Sophie had never imagined herself in such a situation—that is, pretending to be in a relationship with someone like Ethan Pierce. Ethan was that kind of guy who seemed to have everything: looks, charm, and life that seemed too perfect to be true. But for Sophie, he was a walking headache. They knew each other for years, but they had never once been friends. In fact, they hardly ever spoke unless it was absolutely necessary.
Yet, here she was, sitting across from him in a dimly lit café, a cup of half-drunk coffee in her hand, listening to him outline the terms of their very fake relationship.
"I need you, Sophie," Ethan said, leaning back in his chair, his expression serious. "And you need me. It's simple."
Sophie shot him an incredulous look. "What? No. I'm not doing this."
Ethan didn't seem surprised by her initial rejection. He had probably anticipated it. He was that kind of guy—the one who could predict your every move. Sophie didn't trust him, and for good reason. Ethan was a master manipulator, and everyone knew it.
"I'm not asking you to marry me," Ethan said his voice low, almost conspiratorial. "I am just asking you to play along for a little while. It's the ideal solution for both of us. You need a lift in your career and me a public image overdo."
Sophie furrowed her brow. She wasn't doing so well recently. The corporate world had been tough, and even her boss had told her that she needed to perk up if she wanted to stay relevant. But positioning herself with Ethan Pierce- the golden boy of business-was a whole new ball game.
He did it because Ethan had his reasons. Some bad decisions meant a cleaner image, and no amount of words spelled out "perfect boyfriend" more perfectly than a girl at one's side. For Sophie, the reality of facing a promotion lost, unless she could swing the project, was more unbearable to bear.
She put the coffee cup back in its saucer, looking as unmoved as her expression, but sighing softly. "I don't know," she repeated, unsold.
Ethan smiled—too widely. "Think of it as. practice for when you eventually settle down with someone. You just happen to be helping me out in the process."
Sophie raised an eyebrow. "Helping you? How?"
"How?" Ethan repeated, tilting his head slightly to one side. "By being my girlfriend, of course," he said. "You know, a couple who's in love. The press loves that.
Sophie's stomach rolled at the idea of going out with a man like that even for an evening. "This is preposterous."
"I can make it worthwhile," Ethan added, his voice going low into a tone that sounded almost too smooth. "You will get whatever you require. More publicity. More promotions. More attention.
Sophie shifted in her seat, thinking through that. She wasn't foolish. She knew precisely what he was offering—moving out of the shadow, into the light for himself. But what were her costs?
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"So, what's in this for you?" she demanded in an attempt to place it in his perspective, getting a better feel on that.
Ethan paused for a moment before responding. "Reputation. Image. You know how the media works. I've been in the tabloids a lot lately for all the wrong reasons. I need something to turn it around.
Sophie stared at him, weighing her options. She could continue playing it safe, hiding behind her desk and avoiding the spotlight. Or, she could take a risk and play this game. The only problem was that this game was being played by someone who was far better at it than she was.
"Alright," she said finally, surprising herself. "I'll do it. But just for a month. After that, we're done."
Ethan's smile grew. "Deal.