2 Five Years Have Passed

Sarah***

“So here’s another basket from our favorite Maximus.”

“Yeah, and yet another win for the team.”

“It’s great to have a player who once quit basketball now ruling the court.”

“You’re right. And it’s also great we’re all here to witness another win for his team.”

“Why do you think they call him Magnus Maximus?”

“Yeah, right…”

“How many times do I have to tell you not to waste your time watching this nonsense?” Sam’s voice cut through the commentary, and before I could protest, he turned off the television with a sigh.

“I hate you!” I groaned, throwing myself back onto the couch, not even trying to hide my irritation.

“Hate me all you want,” he replied, completely unfazed. “But we don’t have time to waste on these games.” He gestured dismissively at the darkened screen.

“I was just watching the match, not wasting time,” I argued, sitting up with a pout.

“Fine. But now, get up and change into something appropriate. You can’t keep walking around in your PJs.”

I glanced down at myself. My comfy pajama set didn’t seem that bad. Maybe not as polished as Sam’s tailored perfection, but certainly not horrible.

“Fine,” I grumbled as I stood up, crouching to gather the empty chip packets and stray popcorn littering the couch and floor.

“What the heck are you doing?” Sam grabbed my wrist, stopping me mid-cleanup. “Leave it. Go get ready. And for heaven’s sake, pick a dress that looks current. Wear it. Love it.”

“You know, this is why I stay friends with you,” I teased, throwing my arms around him in a mock hug.

“Because I’m rich?” Sam quipped, his eyebrow arching as he began tidying up the mess I’d made.

I shook my head, smirking. “Because you’re kind. Well, kind and rich.”

“Selfish girl.” He laughed, lightly shoving me toward my room. “Now go, or I swear I’ll kick you out of my place.”

“Maybe you should find a new girlfriend before doing that—a real one this time.” I winked at him over my shoulder.

“That’s the problem.” He sighed dramatically. “I can’t find anyone better than you.”

“Exactly! I’m the best!” I struck a theatrical pose before bowing, earning an eye roll from him.

“Yeah, yeah, I know. Now go!” He turned me around and gave me a gentle push toward my room.

I stepped into the bathroom for a quick shower, refreshed and ready to dress for the occasion. When I came back out, my eyes fell on three shopping bags sitting on the bed—luxury brands, all in my size.

I frowned. Sam always did this—splurging on expensive clothes for me. I hated him spending so much on me, but with the high-profile parties he dragged me to, I couldn’t exactly show up in my worn-out jeans. Standing next to Sam meant looking the part.

We might have been in a fake relationship, but when we were in public, we played the part convincingly.

I picked a dress after much deliberation, slipping it on and letting out a satisfied sigh as I checked my reflection. The elegant cut and soft fabric made me feel almost... beautiful.

“Ready!” I called, stepping into the living room with a wide smile. “So, how do I look?” I placed my hands on my hips, striking a playful pose.

Sam looked up from his iPad, his eyes widening slightly as he took me in. “Beautiful,” he murmured. Then his brow furrowed. “But something’s missing.”

“What?!” I asked, spinning to examine myself.

“Wait here,” he said and disappeared before I could argue.

I glanced at my reflection again in the full-length mirror. What could possibly be missing?

Sam returned moments later, standing behind me in the mirror’s reflection.

“Sam…” I turned my head toward him.

“Turn around,” he instructed softly. His hands brushed my shoulder as he gently moved my hair aside and fastened a necklace around my neck.

“Sam, this is…” My voice trailed off as I stared at the glittering piece of jewelry.

“Gorgeous,” he finished, smiling at me through the mirror.

“I can’t take this,” I protested, my hand flying up to the necklace.

“It’s rude to refuse a gift.”

“Sam, this is too expensive.” I tried to take it off, but he grabbed my hands, stopping me.

“If you don’t like it, we can exchange it. But I’m not taking it back.”

“It’s beautiful,” I whispered, my fingers brushing over the delicate pendant. “But I don’t deserve it.”

“You deserve the world,” Sam said, pressing a soft kiss to my hair. “Now stop arguing, or we’ll be late.”

“Where are we going?” I asked as we walked toward his car.

“You’ll see,” he replied with a mischievous grin.

The blindfold caught me off guard. “Sam, why are you blindfolding me?”

“It’s a surprise.” His hands rested on my shoulders, guiding me carefully. “Just trust me.”

When he finally removed the blindfold, it took my eyes a few seconds to adjust to the light. The sight before me stole my breath.

A greenhouse transformed into a magical wonderland, illuminated by warm string lights, surrounded us. Fresh flowers filled the air with their sweet fragrance, and a table for two sat in the center, perfectly set under the moonlit sky.

“Wow…” The word slipped from my lips before I could stop it.

“You like it?” Sam asked, his smile wide and hopeful.

“It’s beautiful,” I replied. “But, Sam, why are we here?”

His demeanor shifted. He took my hands, his gaze steady yet vulnerable. “I finally worked up the courage to say this.”

“Sam…” My heart started to race.

“Sarah… will you do me a favor and turn our fake relationship into a real one?”