RULES WE BREAK

Fake date

The sound of waves crashing against the ship fills the silence between us, the air charged with an unspoken understanding. Then, with a quiet chuckle, he breaks the silence. "Well, if you're done spiraling into existential despair," he says, his tone light but edged with mischief, "I've got an idea."

I frown, my gaze instantly snapping to him. "An idea?" I ask, warily.

He smirks, clearly enjoying my guarded tone. "You won't like it, but it'll work." He leans casually against the railing, his eyes gleaming with something that can only be described as trouble. "We fake date. Just for the rest of the cruise."

I blink at him, obviously caught off guard. "Fake date?" I repeat, my disbelief evident. "You're joking."

"I'm completely serious," he says as though he's suggesting the most logical solution in the world. "You'll get to enjoy the trip without crying over that idiot."

I stare at him, incredulous. "I don't even know you."

"True," he admits, shrugging with an infuriating ease. Then, he holds a hand, his smirk deepening. "Jasper Milton. Pleasure to meet you."

I don't take his hand, instead I fold my arms across my chest and give him a pointed look. "This is ridiculous."

"Ridiculous is my middle name," Jasper replies, unfazed by my skepticism. "Think about it. You get to shove his betrayal right back in his face. Every time he sees you with me, laughing, having the time of your life, he'll regret every single thing he has done. Isn't that better than sulking in your cabin while he gets off scot-free?" His voice softens slightly, though the amusement never quite leaves his eyes. "And who knows? Maybe you'll actually have some fun for once. Let me guess, you don't do 'spontaneous' much, do you?"

I glare at him, unsure whether I should be offended or intrigued. "And why would you want to help me!" I ask, suspicion lacing my voice.

Jasper shrugs, his grin widening. "Because I hate cheaters," he says simply, but the glint in his eye suggests there is more to it. "And because, quite frankly, you look like you could use a little revenge. Plus," he adds, leaning closer. "I have a reputation for turning boring trips into something unforgettable."

When I still hesitate, he sighs dramatically, throwing his hands up as if he's already resigned to my refusal. "Look, if you're scared I'll make it weird, don't be. I've faked worse relationships for far less noble reasons. This? This is a favor." He pauses, his smirk softening into something almost genuine. "What's the worst that could happen? You're miserable anyway. Might as well be miserable with a purpose."

I stare at Jasper, my arms still crossed tightly over my chest, as if I can shield myself from the absurdity of his plan. My logical side is screaming at me to walk away, to leave this ridiculous stranger, and his outrageous idea behind. But another part of me - the part that's still stinging from betrayal, still replaying the image of my boyfriend in bed with another woman - hesitates.

The idea is crazy. Completely reckless. But wasn't this whole trip supposed to be about doing something I've never done before? About experiencing life in a way I've never had? That dream shattered the moment I walked into that room and saw him with her. Now, all I've been left with is the pain - and, perhaps, this unlikely offer of escape.

I glance at Jasper, his confident smirk still plastered across his annoyingly perfect face. He doesn't look like the kind of man who cares much for rules or propriety. Maybe that's what makes his offer so tempting. Revenge isn't my usual style, but the thought of my ex seeing me with someone like Jasper? Seeing me happy, carefree, even desirable? That is something I cannot entirely dismiss.

My gaze drifts back to the dark waves below, my voice barely audible. "This is insane," I murmur, more to myself than to him.

"Maybe," Jasper replies. "But sometimes a little insanity is just what you need."

This is my chance to reclaim the happiness this trip was supposed to bring. Straightening up, I meet his gaze.

"Fine. Let's do it," I say, surprising myself with the conviction in my voice.

Jasper's smirk widens, and he tilts his head, clearly amused. “Wow. I didn’t think you’d actually go for it. Guess I’m more convincing than I thought.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “Don’t get too comfortable. If we’re doing this, there are rules.”

“Rules,” he repeats, dragging out the word like it physically pains him. “Of course there are. Let me guess—no smiling, no fun, and definitely no me being myself?”

“Rule one,” I say, ignoring his sarcasm, “no physical intimacy unless absolutely necessary. Hand-holding or whatever, fine. But no kissing.”

Jasper raises an eyebrow, leaning in slightly. “No kissing? That’s ambitious. You do realize we’re trying to make the guy jealous, right? A little PDA goes a long way.”

“Kissing is off the table,” I say firmly, my voice like steel.

He holds up his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, Miss Morals. No kissing. Your loss, though.”

I give him a hard look before continuing. “Rule two: this is strictly for appearances. I’m not looking for a rebound or whatever… this is 'not' real.”

“Wow, you really know how to hurt a guy,” Jasper drawls, his smirk sharp as ever. “Don’t worry, princess. Your delicate little heart is safe with me.”

“Rule three,” I press on, ignoring him again, “we need a story. Something simple in case people ask how we met or why we’re together.”

“Oh, I’ve got this,” Jasper says, snapping his fingers like he has just had a brilliant idea. “You fell for my undeniable charm the second you saw me. Couldn’t resist.”

I blink at him, unimpressed. “Try again.”

“Fine,” he sighs dramatically. “How about this: I saved you from making a fool of yourself in front of your ex, you realized I’m the perfect fake boyfriend, and here we are.”

“Better,” I mutter, though I'm not entirely convinced. “Rule four: this ends the moment the cruise is over. No lingering, no pretending we’re still together for anyone’s sake.”

Jasper leans back, his arms crossed, a hint of a smirk still playing on his lips. “Whatever you say. But don’t cry when you miss me afterward.”

I shoot him a glare. “And rule five: no flirting with me when we’re not in public. This is strictly professional.”

His laughter is low, almost mocking. “Professional? This isn’t a business deal, sweetheart. But fine, if it makes you feel better, I’ll behave. Scout’s honor.”

“Somehow, I doubt you were ever a scout,” I muttered under my breath.

“Smart girl,” he replies smoothly, the glint in his eyes both infuriating and strangely magnetic. “Anything else, or can we get to work on making your ex hate himself?”

I hesitate for a moment, then shake my head. “No. That’s it.”

Jasper extends his hand toward me with a mock flourish. “Then let’s go show the world what a perfect fake couple looks like.”

I hesitate but finally take his hand, my mind still racing. "I'm Thea. Thea Jones."

This is insane. But as his fingers curl lightly around mine, I realize I'm no longer drowning in heartbreak. Maybe this will work.