Isabelle adjusted her blazer in the mirror, trying to convince herself that this was just another networking event. She wasn't looking for love—she had no time for it—but her best friend had insisted she bring someone… anyone.
Enter Marco. Handsome, confident, with a smile that made people forgive him before they even knew why. And somehow, he agreed to accompany her tonight.
"Are you sure about this?" Isabelle asked, eyes narrowing. "You know… this is just… pretend, right?"
Marco shrugged, casually leaning against the wall. "Pretend's my specialty. But… I can't promise I won't have fun."
She rolled her eyes but felt a tiny flutter in her chest. "Fun's not the goal, Marco. I just… need you to act like my boyfriend tonight. That's it."
"Got it. Fake boyfriend. No feelings, no complications… right?" he said, flashing that charming grin.
"Exactly," Isabelle said firmly. "Just… make me look good in front of everyone. Simple."
As they entered the event together, Isabelle noticed heads turning. Marco's presence beside her made her feel… protected, noticed, and strangely lighter. She wasn't sure if it was relief or something more.
"Relax," Marco whispered as they navigated through a crowd. "We're just two people pretending. You're going to be amazing."
Isabelle glanced at him, surprised by the sincerity in his voice. For a moment, she almost believed him—almost forgot it was all an act.
Hours passed with laughter, small dances, and compliments from strangers who assumed they were a real couple. Every now and then, Isabelle caught herself staring at Marco, noticing the way his eyes softened when he thought she wasn't looking.
By the end of the night, Isabelle felt something she hadn't expected: a tiny spark. A mix of amusement, curiosity… and maybe a hint of real feeling.
She shook her head, trying to convince herself it was temporary. "Fake date, Marco. That's all it is," she muttered under her breath.
But as they walked home together, Marco slipped his hand into hers effortlessly, the warmth spreading through her like sunlight. And for the first time in a long while, Isabelle wondered… maybe pretend could become real.