As she exits the restaurant, preoccupied with her thoughts, she inadvertently collides with a sizable male figure. Upon meeting his gaze, she softly utters, "Apologies."
The tall, imposing figure stood at approximately 6 feet tall, with glossy black hair and deep, captivating brown eyes that seemed to hold a hint of mischief. "Miss, are you all right?" The man's voice was deep and resonant as he inquired about her well-being. A devious plan started to form in Carly's mind as she replied with a seemingly casual, "I'm fine."
"Excuse me, could you do me a favor?" she asked the man who seemed intrigued. "I need a fake boyfriend to introduce to my family today," she blurted out nervously. "I know it's crazy, but I'm desperate. Please, please help me out," she pleaded with him. The man looked at her, a mischievous smile spreading across his face. "What's in it for me?" he asked with a glint in his eye.
The man stated, "You scratch my back and I scratch yours; it's all business." Carly inquired, "What do you propose?" The man replied, "You will accompany me as my guest to an event of my choosing." After careful consideration, Carly assented to the man's request by nodding in agreement.
"Kindly lead the way," expressed the gentleman with a pleasant expression. The woman took his hand and guided him back inside while directing him to where her family was seated.
Carly couldn't contain her excitement as she proudly introduced her boyfriend to her family with a beaming smile. The room fell silent in disbelief as they laid eyes on the unexpected guest. Carly's aunt couldn't help but voice her skepticism, "Are you sure you guys are dating?" Carly, unfazed by the doubt, coolly responded with a hint of sass, "Yes, haters." Her boyfriend warmly greeted her family, to which Carly's mother exchanged a glance with her husband before returning the greeting.
"Please take a seat," she instructed, indicating the chair in front of them. Adhering to gentlemanly etiquette, he courteously pulled out a chair for her before taking his seat to her right.