I thought faking a fiancé would let me step out of my sister’s shadow. But during my scheme, I discovered true love had been closer than I realized.
Mom’s letter arrived, announcing a family Christmas gathering with my perfect sister, Megan, and her perfect boyfriend. I knew she’d steal the spotlight, so I hatched a plan: show up with a fiancé of my own.
I asked Zach, my reliable but unremarkable coworker, to pretend to be my boyfriend for the holidays. He agreed reluctantly, and we practiced our roles for the big day.
At Christmas dinner, Megan wasted no time mocking us, but the real shock came later when I overheard her confessing she’d made up a story about an inheritance to bait me into this charade.
Embarrassed, I decided to go all in—Zach would propose during dinner, and I’d play along. But when Mom brought out her wedding dress and announced a ceremony for the next day, I realized the absurdity of it all.
Megan’s trick had worked. Feeling humiliated, I bolted from the wedding, leaving Zach and my family behind.
Back at work, I found a note from Zach confessing his real feelings for me. I’d never realized how blind I’d been. He’d pretended for me, not a promotion.
Determined to make things right, I visited his apartment and learned that he’d been struggling to support his sick mother. I apologized and offered to help. Eventually, I asked him out for a real date—no pretenses this time.
Zach smiled. This time, it was real.