Another evening arrived with warm sunlight spreading across Madrid. The city felt brighter than usual, with people filling the streets, enjoying the last hours of the day before the night began. Rachel stood in front of her mirror, adjusting the simple dress she had chosen. It was not something expensive or designed by a famous brand, but it fitted her perfectly and made her feel comfortable. She wanted to look presentable without pretending to be someone she was not. Over the past few days, she had tried to understand what being Joseph’s pretend girlfriend would mean. She knew there would be questions, expectations and moments where she would have to play a role. But Joseph had been clear about the arrangement. She did not need to change herself. She only needed to be there beside him whe
