Faking It Till Forever

Chapter One.

I take a long look at the email I have drafted for a potential company but contemplation can be a b***h when you’ve been warned.

“Ms. Wood we’ve been at this for months, you bring really good proposals, backup strings and analytics. But when it comes to execution, you do your best yes, but you put us in...a bit of a kerfuffle.” Mr Brown drops down on his chair with a sigh rubbing his temples, like he’s trying to tell himself everything is alright.

“Look,.. I love your hard work and dedication but, next time you decide you want to bring proposal, don’t tell me, but do ensure that the project excels or I have no other choice but to fire you”

A knock on my door draws me out of my vividly terrifying trance.

“Yo, we going out for a little party downtown at that new club. You in” Violet comes in chewing gum while looking at her phone, after few seconds of silence from me, she looks up.

It has been a weird yet fun tradition, not-so-tradition of ours to go and check out any new bars and have their special drink to rate it for them.

“I would love to, but Adrian and I are going on a date, it’s been a while” I suggested with a little shrug.

“Oh come on Char, live a little, since when your first proposal flunked, you have been boring” Freya says through the speaker her Italian accent preceding the British one.

Freya, Violet and Aria are all half British half something.

Freya is effortlessly stunning in a way she doesn’t even realize, with her hair always swept back in that casual ‘I-didn’t-try’ way. Her eyes? They’re warm and observant, like she sees the things you’re too afraid to say out loud. Freya’s style is understated—neutral tones, soft fabrics—but don’t let that fool you. She’s smart as a whip and fiercely loyal. The one you call when you’ve royally messed up, and she’ll sort it out with a quiet ‘I told you so’ under her breath. And her wit? Well, Freya’s sarcasm could slice steel, but it’s wrapped in a gentle delivery that makes you love her all the more. She’s the anchor of our group, and honestly, we’d be lost without her.

“She’s not wrong” Violet chimes in.

Violet is fire and velvet. From the moment you met her, you knew she was the kind of woman who could own any room she walked into without breaking a sweat. Where I was soft and cautious, Violet was a storm wrapped in confidence, and she wore it like armor. Her makeup—sharp, smokey eyes that could cut through anyone’s lies and crimson lips that spoke nothing but the truth—was as bold as her personality.

Her hair, a deep, luscious brown, tumbled down her back in waves that seemed to have a life of their own, always styled, always perfect, even when she insisted she didn’t try. She had this way of tying it up, messy but deliberate, with little clips that made her look effortlessly cool. “It’s just hair, Char,” she’d say, but somehow it always made her look like she’d stepped off the cover of a rock ‘n’ roll magazine.

Then there was her style—black, sleek, edgy. The kind of clothes I’d never dare to wear. Cropped tops that clung to her figure, chokers that screamed rebellion, and boots that could stomp on a man’s ego without leaving a mark. Violet was unapologetic in her choices, daring the world to say something. And no one ever did.

But it wasn’t just her looks. It was her. Violet had this spark, a fiery wit that made people laugh but never quite let them get too close. She was fiercely loyal, the kind of best friend who would show up at your door at midnight, armed with ice cream or vodka—whichever you needed—and an “I told you so” ready in her back pocket.

Underneath all that sharp confidence, though, I knew Violet’s heart was bigger than she’d ever let on. She cared in her own way, fiercely and quietly. She could talk you into trouble faster than you’d say “bad idea,” but she’d also be the first to drag you out of it, heels clacking and smirk in place.

She was my best friend, my shield, my cheerleader, and sometimes, my troublemaker. And honestly? I wouldn’t trade her for anything in the world.

“Oh please give her a break,—although they are... right” Aria added through the speakers looking guilty.

If Violet was fire, then Aria was sunlight—bright, warm, and impossible to look away from. She had this soft, radiant glow about her that made you think of golden summer afternoons. Her hair, a cascade of chestnut waves streaked with hints of honey, framed her face perfectly, like an artist had spent hours deciding how each strand should fall. Aria always looked effortlessly polished, as if perfection was just something she woke up with.

Her eyes were what made her stand out most. Light brown but so deep they could tell a story without her saying a word, they carried a spark of kindness. When she looked at you, you felt seen—like you were important, even on days you didn’t believe it yourself. Her lips, always curved in a slight, easy smile, gave her this approachable charm that made people trust her instantly.

Aria dressed in colors that matched her spirit—vibrant and full of life. Pink was her favorite, and she made it look like it was made for her. Whether it was a jacket, a pair of heels, or a swipe of lipstick, she knew how to make the simplest things feel elegant. But Aria was more than just beauty. She was calm and steady, the kind of friend who would sit with you in silence just because she knew you needed her there.

Still, there was an undeniable Indian fire in her veins, one she’d inherited from her family. She could be fierce when pushed, a quiet storm in a pastel package, and I’d seen her unleash it on people who dared to cross someone she loved. Aria didn’t raise her voice often—she didn’t need to. When she spoke, people listened.

She was the bridge between Violet and me, the balance we both needed. If Violet was the one who talked me into bad ideas, Aria was the one who talked us out of them—or at least tried to. She was thoughtful, loyal to a fault, and so full of love that you couldn’t help but feel better just being around her.

Aria Romano was the best parts of sunshine—bright enough to light up your day, but gentle enough not to burn. And I was lucky to have her on my side.

“Guys, I’m right here” I remind them with one raised brow. Violet releases a sigh before taking a seat.

“Look, you gotta let us know, are you in a relationship with Adrian or us?” She grounds me with a look, turning the phone for me to see Freya and Aria’s expectant look.

I try to laugh it up but the look all of them gave me said—they’re deeply serious.

“With Adrian?” it came out as a question. Violet releases a gasp before shaking her head. “Wrong answer” she stands up hanging up the phone after Aria and Freya give me their disapproving look.

“Cmon Vi—you know Adrian and I have been in a—bit of a sticky wicket, and I’m sick of walking on pins and needles in the house all because of the cruise tour” I ordered us a ticket to the Sapphire seas 10-days cruise tour for the new year’s to celebrate our 2 year anniversary.

You’d think a surprise like that will make him happy —well no, he lost his wits when I told him the surprise. Something about not confiding in him.

“I am fully aware of that, which is why you need to go to that club, show him he’s nothing” a scoff escapes my lips before I could stop it.

“yeah, that must be your best idea so far”

“I know right?—it’s all thanks to Kai, he’s really been helping me with my issues” she air quotes the issue.

Kai is her therapist and emigrant. They’re relationship goes beyond professionalism, but as long as he helps Vi with her issues, I’m okay with him.

“Enough about Adrian, go and have fun, don’t worry about me, I’ll be having a date night” I dismiss her before we go on an Adrian spiral...Again.

“who says I’m worried? Girl I’m trying to get you laid not rub ya all over” she wips her hair before leaving.

My smile slowly turns downward as I remember my warning again. I lightly shake my head shooing away any negative thoughts.

Not today.

I gather everything of mine, before heading towards Adrian’s office ward. We both work in Aurora foods, he works in the analytics centre and I work on the distribution centre, so we hardly meet each other even at work.

I stay at the doorstep, fixing my work clothes, invincible wrinkles before knocking on the door—Mia, Adrian’s secretary comes rushing out her head ducked down.

I just shrugged before entering. “you need to give Mia a break, she looks like one more lecture and she’s gonna puke” I sit on the chair opposite his with a warm smile.

Adrian’s presence has always been... steady, like the man himself. Tall and perfectly put together, he’s a vision of elegance—flawless suits that seem tailored just for him, not a thread out of place. The sharp angles of his jawline and that perpetually confident smile can charm even the harshest of critics. With dark hair that always seems artfully mussed and eyes like melted onyx, Adrian looks like he’s walked straight out of a designer catalog.

But while his exterior screams perfection, there’s a coolness in him—a carefully measured warmth that never overflows. He’s everything a woman should want: successful, dependable, handsome... but sometimes I wonder if I’m looking at him instead of into him. Adrian is the kind of man people notice—someone you introduce to your parents, someone who fits the role of ‘boyfriend’ like he was born for it. And yet, deep down, I can’t shake the feeling that there’s something... wrong.

“Oh she’s fine, don’t worry” he replied all the while still looking at his laptop.

I release a sigh slumping in the sit and lightly itching my scalp.

That’s what I get for tightening the knot.

“So are you ready for tonight?” he finally looks up to me confused.

“whats up tonight?” he softly asks. A scoff of disbelief escapes my lips.

“Our date night” I remind him with a raised brow. Realisation morphed his face.

“i remember that—but I might be a little late to come and pick you up “

“That’s okay, we can do our date at home, I’m gonna cook for us” suggested I.

“Yeah, that would be great, I’ve missed your cooking” he smiles softly.

After that, I drove home,—immediately removing my headband and letting my hair fall to my butt.

I took a very hot shower, got dressed in a yellow and white floral gown, letting my hair cascade down, before heading over to cook.

I cooked his favourite meal, Sunday roast—A traditional meal served on Sundays, featuring roasted meat such as beef, chicken, pork, or lamb. It’s served with roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, vegetables like carrots and broccoli, and a rich gravy. Horseradish, mint sauce, or apple sauce are common accompaniments, depending on the meat.

The first time I made Adrian a Sunday roast, he has been gushing about it non stop, what better way to fix our relationship than to make it again.

I take a seat on the kitchen counter having grapes while waiting for him.

“Oh my dear god” he mumbles releasing a moan as he takes another bite. “This is perfection”

“I’m glad you like it” it was our third date and all the restaurants were full, including the ones we’ve reserved. So I had to result into cooking.

I love cooking but it’s not as calming as people say when they cook, it’s rather hectic to me.

“Why did you hide such talent from me?” he raised one brow while taking another bite.

“I don’t actually consider it a talent”

“Well you should”

A ring from my phone being me back to reality.

“Girl, you are missing” Violet screams loudly before quickly going to the bathroom. “This club is bombing ten out of ten”

“Well that’s good to hear” I muttered with a smile.

“Made you wish you had followed us right?” she raised both brows before setting me on the counter—I presume before bringing out her red lipstick.

“Entirely” the door opens and aria comes in wearing a brown leather cropped top and same coloured jeans.

“Hi Ms boyfriend” she picks up the phone smiling.

“Ugh not you too” I pluck another grape putting it in my mouth.

“What can I say—" she got interrupted when Violet snatches the phone.

“Wait. Are you—at home?” I look at my kitchen before nodding my head.

“Guys how could you leave me with that stinking gu—"

“Char’s at home” Vi cuts to the chase not caring about what Freya has to say for once.

“What?!” she snatches the phone to confirm for herself. “What are you doing at home?”

“Adrian’s running late because of work, I’m just waiting for him” Vi snatches the phone again.

“I know what you need to do—come to the club with us and party. This isn’t just an ordinary club, there are rich people there like a lot, come get laid” she winks at me raising her brows.

“I agree with Vi, come and loosen up with us” Aria added.

“You too, you’re supposed to be the one stopping the runs in Vi’s head.” I point out getting slightly offended.

“What can I say, you haven’t been our Char since when you started dating Adrian” Aria, Freya and Vi scrunch their noses.

It’s safe to say they never liked Adrian since when they met him. Something about pretending to be the perfect boyfriend.

A black girl comes in saying something about white people hugging the bathroom. Vi gives her scrutinizing look before turning her attention to me.

“Guys, really appreciate it, but I’m trying to fix our relationship here. Go and enjoy yourselves, I’m also going to have mine” I wink at them before hanging up the phone.

I release a long breath I didn’t know I was holding. “Adrian, prove them wrong please”