Thea Winters never meant to invent a fake boyfriend. She just didn’t expect to keep him alive for three years.To survive relentless family questions, Thea created Derek- the perfect, unavailable boyfriend who’s always working, always traveling, and always very much imaginary. The plan works beautifully, until her family insists she bring him home for Christmas this year. No excuses.With time running out, Thea makes an impulsive offer to her annoyingly attractive neighbor, Miles Parker. He’s sarcastic, infuriating, and has been stealing her parking spot for years. He’s also spending the holidays alone and, surprisingly, agrees to pretend to be Derek for one week.What follows is a blur of staged affection, suspicious relatives, and a fake relationship that feels far too real. Miles slips into the role effortlessly. He remembers details they never rehearsed. He charms her family. He looks at Thea like this isn’t an act at all.The problem? Thea is starting to believe him.As Christmas approaches and the lie grows harder to maintain, Thea must decide whether to keep playing it safe, or risk everything by admitting the one truth she never planned for.Because pretending to be in love is easy. Stopping might be impossible