I thought faking a fiancé would finally let me step out of my sister’s shadow. But in the middle of my own scheme, I discovered that true love had been closer than I’d ever realized. The moment I opened Mom’s letter, I felt a familiar wave of dread wash over me.
The whole family was gathering for Christmas, including my sister Megan and her new boyfriend. Perfect Megan, with her perfect life. I could already picture her—radiant, accomplished, with some dazzling guy by her side while I just sat there, blending into the background as usual.
An idea hit me out of nowhere. What if I show up with a fiancé of my own? I looked around the office, and my gaze landed on Zach by the printer.
He was organizing files. Reliable, responsible, and… not exactly “Prince Charming,” but he could work. And more importantly, he worked for me.
“Hey, Zach,” I called, strolling over casually. He looked up. “Yes, Claire?”
“Would you be interested in a, um, side project over the holidays?”
He raised an eyebrow.
“A side project?”
“Yes, but more… personal,” I said, glancing around to make sure no one else was listening. “It’s just a quick thing with my family. I need someone to… play a role.”
“A role?
What kind of role?”
“My fiancé,” I replied, letting the word drop with a casual shrug. “Your… fiancé?” He looked like he’d misheard me. “Yes, just for Christmas.” I grinned, hoping I looked more confident than I felt.
“It’d be helping me out. My family is a little… competitive about relationships.”
He stared at me. “I don’t know, Claire… that seems… unusual.”
I leaned in, lowering my voice.
“Think of it as an opportunity, Zach. It could be good for your career. You know, help things along.”
His eyes widened.
“Oh, God, Claire. If it’s just for the holiday…”
“Yes!” I clasped my hands together a bit too eagerly. “Just one holiday.”
“Fine.
I’ll do it. But only this once.”
“Perfect,” I said, unable to hide my excitement. “All you need to do is show up, look convincing, and smile.”
***
As Zach and I walked up the long, winding path to my mom’s grand house, I clung tighter to his arm.
Inside, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, yet my heart sank when I spotted Megan. She sat on the plush couch next to her boyfriend, Jason, laughing like she didn’t have a care in the world. Her hair was perfectly styled, her smile dazzling.
The story doesn’t end here — it continues on the next page.
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