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Cassie Jones was the girl who went unnoticed-plus-sized, shy, and silently battling her self-esteem issues. But she had a secret: a gigantic crush on Jeffery Richards, the star athlete, golden boy and basketball hero of their school. What she wasn't aware of was that he too idolized her, secretly drawing her and composing poetry about her silent beauty. That was until the day a cruel bet forced his secret feelings out in the worst way imaginable. Cassie, heartbroken, disappeared from his life. Thirteen years later, fate brings them together again. Cassie is a tough PR executive, prosperous, aggressive, and not interested in revisiting the pain of her past. But Jeffery is resolved to demonstrate to her that he has changed-that his love for her never has. Will she learn to trust him again, or will the past repeat itself?

Fool Me Once Chapter 1 Prologue

Cassandra Jones sat in the back of the crowded cafeteria, her tray untouched as she watched laughter swirl around Jeffery Richards. His bright green eyes sparkled with mischief, his athletic physique commanding notice without effort. She tugged on the hem of her oversized sweater, wishing she could blend into the beige walls behind her.

Look at him," Charlotte whispered, leaning in to scoff at Cassie. "Think he even knows you exist?"

Cassie shrugged, pretending to smile. Inside, her heart raced with every dazzling grin he sent her way. He not only noticed her but was attentive-the way she brushed stray hairs behind her ear when she was nervous, how her smile lit up even the dullest of days.

Jeff was surrounded by his friends, sketchbook open before him. The second Charlotte took it and saw the drawing, Cassie's heart sank.

"Dude! You've got a crush on this?" His friend taunted, tossing it back to Jeff.

"Shut up!" Jeff's face turned red. "I was just. seeing if she'd fall for me."

The table went quiet as shock descended upon their faces.

"Oh yeah? Let's make it interesting." His friend edged closer, a devious grin spreading across his face. "I'll wager you fifty bucks you can't get her into bed by prom."

"No way." Jeff shook his head but couldn't help smiling.

"Come on! What do you have to lose?"

Amidst the laughter that surrounded him, Jeff pretended not to care as a tiny seed of doubt crept into his heart. He did not wish to play games with Cassie-she was unlike other girls. Intelligent and kind-hearted. But pride took hold.

Weeks went by like pages flipping too quickly in a book. Three weeks of flirtation and tentative friendship were gone before Cassie finally relented to hang out with him after class. Her guard dropped as they talked under the faint street lights-his secrets spilled between shy glances and playful banter.

"I can handle myself," Cassie told him when he warned her about his reputation as a ladies' man.

"You think so?" Jeff dared, his voice low but welcoming.

Her laughter sounded like music to his ears-a tune he wished to pursue forever.

Then that day in the cafeteria arrived when Charlotte let it all out-the bet, their game-all eyes were on Cassie like hungry wolves about to devour prey.

She stormed away from that table as shame seared through her veins. Whispers circulated in her wake like ripples when a rock is cast into water as Jeff's face twisted into shock and regret.

Cassie sprinted home-each step heavy with pain-final exams hanging over her head like an unwelcome storm on the horizon as furious tears streamed down her face.

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Fool Me Once Fool Me Once G.C Patterson Romance
“Cassie Jones was the girl who went unnoticed-plus-sized, shy, and silently battling her self-esteem issues. But she had a secret: a gigantic crush on Jeffery Richards, the star athlete, golden boy and basketball hero of their school. What she wasn't aware of was that he too idolized her, secretly drawing her and composing poetry about her silent beauty. That was until the day a cruel bet forced his secret feelings out in the worst way imaginable. Cassie, heartbroken, disappeared from his life. Thirteen years later, fate brings them together again. Cassie is a tough PR executive, prosperous, aggressive, and not interested in revisiting the pain of her past. But Jeffery is resolved to demonstrate to her that he has changed-that his love for her never has. Will she learn to trust him again, or will the past repeat itself?”
1

Chapter 1 Prologue

09/02/2025

2

Chapter 2 The Past – High School Years

09/02/2025

3

Chapter 3 The Betrayal

09/02/2025

4

Chapter 5 Sparks and Scars

09/02/2025

5

Chapter 6 Old Wounds, New Battles

09/02/2025

6

Chapter 7 When the Past and Present Collide

09/02/2025

7

Chapter 8 Playing with fire

11/02/2025

8

Chapter 9 Trust on the line

11/02/2025

9

Chapter 10 A Dangerous Game – Betrayal & Unexpected Alliances

11/02/2025

10

Chapter 11 A Dangerous Truth

11/02/2025

11

Chapter 12 Twisted Loyalties – The Truth Comes at a Price

11/02/2025

12

Chapter 13 The fall of a King- Jeffery's worst Nightmare

16/02/2025

13

Chapter 14 Betrayal is a Two-Way Street

16/02/2025

14

Chapter 15 The Bullet That Changed Everything

16/02/2025

15

Chapter 16 Buried Secrets & Unfinished Business

16/02/2025

16

Chapter 17 The Enemy Within

16/02/2025

17

Chapter 18 Shadows of Deception

27/02/2025

18

Chapter 19 The Return of a Ghost

27/02/2025

19

Chapter 20 The Mastermind Revealed

27/02/2025

20

Chapter 21 The Web of Lies

27/02/2025

21

Chapter 22 Shattered Hearts

27/02/2025

22

Chapter 23 The Assassin in The Dark

26/03/2025

23

Chapter 24 The Rivals Collide

26/03/2025

24

Chapter 25 The Choice

26/03/2025

25

Chapter 26 Fire And Fury

26/03/2025

26

Chapter 27 The Trap for Olivia

26/03/2025

27

Chapter 28 The Shot That Changed Everything

26/03/2025

28

Chapter 29 A Deal with The Devil

26/03/2025

29

Chapter 30 A Cage of Gold

26/03/2025

30

Chapter 31 Breaking Point

26/03/2025

31

Chapter 32 The Edge of Peace

26/03/2025

32

Chapter 33 Beneath The Surface

26/03/2025

33

Chapter 34 The Thin Line

26/03/2025

34

Chapter 35 Truth In the Dark

26/03/2025

35

Chapter 36 Into The Fire

26/03/2025

36

Chapter 37 Wreckage And Redemption

26/03/2025

37

Chapter 38 Darkness Falls

01/05/2025

38

Chapter 39 Into The Lion's Den

01/05/2025

39

Chapter 40 Blood And Fire

01/05/2025

40

Chapter 41 Love In Ruins

01/05/2025