Emily and James became more competent at presenting a convincing pair as they continued to practice for the forthcoming wedding. Their contrived love moments had become almost natural, and they manoeuvred their phoney relationship with a mix of wit and charm.
Emily couldn't help but be nervous as the Dawson family gathered for pre-wedding celebrations. Her family had a penchant for making even the most mundane events into great theatrical productions. She thought that she could keep the turmoil at bay with James by her side.
The first event was a casual dinner at Emily's parents' home to greet wedding guests and establish the tone for the weekend. Emily and James walked in together, their smiles perfected and their chemistry evident.
Emily's mother, Margaret, embraced her as they approached the house. "Emily, dear, it's so lovely to see you. And who's this charming young man?"
James smiled and extended his hand. "I'm James, Emily's boyfriend. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Margaret smiled, clearly pleased. "Oh, you two make such a handsome couple! Come, come, let me introduce you to everyone."
The evening went relatively smoothly. Emily was relieved when her extended family, including her quirky Uncle Larry and his pet ferret, took a fancy to James. Daniel's presence was felt, but he appeared preoccupied, which Emily saw as a minor success.
James played his part gracefully at dinner, engaging in light conversation and charming Emily's relatives. His ability to handle her eccentric family members with grace and humour astonished Emily.
Emily and James exchanged a few furtive glances and whispered jokes as the night progressed, quietly enjoying their newfound friendship. Emily couldn't deny their developing attraction, even if it were all for show.
Later that evening, while they were alone in the garden, James leaned in and whispered, "You're doing great, Emily. Your family adores us."
Emily laughed gently. "They do, don't they? It's almost too good to be true."
James's expression softened, and he reached out to tuck a stray hair behind her ear. "You're doing a fantastic job, Em. You've got this."
But, as Emily began to relax and enjoy the charade, tension rose. Daniel's interest in James was palpable, and he observed their interactions with a keen eye.
As the night ended, Emily couldn't help but worry if their ruse had worked as well as they had anticipated. So far, she had avoided a family feud, but the wedding was still coming up, and emotions were likely to rise. Emily couldn't shake the feeling that the ruse was about to become much more convoluted than she had thought as the events of the evening replayed in her head.
YOU ARE READING
Falling for the Charade (DROPPED)
Romance"Falling for the Charade" is a contemporary romance with clever banter and amusing mishaps. Emily, a wedding planner, hires a lovely stranger named James to portray her pretend boyfriend for her sister's wedding. Their chemistry creates surprising r...
