For Sophie, the first outing of this pretend couple had to be like walking into a lion's den. The girl stood in front of her mirror, going over her hair with fingers, carefully choosing an outfit, not too flashy or casual—just in the middle. A sleek black dress, red heels, minimal makeup. Just about right. Ethan would barely care.
When he knocked on her door, Sophie could not help but feel that dread. This was it. She was stepping into a world that she was not entirely sure she could handle.
"Ready?" Ethan asked, his voice smooth as ever. His tall frame leaned against the doorframe, a smirk playing on his lips. He was dressed in a crisp suit that fit him perfectly, his hair styled in that effortless way only the ultra-confident could manage.
"Yeah, I'm ready," Sophie replied, forcing a smile as she grabbed her purse. She was already regretting this decision, but there was no turning back now.
The evening went by precisely to plan. Cameras popped away as soon as they set foot in the restaurant. Sophie had to grit her teeth against cringing when the paparazzi hollered out their questions. Ethan, on the other hand, was on his game. He's done this a million times before, after all and projected the perfect image of the doting boyfriend. Sophie felt uneasy in her own skin. It was an alien concept to her-to be put on show like this.
They sat down at a private table, one that was far removed from the inquisitive eyes of other diners, but yet within sight for the cameras to take a good shot.
"So," Sophie said, trying to break the tension. "What exactly are we supposed to do here? Hold hands? Whisper sweet nothings?
Ethan chuckled; the sound was smooth and honest. "Just be yourself. If you are natural, the press will buy it. I promise.
Sophie nodded, but she wasn't convinced. They ate their meals, the conversation flowing easily as they talked about trivia. Sophie found herself laughing at Ethan's jokes, despite herself. He was funny, in a dry, sarcastic way, and she had to admit, his charm was undeniable. But that didn't mean she was falling for him. No way.
As the night wore on, Ethan leaned in closer and closer, and the flashes from the cameras came in more frequently. The attention made Sophie increasingly uncomfortable, but she reminded herself that this was temporary. One month. That was all she had to survive.
By the end of the evening, when they were walking to the car, Ethan took her hand in a gesture that was entirely too intimate for her comfort.
"Remember, just act like we're in love," he whispered in her ear. "And they'll believe it."
Sophie gave him a forced smile. "Yeah, sure."
But deep down, she wasn't so sure anymore. This was just the beginning, and already, she could tell that the line between pretending and reality was starting to blur.