Sophia Hayes is thrilled when she wins a ticket for the exclusive boat cruise she's dreamed of all her life. But her excitement is dampened by a rumor from a trusted source: her millionaire ex-boyfriend, Charles, will also be attending. Determined to avoid the humiliation of facing him single, Sophia convinces her high school friend Robert, a wealthy playboy, to pose as her boyfriend. Robert agrees, eager to shed his notorious reputation and fend off gold diggers, while also seeking to placate his meddling family. On the lavish cruise, Sophia and Robert's convincing act as a couple quickly captures the attention of social media and the city's gossip columns. However, things take a turn when Robert detects Sophia's lingering feelings for Charles, and Sophia realizes Robert might never give up his playboy ways. A misunderstanding leads Robert into a one-night stand, while Sophia finds herself dancing with Charles. When Charles publicly declares his love for Sophia, she humiliates him, igniting his desire for revenge. After the cruise, Sophia and Robert must continue their fake relationship to maintain appearances. The situation becomes increasingly toxic as an anonymous threat promises to expose their charade and Robert's one-night stand results in a pregnancy scare. Forced to take a family vacation together, Sophia and Robert must navigate their fake relationship in close quarters. As they act intimately to maintain the facade, they begin to confront their true feelings for one another.
Voir plusI sat at my cluttered work desk, the bright glare of my computer screen adding to the tension that was causing my eye to twitch. As a marketing executive, my days were packed with back-to-back meetings, campaign planning, and endless emails. Today was no different, and I silently begged the clock to move faster. I couldn't wait for the lunch break to finally check the message from my high school friend, Robert.
My office space was a mixture of organized chaos: colorful post-it notes stuck to the edges of my monitor, a half-empty coffee cup, and stacks of marketing reports awaiting my attention. My boss, Ms. Marlene Thatcher, had been particularly irritable lately, scrutinizing every minor detail with an unforgiving eye. Ms. Thatcher was an older woman with sharp features and a stern expression that seemed permanently etched into her face. Her salt-and-pepper hair was always pulled back into a severe bun, and her eyes, a cold steel gray, missed nothing. She had a reputation for being strict and unkind, a relic from another era who believed in discipline over empathy. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, trying to focus on the email I was drafting but finding it impossible to concentrate. The anticipation of Robert's message gnawed at me. Robert had been my friend since high school, a bond forged in an unlikely alliance. Back in the day, Robert's parents, despite their wealth, had decided he should attend the local school near their estate. They believed it would keep him grounded and connected to the real world. They wanted him to have a sense of normalcy, far removed from the privileged bubble he was born into. However, young Robert had channeled his energy into becoming a notorious prankster. With his charming looks and popularity, he had everyone at school wrapped around his finger—everyone except me. I had loathed him for his relentless teasing. He had a habit of placing dead animals in my locker or cracking silly jokes at my expense. One time, he even filled my locker with crickets, and I had spent the rest of the day trying to get them out of my hair and books. Yet, despite his antics, he never crossed the line into real cruelty. His pranks were annoying, but they never felt malicious. Our relationship took a dramatic turn during a particularly difficult period for Robert. One day, I stumbled upon Robert sulking in a quiet, hidden corner of the school. It was a small alcove behind the gym, a place I had discovered during my own moments of needing solitude. He was slumped against the wall, looking utterly defeated, his usual swagger nowhere to be seen. When he noticed me, his initial reaction was to bristle and threaten me into silence about his vulnerable state. But I saw through his facade. "Robert, what's going on?" I asked, my voice filled with genuine concern. In a moment of rare honesty, Robert confessed that he was struggling academically. His parents had issued an ultimatum: pass his exams or face a summer living with his super strict grandmother, without any allowances. Desperation had led him to reveal his predicament to me, hoping to secure my silence. "I'll stop bullying you if you promise not to tell anyone about this," Robert pleaded, his bravado replaced with anxiety. I agreed, but on one condition: he had to let me help him. I was good at the subjects he was failing, and in return, he could help me with the ones I found challenging. And so, an unlikely friendship was born. We weren't the best of friends, but we developed a mutual respect and understanding. I remember those study sessions vividly. We would meet in the school library, our heads bent over textbooks and notes. Robert, for all his bravado, was genuinely smart. He just needed focus and guidance. I would help him with math and science, subjects he struggled with, and in turn, he would help me with history and literature. He had a knack for storytelling that made historical events come alive and dissecting themes in literature feel like solving a puzzle. There were times when our sessions would devolve into fits of laughter over some joke or prank memory, but we always managed to get back on track. Slowly, the pranks ceased, and our interactions became more about mutual support. Robert even stood up for me a few times when other students tried to give me a hard time, using his popularity to shield me from their teasing. One afternoon, as we were packing up our books, Robert turned to me with an earnest expression. "You know, Soph, I don't think I would have made it through this semester without your help. I owe you one."I shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Just make sure you pass, and we're even." The ding of a new email snapped me back to the present. I glanced at the clock—only ten more minutes until lunch. I could make it. I quickly scanned my inbox, ensuring everything was in order before Ms. Thatcher could find another reason to scold me. As the clock struck noon, I almost leaped out of my chair. I grabbed my phone and hurried to the break room, eager to read Robert's message in peace. I found a quiet corner and opened my phone, my heart racing with anticipation. "Hey Soph, I have got big news, you are going to love this one😜 . Call me as soon as you can." My mind raced. What could Robert possibly have up his sleeve this time? Whatever it was, it promised to be the distraction I desperately needed from the pressures of my job and the looming presence of Ms. Thatcher. Our high school days seemed so distant now, yet the bond we had formed during those challenging times remained strong. Despite the years and the distance, Robert had always been someone I could count on. I quickly dialed his number, my fingers trembling with excitement.Sophia sat at the outdoor dinner table, feeling the gentle breeze of the evening against her skin. The dinner, a grand affair hosted for all the cruisers, had been a pleasant experience so far. The food was exquisite, the atmosphere vibrant, and the night sky slowly transitioned into a canvas of stars. She and Robert had spent most of the evening chatting lightly, sipping champagne and enjoying the ambiance. But as she took another sip, Robert’s phone buzzed on the table.He glanced at the screen, muttered something about needing to take the call, and stood up, excusing himself with a polite nod. Sophia watched him stroll a few feet away, his figure highlighted by the soft glow of the outdoor lights.Now alone, she scrolled through her phone absentmindedly, her champagne glass dangling delicately from her other hand. The gentle hum of conversations surrounded her until a pair of voices drifted into her ears, clear enough to catch her attention.“I don’t think they’re in a relationship
Sophia stepped out onto the balcony, hoping for a breath of fresh air and maybe a view of the ocean. The scene before her was more stunning than she had anticipated. The soft glow of the setting sun cast a warm, golden light over everything, making the water sparkle, and the sheer elegance of the balcony layout took her breath away. But what really caught her eye was the surprise waiting right there—an exclusive, small pool nestled in one corner of the balcony. It was a luxurious touch she hadn’t expected.Her excitement bubbled up immediately. She’d thought their suite was impressive enough already, but this was on another level. She turned, a wide grin spreading across her face, and rushed back into the room. “Robert!” she called, her voice full of the thrill that had taken hold of her. “There’s a pool out here! Can you believe it?” She glanced over at him, practically bouncing as she waited for his reaction.Robert looked up from his iPad, an amused smile tugging at the corner of h
SOPHIA'S POV The hostess led us down a polished corridor, her heels clicking against the marble floors as we followed in awe. Everything around us screamed opulence—from the crystal chandeliers to the plush carpets lining the hallway. It was like we’d stepped into a world that only existed in glossy magazines and movies. And yet, here we were, soaking it all in like it was made for us. I stole a glance at Robert, who seemed unbothered, his expression cool and composed. Just another day for him, I guess. For me? I couldn’t help but feel like I was getting away with something here.The hostess turned back to us with a smile and gestured down another corridor. "Right this way, please. You’re in the VVIP section," she said, her voice carrying an unmistakable note of respect. I couldn't hide my shock. VVIP? I knew Robert was well-off, but this was next level.I kept quiet, not wanting to seem like a total newbie, but my mind was racing. Most people would’ve been thrilled just to be on the
As we stepped off the yacht and onto the dock where the larger boat was anchored, I took a quick survey of the setup. The boat—a luxurious vessel with sleek lines and a shining exterior—towered over the yachts that had started to gather around. Some other guests were already disembarking their own yachts and making their way up the ramp, mingling, exchanging greetings, laughing. It was a decent crowd, a mix of wealth and status, judging by the designer suits and glamorous dresses. I noted it all, but none of really intrigued me. Boats, parties, all this was pretty standard at this point.Sophia looked around, wide-eyed, her excitement practically radiating off her. It was a look I’d seen before on her—the curiosity, the fascination with the world of luxury, although she still has her elegant touch. I watched as her gaze swept over the dock, from the polished rails of the boat to the crew members in their crisp uniforms. It was amusing seeing her like this, clearly enjoying herself.
SOPHIA'S POV As Robert and I arrived at the boarding area, I took a moment to take it all in. There was a small crowd gathered, all dressed impeccably, their conversations weaving together in a hum of polished accents and subtle laughter. It felt like the kind of scene where the rich and powerful came to unwind, but still with a sense of formality clinging to them. No one looked too relaxed—everyone here was a bit on display.My eyes scanned the faces, catching glimpses of people I’d only ever seen on magazine covers or social media. To my right, a woman in a sleek black dress adjusted her sunglasses as she took photos by the water’s edge. Definitely a social media influencer. Beside her stood a man whose face I recognized from a viral tech article about his latest app that made millions overnight. He was talking animatedly to a well-dressed older couple, his hands moving in exaggerated gestures, like he was pitching a story rather than just making small talk. And then there was us,
SOPHIA'S POV The weekend had been… honestly, just so good. I’d be lying if I said it wasn't nice having someone like Robert around. We’d spent hours walking through the garden, and even though the place was way too fancy for what I was used to, it somehow felt natural. Trying new dishes the chef whipped up had turned into a little game, too—some stuff was amazing, and other things… let’s just say I was glad Robert didn’t make fun of me too much when I nearly spat out that one dish. Then there were the movie nights, hours just sinking into the couch, and the light competition of board games. I didn’t even mind that Robert kept winning because it was fun watching him get competitive about things so small. And, okay, we definitely took a few whiskey shots here and there. Not like, drunk, but just enough to feel loose and laugh harder at things that weren’t even that funny. It was the kind of weekend I hadn’t realized I’d needed. Now, though, it was cruise day. The morning had flown
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