Lara had always dreaded family gatherings, especially because her sister Emily never missed a chance to mock her single life. Determined to survive her father’s birthday dinner without another round of pitying looks and snide comments, Lara came up with a bold plan. She hired Jake, a charming and understanding fake boyfriend, to accompany her.
Jake played his part flawlessly, seamlessly blending into the family dynamic with grace and humor. Throughout dinner, he charmed Lara’s relatives with witty anecdotes and genuine interest in their conversations. As dessert was served, Jake surprised everyone with a heartfelt toast that left them all speechless.
“I’d like to propose a toast,” Jake began, his eyes locking with Lara’s. “Firstly, happy birthday to the man of the hour! May this year bring you all the happiness and success you deserve.” He paused, drawing everyone’s attention. “But I also want to raise a toast to someone very special—Lara. From the moment we met, I’ve been captivated by her intelligence, kindness, and that infectious laugh of hers. She’s truly remarkable, and I feel incredibly lucky to know her.”
Touched by Jake’s words, Lara couldn’t help but express her gratitude. It was then that Jake revealed his true feelings were not part of the act—they were genuine. Overwhelmed with emotions, Lara and Jake decided to take a leap and pursue a real relationship beyond their initial arrangement.
Months passed, and Lara and Jake’s bond only grew stronger. They chose to keep the true origin of their relationship a secret from the family, especially from Emily, to avoid any potential ridicule. Their decision to start as a fake couple had turned into a beautiful journey together, filled with love, understanding, and the joy of finding someone who truly appreciates them for who they are.
3.5
