Foul Play in Love

45 Minutes

~~~

"What?" Rose's voice echoed, louder than she intended, as her world felt like it was shaking beneath her feet. She stared into Jace's eyes, searching for any hint of a joke.

Placing her hands on her waist, she scoffed. "You're serious? First, you frame me for some third-rate crime, and now you're telling me to date you? Aren't you afraid I'm some deranged stalker who could do anything to you?"

Jace's gaze remained fixed on her, but his expression shifted—sharp, calculating, almost like a mastermind. Rose frowned, bracing herself for yet another ridiculous allegation.

"Listen to me," he said, his tone calmer now.

"I'm listening. Waiting for your explanation," she said, crossing her arms tightly over her chest.

"This situation reminds me of a movie I watched last night," he began, but Rose cut him off.

"Is this—"

"Hold on," he interrupted, holding up five fingers. "Last night, I watched a thriller about a serial killer. It was so good that I still remember every detail." He paused before continuing, his face lighting up slightly. "Now, this might sound crazy, but... this isn't real dating. It's undercover dating."

A sly smile spread across his face, while Rose's heartbeat spiked. Her wide eyes narrowed, brows furrowing. "What the hell is undercover dating? Is he trying to catch a killer?" she thought.

"So, you're saying this stalker is nothing more than a psycho? And your plan is to use me as bait, pretending I'm your stalker so she'll reveal herself?" Rose asked, her tone laced with irritation and disbelief.

Jace's face lit up with excitement. "Exactly! How did you know? That's the plan!"

Rose scoffed, her jaw tightening. "Are you kidding me? You're giving me this disgusting role, and then you expect me to date you? You realize every girl in school is going to target me, right? Are you out of your mind?"

His grin faded slightly, realizing she had a point. Clicking his tongue, he muttered, "But doesn't that make me a creep for dating my stalker? So, it's balanced."

"Die, idiot," she cursed him in her mind.

Rose sighed, her tone softening slightly. "I get that you're desperate to catch this stalker, and I understand why. But dragging me into this? It just doesn't sit right."

Jace's eyes scanned her—her petite frame, her long braided hair. His focus drifted as he took in her simple yet striking features and her slightly tinted lips.

"You'll fit the role," Jace said casually, earning a sharp glare from Rose. "Because you're not exactly... popular."

"You—" Rose began, ready to explode again, but was interrupted as the PE teacher, Mr. Peter, appeared at the doorway.

"Where have you two been? Hurry up!" he barked.

"We're in the middle of a proposal, sir," Jace replied, his tone light.

Rose shot him a murderous look.

Mr. Peter chuckled. "Who's proposing?"

"Me, sir," Jace said proudly.

"Well, make it quick. You both have duties. Good luck!" Mr. Peter walked away, leaving Rose clicking her tongue in frustration.

"What a day," she muttered. "Jace Hale, I used to think you were tolerable. Not anymore."

Jace chuckled. "Like I care. Anyway, once we're out of here, we'll act like a couple. In the canteen, we'll sit with our friends and tell them what's going on. Then my friends, using a fake account, will leak the 'news' that you were my stalker and that I actually liked you. That'll lure her out."