Episode Six: Perfect Lies
625 Words
Natasha stared at her reflection.
She barely recognized herself.
Polished. Elegant. Untouchable.
The emerald dress fit perfectly. Her hair fell in soft waves, makeup flawless.
“Breathe,” she whispered.
A knock came.
“You’re ready,” Hannah called.
Natasha exhaled. “Coming.”
Downstairs, Joel waited.
Sharp suit. Calm expression. Completely in control.
His eyes lifted when he saw her.
He paused.
Natasha noticed. “Don’t get used to it.”
“You clean up well,” Joel said.
“High praise.”
Hannah stepped in. “We’re on schedule. Charity gala starts in thirty minutes.”
Natasha frowned. “Gala?”
“You’ll be introduced as his fiancée.”
She looked at Joel. “You didn’t mention that.”
“It’s implied.”
“Of course.”
The car ride was quiet.
Too quiet.
“So what’s the plan?” Natasha asked.
“Stay close. Smile. Speak when needed.”
“I’m not a robot.”
“I didn’t say you were.”
“You implied it.”
He didn’t reply.
“And if they ask how we met?”
“We stayed in touch. Reconnected.”
“That’s weak.”
“It works.”
The car slowed.
Lights. Cameras.
Natasha’s stomach tightened.
Joel stepped out, then offered his hand.
She hesitated.
Then took it.
“Stay close,” he murmured.
“I heard you.”
Flashes went off.
“Joel! Over here!”
“Is that your fiancée?”
Natasha kept her face calm.
Joel’s grip tightened slightly.
“Smile,” he said.
“I am.”
“Better.”
She forced it.
Inside, eyes followed them.
Whispers everywhere.
“Relax,” Joel said.
“I am.”
“You’re tense.”
“You’re observant.”
A man approached.
“Joel. Full of surprises.”
Joel nodded.
The man turned. “And you are?”
“Natasha Nielson.”
“A pleasure. How did you meet?”
Natasha didn’t hesitate.
“We’ve known each other for years. Life brought us back.”
Joel glanced at her.
“Some things are meant to be,” the man said.
If only he knew.
As he left, Joel leaned closer.
“Not bad.”
“Don’t sound surprised.”
“Natasha.”
She stiffened.
Gregory.
“You look stunning,” he said.
“Not now,” she muttered.
Joel shifted beside her.
“Gregory,” Joel said. “Enjoying yourself?”
“Very much.”
His gaze flicked between them.
“What do you want?” Natasha asked.
“To see how convincing this is.”
Joel stepped closer.
“Convincing enough.”
“Is it?” Gregory asked.
Before she reacted—
Joel’s hand moved to her waist.
Pulling her closer.
Her breath caught.
“People are watching,” he murmured.
“I noticed.”
Gregory’s smile faded slightly.
“Enjoy the show,” Joel said.
Then—
He kissed her.
Not soft.
Not hesitant.
Deliberate.
Natasha froze—
Then responded.
Because she had to.
Because people were watching.
But it lasted longer than expected.
Warmer than it should.
When they pulled apart—
Something had shifted.
Gregory’s expression hardened.
Joel’s didn’t.
“Convincing enough?” Joel asked.
“For now,” Gregory said.
He stepped back, eyes still on Natasha.
“Be careful. This won’t end well.”
He walked away.
Natasha turned to Joel.
“That wasn’t necessary.”
“Yes, it was.”
“You enjoyed that.”
“Stay focused.”
She stepped back.
“Don’t do that again without warning.”
“We’re married.”
“Not yet.”
“Soon.”
She exhaled. “Right.”
Around them, whispers continued.
Eyes watched.
But now—
This wasn’t just pretending.
They were performing.
And the game had just changed.
- Writer
