Falling for the Charade (DROPPED)

Chapter 1: A Wedding Planner's Dilemma

Emily Dawson has an uncanny ability to plan the most beautiful weddings. She could transform ordinary sites into enchanted landscapes, arrange bouquets that seemed like they'd bloomed straight from a dream, and choreograph dances that left guests confident they'd watched true love in action. Despite her abilities, she couldn't create her own happily ever after.

Emily found herself on the verge of an event that would put her skills to the ultimate test as the bustling streets of Chicago buzzed with the beat of life - her younger sister's wedding. It should have been a joyous occasion, but there was one minor hiccup. Actually, it was more of a massive hiccup.

Daniel, Emily's ex-fiancé, was the best man.

As a result, the drama began.

Sarah, Emily's sister, had become an expert at reading her sister's mind, and she had no patience for Emily's gloomy stares at Daniel. Sarah held a family gathering to say, "Let's gather and figure out how to keep Emily from having a nervous breakdown before the wedding."

The family gathering was held at their favorite neighborhood cafe, and while Emily sipped her cappuccino, Sarah wasted no time. Her gaze was riveted on Emily as she leaned across the table."Em," Sarah said, her voice determined, "we need to talk about your love life."

Emily let out a sigh. "Sarah, we've been over this. My love life is fine, just non-existent at the moment. I'm focusing on my career."

Sarah cocked her brow. "And your career is fantastic, no doubt. But we both know that our family gatherings can turn into a real-life soap opera, especially with Daniel being the best man."

That was something Emily couldn't argue with. The memories of her failed engagement stayed in her heart like a tenacious stain. She couldn't face the thought of Daniel's presence bringing up previous feelings.

Sarah leaned in closer, her voice lowering to a suspicious whisper. "Em, what if we avoid the drama altogether? You know, by... finding you a date for the wedding?"

Emily's pupils dilated. "A date? You want me to bring a stranger to the wedding just to avoid questions about Daniel?"

Sarah gave a nod. "Exactly. It's a win-win. We sidestep the drama, and you get to show the world that you've moved on."

Emily thought about her sister's strategy. It was insane, brazen, and a touch silly. But when she saw Sarah's resolute countenance, she couldn't help but sense a glimmer of optimism. Maybe, just maybe, this insane plot will work.

Sarah continued, her voice brimming with passion. "We'll find you someone charming, handsome, and utterly convincing. A fake boyfriend to sweep you off your feet for the weekend. What do you say, Em?"

Emily paused for a while, her thoughts racing with the possibilities and drawbacks of such a strategy. She nodded, a slight smile on her face.

"Okay, Sarah. Let's do it. Let's find me a fake boyfriend."

And so the charade began.