Fake Date, Real Fate

The limo pulled away, its red taillights shrinking into the night.

A second later, the iron gates of the rosegate estate creaked open.

"good evening, miss Isabella," the gateman said with a polite bow.

"hi, Mr. Thompson," I replied, forcing a smile.

I adjusted the stupidly heavy necklace around my neck and stepped inside, heels tapping lightly on the stone walkway that led to the massive front door.

I didn’t get too far when my eyes caught the figure of someone standing motionless on the steps, half hidden in the shadows.

I jumped back. "Oh my gosh!"

My heart dropped until I realized─

It was Aria.

In a satin robe, wearing a glittering house slides and a silk scarf wrapped around her head like she was prepping for a vogue cover shoot.

And strapped to her face?