Olivia hadn't expected things to spiral so quickly.
One minute, she was dodging questions about her fake relationship. The next, she was staring at an email titled Wedding Planning Proposal—sent from none other than Ethan's mother.
Her stomach twisted as she scrolled through the message.
> Charlotte Montgomery: Dearest Olivia,
Now that the engagement is official, it's time to start discussing wedding plans. I have arranged a meeting with the finest wedding planner in the city. Ethan's schedule is tight, but I know he'll make time for this. After all, your wedding day should be nothing short of magical.
Looking forward to seeing you both at brunch this weekend to go over details.
With love, Charlotte
Olivia stared at the screen in horror.
Wedding plans? Already?!
This was supposed to be a long engagement—a buffer period before they staged their inevitable breakup. But Charlotte Montgomery had other plans.
Her pulse pounded as she reread the email.
They had to be very careful. Because if Charlotte was already arranging wedding planners, it meant she was invested.
And the more invested she became, the harder it would be to untangle this mess later.
Olivia groaned, rubbing her temples. She needed a plan.
And fast.
---
Ethan's Nonchalant Attitude
She found Ethan in the living room, scrolling through his phone like he didn't have a care in the world.
Olivia, on the other hand, was very much panicking.
She held up her phone. "Your mother is planning our wedding."
Ethan didn't even look up. "Yeah, I saw the email."
"And you're fine with this?"
He smirked. "Why wouldn't I be?"
Olivia threw up her hands. "Because we are not actually getting married!"
Ethan finally set his phone down, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Relax, Liv. It's just a brunch. We go, nod along, and make vague comments about how we need more time to finalize things. No harm done."
She folded her arms. "You make it sound so simple."
"Because it is simple." He stood, stepping closer. "Unless, of course, you're worried that planning a fake wedding will make you want a real one."
She narrowed her eyes. "You are so full of yourself."
Ethan grinned. "And yet, you love spending time with me."
She scoffed. "Debatable."
He chuckled. "Come on, fiancée. Let's go plan the wedding of the century."
Olivia had a feeling this would be an absolute disaster.
---
Brunch with Charlotte Montgomery
The moment they arrived at the upscale restaurant, Olivia knew she was in trouble.
Charlotte Montgomery was already seated at the best table, impeccably dressed in a pale-blue ensemble that screamed old-money elegance. Across from her sat a woman in a chic black dress—undoubtedly the wedding planner.
Ethan leaned down, pressing a kiss to Olivia's cheek as they approached. It was for show, of course, but Olivia still felt the warmth of his lips linger against her skin.
"Mother," Ethan greeted smoothly. "Lovely as always."
Charlotte beamed at him before turning to Olivia. "Olivia, darling, you look radiant."
Olivia forced a smile. "Thank you, Mrs. Montgomery."
"Oh, none of that," Charlotte chided. "You're practically family. Call me Charlotte."
Olivia hesitated but nodded. "Charlotte."
The wedding planner—who introduced herself as Marissa Sinclair—was all business. She flipped open a sleek leather notebook and launched straight into the details.
"So, tell me," Marissa began, pen poised, "what vision do you have for your big day?"
Olivia panicked.
Vision? For a wedding that wasn't even real?!
Ethan, of course, was unfazed. "Something timeless," he said smoothly, reaching for Olivia's hand under the table. His thumb brushed against her skin—a subtle reminder to play along. "Nothing too extravagant, but still elegant."
Charlotte nodded approvingly. "A classic affair, just like your father and I had."
Marissa jotted down notes. "Spring or summer wedding?"
Olivia took a sip of water, stalling for time.
Ethan answered for her. "Spring."
She shot him a look, but he only squeezed her hand lightly.
Marissa continued. "Outdoor or indoor venue?"
Ethan smiled. "Outdoor."
Marissa's pen flew across the page. "Garden ceremony, then?"
"Perfect," Ethan said without hesitation.
Olivia stared at him. He was way too good at this.
And Charlotte? She looked absolutely thrilled.
"My darling boy always did have excellent taste," she gushed. "And Olivia, dear, what about the dress? Have you thought about styles you love?"
Olivia felt sweat gathering at the back of her neck.
Ethan glanced at her, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Oh, Liv has very specific tastes."
Olivia forced a tight smile. "Yes. Very… specific."
Marissa flipped to a page filled with sketches. "Lace? Satin? Beading? Mermaid silhouette or ball gown?"
Olivia blinked. What the hell was a mermaid silhouette?
Ethan leaned in, his voice low but teasing. "I personally think she'd look stunning in something fitted."
Charlotte sighed wistfully. "Oh, I cannot wait to see you in your gown."
Olivia gulped.
She needed to end this conversation fast.
Forcing a polite smile, she said, "I think we should take some time to think about all of this before making decisions."
Charlotte's face fell slightly. "But, dear—"
Ethan jumped in smoothly. "She's right, Mother. We don't want to rush anything."
Marissa nodded. "Of course. It's important to take your time."
Olivia exhaled. Crisis averted.
---
The Aftermath
As soon as they left the restaurant, Olivia turned to Ethan, hands on her hips.
"You answered every question without even looking at me!"
Ethan grinned. "You were floundering. I saved you."
"I was not floundering!"
He smirked. "Really? What's a mermaid silhouette?"
Olivia glared. "I hate you."
"No, you don't."
She sighed dramatically. "You're insufferable."
Ethan chuckled, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Relax, Liv. The more convincing we are, the faster we get through this."
She folded her arms. "You're enjoying this."
He leaned in slightly. "And you're terrified of how much you're starting to enjoy it too."
Olivia's stomach did an unwelcome flip.
Because the truth was, Ethan wasn't entirely wrong.
And that was the scariest part of all.