Chapter 1
✦ INTRO ✦
They say every story has two sides—
and this time, it’s his.
Three months after Jane’s story ended, the spotlight shifts to Mila Rose Marino: a quiet homebody with a sarcastic streak, a trauma she doesn’t talk about, and a best friend who keeps dragging her into chaos.
One night out leads her straight into the dark, magnetic world of Oliver Cane—the same man once known for breaking hearts and hiding secrets.
But Mila isn’t like the others. She doesn’t chase danger...
Danger finds her.
Welcome to Fuckboy Chronicles: Sparks in the Shadows —
a story of sarcasm, healing, temptation, and the kind of love that tests every boundary.
CHAPTER 1
Mila Rose Marino
My name is Mila Rose Marino. I’m 28 and live in a two-bedroom apartment with a roommate. I’d be more outgoing—except I don’t want to be. I like working from home and not having to socialize with actual people. The one night I decided to let my hair down with my best friend, everything changed. I still don’t know if it was for better or worse. I’m figuring that part out.
---
CHAPTER 1
It’s Saturday night, and I’m asleep by 9 PM. Most nights I stay up late since all my work is online, and I’m basically glued to my laptop. I’m not a social butterfly—I’m pretty much a certified introvert. Some people think it’s because both my parents died in a car crash, but I’ve always been a little weird. And honestly? I’m okay with that.
I have a good life. I wouldn’t say I have it all, but I’m content. Sure, there are a few things I wouldn’t mind changing—like falling in love and having a family.
I’ve been in two serious relationships. Both ended in disaster. The last one ended a year before my parents passed. It was my longest relationship, and I really thought it would last. But, surprise—he cheated on me, just like the one before him. I broke up with him, and I haven’t seriously dated anyone in five years. Staying indoors makes meeting people kinda hard.
My best friend, Kali Ellis, is 29 and in full-on denial about her age. She’s holding onto her youth for dear life—and honestly, same. But I’d never tell her that. She’s older than me, but you’d swear she was the younger one. Truthfully, we both still pull off 21. I get mistaken for a teenager whenever I do leave the house. I’m petite, soft-featured, blonde, with green eyes. My boobs are still where they should be… I think. Once I turn 30, though, I expect them to start the slow descent south. But all things considered, I’m not too bad-looking.
I run a small online business that earns me just enough to get by. This apartment is way out of my budget, so I share it—with a guy. His name is Liam Pearson. He’s unapologetically hot—and a total man-whore. Thank God there’s a main bathroom between our rooms because he brings home women almost every night. We stay out of each other’s business, and it works. I wouldn’t say we’re besties, but we get along well enough.
When he moved in, I made the rules crystal clear: we would never sleep together. I don’t know if he didn’t care or if he’s just dumb, because he still flirts. Constantly. He even walks around naked. I’ve told him to stop, but he just smirks and keeps doing it. The guy is way too comfortable in his own skin.
We mostly keep things professional. I work in my room during the day, and at night, we meet in the kitchen to figure out the evening plan—basically, “Is he bringing a girl over or not?” He usually answers with a wink and a “We’ll see,” so it’s always a gamble.
Our living room is big, with a fireplace. It’s where his parties happen. I don’t know many people, so I usually lock myself in my room with headphones when things get loud. Liam’s a fitness instructor, which explains the body he shamelessly flaunts. Kali has been drooling over him since day one. I begged her not to sleep with him—too weird. She agreed, but she flirts hard whenever he’s around. He laughs it off, totally uninterested. I’ve told her to stop, but she’s convinced he’s into her. Whatever. She’s gonna do what she wants.
---
The Night Everything Changed
I woke up to my phone ringing. 2 AM. Kali.
“Hey,” I answered, groggy. The music blaring in the background made me wince.
“HEY! MILA! CAN YOU HEAR ME?”
I yanked the phone away. I swear I almost went deaf. I put her on speaker.
“YES! I CAN HEAR YOU!”
“OKAY! COME GET ME! I’M DRUNK, AND THE GUY I CAME WITH DITCHED ME!”
Shit.
“Kali, I’m calling you an Uber.”
“NO! NO! YOU HAVE TO COME GET ME! COME ON!”
She was relentless. I knew she wouldn’t stop until I gave in.
“Fine!” I yelled.
“WHAT?!”
“I SAID FINE!”
I headed to my closet, which opened into my ensuite bathroom. It was the main bedroom, and I loved this space.
“Send me your location,” I said. “I’ll be there soon.”
“OKAY!...”
I think she was about to say something else, but I hung up. She’d dragged me out at 2 AM knowing I hated driving. I threw on jeans, a hoodie, and my Uggs—comfort first. I had them in five colors. I tied my hair up, brushed my teeth, splashed some water on my face, and left.
I sat in the car for a minute before starting it up. Driving still triggered something in me. I guess the trauma of losing my parents hadn’t fully faded. I checked her location and hit the road.
---
The Party
The location took me to a fancy neighborhood—mansions, flashy cars, rich vibes. I parked outside the gate. A few other cars were scattered around. I had to walk up and ring the bell.
Kali, what the hell did you get yourself into?
I pressed the buzzer. The gate buzzed open. Weird. Creepy. I walked up the path and rang the doorbell, praying Kali answered.
Instead, a half-naked bombshell opened the door, giggling.
“Hey! Come in!”
She walked away, leaving the door open. I stepped inside—big mistake.
There was a lobby and then an open living space. Loud music. Dim lights. And everywhere I looked… sex. People were having sex. Everywhere.
I froze, completely stunned. I was about to bolt when someone grabbed my hand.
“Hey!” a man grinned.
He was naked.
“I’m just looking for my friend,” I said quickly.
“I’ll help you find her,” he offered, getting way too close.
“No, it’s fine. I’m just gonna go—”
He pulled me in and kissed me. Sloppy, reeking of booze. I shoved him away, but he yanked me back.
“Come on, baby! It’s a party!”
I pushed harder—and then heard a voice behind me.
“Eli, leave her alone.”
The guy’s eyes went wide. He backed off immediately. I turned to see who’d spoken.
Oliver Cane.
---
Oliver Cane
He was tall, dark, handsome—and dressed. Thank God. He wore a suit, though the top buttons were undone and his belt hung loose.
“You okay?” he asked.
“I’m looking for my friend,” I replied, still shaken.
“How old are you?” he asked, raising a brow.
“Excuse me?”
“Who let you in? This is an exclusive party. No underage people allowed.”
“Who said I’m underage?”
“You look 17.”
“Wow,” I said, deadpan. “First time I’ve heard that one.”
I turned to leave when I heard my name.
“Mila!”
Kali. Of course.
“Where the hell have you been?” I snapped.
“I got a little… distracted,” she mumbled. “Sorry.”
She looked like hell—smeared makeup, tangled hair. I rolled my eyes and left, Kali stumbling behind me.
“Kali, you lured me to a sex party!” I yelled once we got in the car.
“I didn’t know! I swear!”
“I almost got assaulted!”
“That guy?” she asked. “You don’t even know who that was?”
“No! Should I?”
“That was Oliver Cane. Literal sex god. He hosts these parties.”
“Well, Kay, I’m not for the streets, okay?”
“Don’t hate me,” she whined.
I sighed. I couldn’t stay mad. She was my only friend, even if she was a handful. I let her crash at my place. She puked twice and passed out. I ended up sleeping on the sofa, which was surprisingly comfy.
At 4 a.m., I was still wide awake, scrolling my phone. I couldn’t stop replaying the night. The sex party. The creep. Oliver. The underage comment. Did I really look that young?
I eventually fell asleep.
---
The Morning After
I woke up to find Liam standing over me, shirtless, eating an apple.
“Kay got drunk and threw up in your room again?”
I groaned. “Yep.”
“She’s like 30, right? She should be settling down.”
“She’s waiting for you,” I teased.
He raised a brow. We both burst out laughing.
“You know she’s into you,” I said.
“She makes it obvious.”
“So why not go for it?”
“She’ll fall in love with me,” he said with a grin.
Before I could respond, Kali stumbled out of my room like a zombie.
“Good morning, husband,” she croaked.
Liam noped out of there, and I couldn’t stop laughing.
“COFFEE, HUBBY! BLACK AND STRONG!”
My headache flared.
“Kay, clean my room.”
“After coffee,” she moaned.
Liam, being a good sport, made it. She eventually cleaned my room and then left, still trying and failing to get his attention. Poor girl.
It was Sunday, so I claimed the couch, wrapped myself in a blanket, and swore off human interaction.
---
A Week Later
I couldn’t stop thinking about that night. Maybe it was time to change. I was clinging to youth with Kali, but I was almost 30. Maybe it was time to grow up.
I grabbed my laptop. Online shopping it was.
Then my phone pinged. Kali.
Kay Kay: Hey, bitch! What are you doing?
Me: Hello to you too. Online shopping. Why?
Kay Kay: Boring! Let’s go out tonight.
Me: That’s a no from me.
Kay Kay: I don’t care. I’m coming to get you. If you’re not ready, I’m dragging your ass out
Kali’s a little... unusual. We’ve been friends for almost 11 years, and she still has my name saved as “My First Love.” She’s fiercely territorial about our friendship—sometimes to the point of being creepy. I constantly remind her to tone it down.
Part of me wants to say no, but another part thinks maybe going out wouldn’t be such a bad idea. Still... what would I even wear?
Me: Fine! But just two drinks, and I’m not dancing!
Kay Kay: Yes! Okay, I’ll see you in two hours!
Me: Kay, if you drag me to another sex party, I’m going to kill you.
Kay Kay: I would never! Relax! We’re going to The Oasis Lounge on the other side of town.
Me: Isn’t that your favorite place to pick up guys?
Kay Kay: Exactly! Maybe you should meet someone too.
Me: I don’t need to meet a guy.
Kay Kay: I think you do. You haven’t had sex since Dean.
Me: That’s none of your business!
Kay Kay: Oh, please! Everything about you is my business!
Kay Kay: Oh—and Mila? Wear something sexy for once in your life. The blue dress at the back of your closet with the silver straps.
Ugh. That blue dress.
I haven’t worn it since my first date with Dean. It was an impulse buy—ridiculously expensive—but it felt worth it at the time. I head to my closet and start searching. It’s tucked so far back I almost miss it, but the shiny straps give it away. I pull it out and hold it up in the mirror. It’s short and formal, but I can dress it down with my leather jacket and boots. Black boots, I decide. Not bad—I’ve managed to put together a grown-up outfit, even if Kali gave me the idea. I call that a win.
I jump in the shower—my hair’s a disaster and only gets washed when absolutely necessary. It’s usually in a bun. Makeup, though, is my thing. I go for a clean, sophisticated look—not too much, just enough to prove I’m over 18. I pack my ID in my handbag, just in case.
My final hurdle is my hair. I towel-dry it and sit in front of the mirror. Straightening it makes me look a little older, I guess. Just as I finish, my phone rings.
“Come on, Em! I’m here! Get your sexy ass outside!”
I grab my bag and head out—only to run into Liam in the kitchen.
“Hey!”
“Whoa. Where are you going looking like that?”
I smile awkwardly, suddenly feeling exposed. “Going out with Kay.”
“Wait, what? You’re going out?” He starts laughing. I’m instantly annoyed.
“Ha ha, very funny.”
“Okay, okay—I’m sorry. I’m just not used to seeing you like this.” He pauses. “It’s hot. You look good.”
He winks and disappears down the hallway.
I shake off the weird tension and head out. Kali’s in the car, applying lipstick.
“What took you so long?”
“I ran into Liam. Sorry.”
“Did he say anything about me?”
“You ask me every day. And every day, it’s a no.”
“He loves me. I know he does.”
I roll my eyes. “Let’s go, bitch. We’re gonna have a good time tonight.”
---
I don’t know why I let Kali drive. She’s a terrible driver. After being traumatized by my parents’ accident, she’s the last person I should trust behind the wheel—but somehow, I do.
The drive is filled with Kali singing at the top of her lungs, the music so loud I can’t even think. But we arrive in one piece.
The Oasis Lounge is packed, its bright blue LED sign glowing above the door. Kali walks in first, greeting the bouncer like an old friend. She knows this place inside out.
Inside, it’s dim and hazy with cigarette and hookah smoke. I can barely see, so I hold onto Kali’s hand as she leads me through the crowd. At the bar, she charms two cute guys into giving up their seats. They buy us drinks and leave.
“Who were they?”
“Regulars,” she says casually. “The night’s still young, Em.”
I sip my drink and scan the room, bracing for a panic attack that never comes. So far, so good. We talk, we drink, and I manage to block out everyone else—until Kali stands.
“I need the bathroom.”
“No! You can’t leave me here alone. I’m coming with you!”
“Em, relax. If we both go, we’ll lose our seats. It’s right there.” She points across the room.
I groan but let her go. As soon as she’s out of sight, I feel someone next to me. I avoid eye contact—if I look, I’ll have to smile. And I am not in the mood.
“Eli!”
I glance up—and freeze.
It’s him.
The guy who kissed me that night. And right behind him…
Oliver Cane.
“Mr. Cane! What can I get you?” the bartender asks.
“Another round of drinks for my table,” he says.
Kali returns just in time.
“Hey, Mr. Cane! Nice to see you again.”
No. Freaking. Way.
Why does she have to engage with him?
I pull out my phone and start fake-texting. Maybe if I don’t look up, he won’t see me.
“You’ve met my friend Mila!”
Ugh. Traitor.
I look up, forced into eye contact. I flash my fakest smile.
Oliver tilts his head. “Hi.”
“You’re the teenager from the other night.”
I roll my eyes. “Nice to meet you too.”
“She’s 28, actually,” Kali chimes in.
“What? Seriously?” He laughs again.
I don’t hide my annoyance.
“You should take it as a compliment,” he says.
“Should I?”
“Yeah. Most women would kill to look that young.”
I bite my tongue. Why am I even talking to this guy?
Eli returns with a tray of drinks, throwing me the same judgmental look.
“What?” I snap.
“Mila, don’t be rude,” Kali nudges me.
I sit straighter and take a breath. Oliver glances between Eli and me.
“Oh shit—I forgot you two already met.”
Eli’s eyes widen. “You’re the girl from the other night.”
“The one who wouldn’t put out.”
They laugh like it’s the funniest thing in the world. I want to punch them both. Oliver grabs the drinks and walks off. Eli follows.
Kali sits beside me. “Em... what happened that night?”
“I almost got raped by your buddy over there.”
“What?!”
“Yeah. And jackass number two stopped it.”
“Holy shit, Em. I’m so sorry. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Can we go home? I’m done.”
But as I stand, something in me shifts. Maybe I don’t want to let them ruin my night.
“No, wait. I’m fine. Let’s have a few more drinks, then leave.”
We order another round. I’m not intimidated—I’m tougher than I look. Just because I’m a homebody doesn’t mean I’m a pushover. I did martial arts through school and kickboxing in college. Gym? No thanks. But self-defense? Always.
Surprisingly, the night goes well. The music is bearable. The drinks are hitting. I’m starting to feel it. A little too much.
Kali goes to the bathroom again, and I’m left guarding our seats. I try to stand—big mistake. The room spins. I grip the bar, head pounding.
I stumble outside and throw up into the nearest trash can. The cold air feels good against my burning skin. I lean against the wall, eyes closed.
I hear voices.
“Luna, don’t be crazy! What are you talking about?”
Pause.
“I’m not in love with Jane! Don’t be stupid!”
Wow. If this was a show, I’d binge-watch the shit out of it.
Eli comes outside, texting. He sees me and walks over.
“You okay?”
“I’m fine. Just leave me alone.”
“No need to be rude.”
“I don’t need to be, but it’s my pleasure.”
He sighs. “Look—I’m sorry about the other night. I was drunk. I thought you were there for the same reason I was.”
“Well, I wasn’t.”
“Noted. Want me to get Kali?”
I nod. He heads inside.
I slide down the wall. I’ve had way too much. My limbs feel heavy. My mind, hazy.
“Are you okay?”
A tall man appears over me, but I can’t even answer. I hear my name, then nothing.
“I’ll take her home.”
“No, you will not. She’ll freak out if a stranger takes her home.”
“She’ll kick both our asses.”
“Fine. Drive behind us.”
That’s all I hear before the darkness takes over.
---
I wake up to the smell of leather.
My head pounds. I’m still drunk. I open one eye—streetlights blur past. Men’s cologne hits me like a punch. I try to sit up—mistake.
“Aaaahhh…”
I groan. My stomach flips.
“Relax,” a voice says. “You’re almost home.”
“I’m gonna…”
Before I can finish, I vomit all over the floor.
“OH, FOR FUCK’S SAKE!” the voice shouts. “Not in my car!”
“I’m ssssooo…”
Gone again.
---
Sunlight slams into my face.
“OUCH!”
I roll over. My head’s pounding.
I’m still in my dress. Kali is beside me, looking equally wrecked.
I nudge her. “What happened?”
“Can I wake up first before the interrogation?”
“Fine. But you’re getting me water and something for my head.”
She groans and stumbles out.
My memory is foggy. I remember puking. Oliver. A car. Maybe Eli? Ugh.
She returns with water and painkillers.
“You got wrecked last night,” she says. “I went to the bathroom, came back—you were gone. Eli ran in, shouting. By the time I got to you, Oliver had you. You were out cold.”
“Wait—Oliver Cain brought me home?”
“Yup. In his car.”
I gasp. “I puked in his car, didn’t I?”
She bursts out laughing.
“This isn’t funny!”
“Oh, it’s hilarious. You should’ve seen his face.”
Then I remember something else.
“Kali... I heard him on the phone. He has a girlfriend. Luna or something. And he was yelling about someone named Jane.”
Kali goes silent.
“What?!”
“He’s a fuckboy. What did you expect? Rich, hot, and emotionally unavailable.”
“True that.”
We high-five, and just then Liam walks in with coffee. Kali avoids his gaze. Weird.
“How are you feeling?” he asks.
“Like shit.”
He smirks. “You shouldn’t drink like a pro if you’re an amateur.”
“I didn’t drink that much. Okay, maybe I did.”
“Be careful next time. Strange men had to carry you home.”
Kali rushes to the bathroom and slams the door.
I turn to Liam. “What am I missing?”
He just says, “Ask her,” and walks off.
Kali comes out, eyes red.
“Kay, what’s going on?”
She breaks down.
“You were right. Liam... he told me to grow up. Said he didn’t feel the same. He yelled at me.”
I hug her. “You really like him, huh?”
She nods, crying harder. “I thought I was just playing around. But... it hurts.”
I hold her tighter. “You deserve someone who wants you.”
She sniffles, then sits up.
“Oh shit—I forgot to text Oliver.”
“You have his number?”
“Yeah. He gave it to me... to check on you.”
Wait. What?
That... is something.
