Chapter 5: The plan
1239 Words
The living room looked like the aftermath of a serious investigation.
Empty coffee cups covered the small table. Scattered papers filled the space between them, while Sophia’s phone glowed brightly as countless searches appeared on the screen. The room was filled with random notes, screenshots, and ideas.
Anyone who walked in would have thought two people were preparing for an important business project.
Not two heartbroken women planning revenge.
Rose sat on the couch with her legs tucked beneath her, staring at the endless list of possibilities Sophia had gathered.
“This is ridiculous,” she muttered.
Sophia didn’t even look up from her phone.
“What’s ridiculous is letting Ethan believe he was the best thing that ever happened to you.”
Rose sighed.
Their plan sounded simple when Sophia first suggested it.
Find a fake boyfriend.
Make Ethan regret losing her.
Move on.
But now that they were actually searching, Rose was beginning to question everything.
The hours passed quickly as they discussed different possibilities, rejected ideas, and searched for someone who could fit the role.
Without realizing it, the clock moved closer and closer to the next day.
Eventually, exhaustion took over.
The two friends fell asleep on the couch surrounded by their unfinished plans.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains, filling the living room with a warm glow.
For a few seconds, Rose remained still, confused about where she was.
Then reality returned.
Work.
She opened her eyes suddenly.
“Oh my gosh.”
Before she could say anything else, Sophia’s voice broke through her thoughts.
“Rosy, we are late!”
Sophia tapped her shoulder repeatedly, forcing her awake.
Rose sat up immediately.
“What time is it?”
“Late enough that we should already be there.”
Panic filled the room.
They rushed into the bathroom, taking the quickest shower they had ever taken. Rose had no time to return home, so she borrowed one of Sophia’s outfits for the day.
A few minutes later, they hurried outside.
Thankfully, Sophia had rented a car the previous month, making their journey to work much easier.
The drive was filled with nervous glances at the clock and quiet complaints about their terrible morning.
When they finally arrived at Apex Global Holdings, they were already a few minutes late.
They hurried through the building’s entrance, trying to avoid attention.
Unfortunately, luck was not on their side.
Their supervisor stepped into their path before they reached their desks.
“You two are late.”
They stopped immediately.
Neither of them knew what to say.
Rose reacted first.
“Sorry, sir. Sophia was sick this morning, and I had to rush to help her.”
Sophia’s eyes widened.
Where did that lie come from?
But at least it worked.
Their supervisor looked at his wristwatch.
“Ten minutes late, Miss Rose. Miss Sophia.”
“I’m sorry, sir,” they said together.
He studied them for a moment before sighing.
“Get to work.”
He waved them away.
Just as Sophia was about to leave, his voice stopped her.
“Miss Sophia.”
She froze.
Another problem?
She turned around.
“Yes, sir?”
His expression softened slightly.
“How are you feeling now?”
Sophia blinked.
“I’m fine, sir.”
He nodded.
“Good.”
She quickly walked away and joined Rose at their desks.
The two exchanged a knowing glance.
Their mission was still waiting.
Sophia would continue sending Rose possible locations after work, and they couldn’t wait to begin their search again.
Finally, lunchtime arrived.
The moment the clock hit the right time, Rose and Sophia left their desks together.
“Today was so long,” Sophia said with a dramatic sigh.
Rose laughed.
“Was it really long, or were you just impatient to continue our mission?”
Sophia opened her mouth to respond, but a voice behind them stopped her.
“Miss Sophia.”
They turned.
Their supervisor stood there.
“Meet me in my office.”
Sophia immediately became nervous.
“Okay, sir.”
She looked at Rose.
“I think you should go ahead and order the usual for me. I’ll join you soon.”
Rose nodded.
“Don’t take too long.”
Sophia followed their supervisor while Rose headed toward the café.
She placed their usual orders before sitting down and scrolling through her phone while waiting.
The restaurant was filled with the soft sounds of conversations, plates moving, and occasional laughter from other employees.
For a moment, Rose enjoyed the quiet.
Then she noticed him.
A man sitting alone at a nearby table.
He was looking directly at her.
Rose frowned.
“What’s wrong with him?”
Then Sophia’s idea suddenly came back to her mind.
A fake boyfriend.
She stared at the man.
Can I really do this?
What if he thinks I’m crazy?
She remained seated.
“I should wait for Sophia.”
But another thought appeared.
I can do this.
She looked at him again.
This time, he gave her a charming smile.
Rose’s heart immediately started racing.
Her feet felt strangely nervous beneath her.
I can’t let this opportunity slip away.
Sophia said if someone is looking at me, he might already be interested.
Taking a deep breath, Rose finally stood up and walked toward him.
The man smiled when she approached.
“Hi.”
“Hi.”
Rose sat down after he invited her.
“Have a seat.”
“Thanks.”
“What would you like to order?”
“No, I’m fine. I’m waiting for my friend. I already ordered our food.”
“I see.”
He smiled.
“By the way, you look beautiful.”
“Thanks.”
The compliment only made her more nervous.
The man noticed her hesitation.
“Are you okay?”
“No…”
She quickly corrected herself.
“I mean, yes.”
He looked confused.
“Okay, can I—”
“Do you need a fake girlfriend?”
The words escaped before Rose could stop herself.
The man stared at her.
Then he laughed.
“That was quick.”
Rose immediately became embarrassed.
“No, that’s not what I mean.”
She rushed to explain.
“I mean… pretend to be my boyfriend.”
His smile disappeared slightly.
“What?”
“I need someone to pretend to be my boyfriend because I want to make my ex jealous.”
The man blinked.
“You’re serious?”
Rose nodded.
He laughed again.
“I thought you were flirting with me.”
“No.”
She shook her head.
“I’m serious.”
He smiled apologetically.
“Sorry, but that’s not something I would do.”
Before Rose could respond, Sophia arrived.
She looked at Rose sitting with the stranger.
“Rose.”
Rose immediately stood.
“Let’s go.”
Back at their table, Sophia stared at her.
“What were you thinking?”
“I was trying before you arrived.”
“Seriously? With that man?”
Sophia shook her head.
“Ethan will laugh if he sees this. You need better taste.”
Rose sighed.
“Okay.”
“We are doing this together,” Sophia reminded her.
“When I see the right person, I’ll know.”
She dramatically narrowed her eyes.
Rose stared.
“You should become an actress.”
Sophia smiled.
“Maybe I should.”
The afternoon passed quickly.
After work, their search continued.
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