lines, and a color palette that screams understated luxury. The kind of place you see in magazines and think,Who actually lives like this?Apparently, Jax. The main living area flows seamlessly into a patio that overlooks the beach, where the sunset is painting the sky in shades of orange and pink.

“This is insane,” I say

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