Let's pretend we're together

Chapter 1.

From Riley's POV:

People often romanticize love, creating a picturesque dream where you live out your fantasies with the one you adore. But reality has a different brushstroke. Love, in its raw form, can be a fire that burns and leaves scars, yet somehow we remain undeterred. We're willing to sacrifice everything for someone who may not do the same for us. Love, far from fair, has a way of challenging our perceptions and pushing us to our limits.

It all began on that fateful December 21st, the day we embarked on our journey as a couple. Those initial months were a whirlwind of perfection, each moment etched in my memory like a cherished photograph. But as time passed, the cracks in our relationship started to show, and my worst nightmare unfolded before my eyes. We had agreed to maintain friendships with people of the opposite gender, a decision that never bothered me until Mariana, his best friend, crossed a line. With each planting of a kiss on his cheek and each endearing term like "love" and "prince" she used, my heart twisted in agony. The hurt cut deep, exposing the vulnerability I had kept hidden.

To complicate matters, his behavior became increasingly controlling. He demanded access to all my social media accounts, dictating my every move with a possessiveness that suffocated my sense of self. I had never desired to be a mother, convinced that I would be inadequate in that role, and he resented that. The anger simmered beneath the surface, escalating with each disagreement. In hindsight, I realize that fear had always lurked within me, an unspoken apprehension of what he was capable of.

We broke up multiple times, our love an intricate dance of separation and reunion. But a few weeks ago, I summoned the strength to make the decision to end things for good. Six months of enduring the pain had pushed me to my limit. His pleas for another chance fell on deaf ears, as I stood resolute in my choice. In his anger, he resorted to hurting me in various ways, even manipulating my mother into believing I had betrayed him. Now, I'm left with the burden of maintaining a facade of friendship, a masquerade that hides my true feelings. Deep down, he should know that I will never see him as anything more than an acquaintance—a person from my past whose presence I will forever keep at arm's length.

Just a few days ago, I experienced a rare and beautiful moment of solace during a three-hour video call with my best friend, Mia Rodriguez. It was a breath of fresh air, bringing warmth and happiness to my soul. Life has thrown many challenges my way, but Mia and Lina, my other best friend whom I affectionately refer to as "My wifey," have been my saving grace. Lina has remained a steadfast companion, brightening my darkest moments with her unwavering loyalty and unwavering love.

And now, here I am, stuck in the midst of a dreadfully boring history class, my mind wandering far from the mundane lectures. The teacher's voice interrupts my thoughts, pulling me back to reality. I snap back with a jolt when he calls my name.

"Miss Jones?" he says, amusement lacing his words.

"Uh, yes, sir?" I respond, slightly flustered as I gather my bearings.

"I hope your daydreaming revolves around Napoleon," he jests, triggering laughter from the entire class, except for one person—Leo Smith. Leo, a classmate, stands out from the rest with his different energy, his presence not tinged with the usual foolishness. Mia and Lina, my closest confidantes, unfortunately, are a year younger than me, a fact that occasionally leaves me feeling frustrated and isolated. As the class finally draws to a close, Leo and I make our way to the library, where we usually work on our assigned project. It has become our routine, and afterwards, we often grab a drink together at Starbucks.

"You okay?" Leo asks, genuine concern evident in his eyes.

"Yeah, why?" I reply, genuinely curious about his inquiry.

"He thinks he's hilarious," Leo says, referring to the teacher's attempt at humor.

"But we both know he's not," I retort, finding solace in the shared understanding between Leo and me.

Leo has always shown kindness to me, though he tends to talk excessively about his now-ex-girlfriend, Emily. Despite the occasional conversation about their relationship, I am not jealous. Instead, I want to ensure that Emily doesn't misinterpret our interactions as an attempt to steal Leo away. In truth, love has lost its appeal to me. I have convinced myself that it simply isn't meant for me, that it exists in a realm I cannot access.

"Rils?" Leo hesitates, his voice laced with uncertainty.

"Yeah?" I respond, my curiosity piqued by his hesitation.

"Um... Emily and I... we're... over. I need your help," Leo admits, his vulnerability laid bare as he seeks my assistance.

"What do you need?" I inquire, my heart open to supporting my friend in his time of need.

"So, there's this dinner at my parents' house, and I told them I'd be bringing my girlfriend. It's happening in a few days, and I need you to be my fake girlfriend... pretty please with a cherry on top," Leo implores, his eyes pleading for my cooperation.

"Uhmm..... okay, but you owe me," I reply with a smirk, accepting the unexpected challenge presented to me.

As I arrive home, a mix of apprehension and curiosity fills my mind. I now have a week to learn everything about being a girlfriend—a crash course in emotions and actions that usually take time to cultivate. This unexpected adventure promises to be a test of my acting skills and a chance to explore uncharted territories. I can't help but wonder how this chapter in my life will unfold.