Amelia Hart sat cross-legged on the edge of her velvet couch, staring at the golden-edged envelope in her hands. The city skyline glittered outside her penthouse windows, but even the shimmering lights couldn't distract her from the dread that had settled in her chest.
"You are cordially invited to your younger sister's wedding…"
The words seemed to mock her. Another wedding, another family gathering, and of course, another lecture about why she wasn't married yet. At twenty-eight, Amelia had achieved everything she'd ever wanted: a thriving luxury fashion brand, a sleek penthouse, a social calendar that could rival any influencer's. Yet apparently, none of that mattered to her mother.
"Another one?" she muttered, tossing the invitation onto the glass coffee table. The envelope slid and clattered against a stack of unopened letters.
Fiona, her bubbly assistant, peeked into the room, carrying a tray of herbal tea. "You're still thinking about not going?"
Amelia pinched the bridge of her nose. "Not just thinking. Dreading. Mom expects me to bring a boyfriend—preferably someone rich, charming, and not imaginary."
Fiona laughed. "Not imaginary… yet."
Amelia shot her a skeptical look. "I swear, if anyone suggests a dating app, I'm tossing my phone out the window."
"Actually…" Fiona's eyes gleamed with mischief, "there are people who rent boyfriends for weddings. It's a thing."
Amelia blinked. "Rent a boyfriend? Like… a professional date?"
"Yes!" Fiona grinned. "They show up, charm your family, pose for pictures, and disappear when you're done. You don't even have to explain yourself."
Amelia stared at her friend. The idea was ridiculous. And yet… the more she thought about it, the more appealing it sounded. For once, she could survive a family event without dodging awkward questions about her love life.
"Do people actually do this?" Amelia asked cautiously.
"People pay thousands," Fiona replied. "High-end services. And trust me, they're good. I know someone who hired a model for her sister's wedding—parents were impressed, ex-boyfriend got jealous, total win."
Amelia exhaled slowly. She wasn't desperate. Not really. But maybe a weekend of pretending could be… fun. Or at the very least, tolerable.
"Fine," she said finally. "I'll look into it. But only as research."
Fiona's grin widened. "Research is the first step to true love, you know."
Amelia rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips.
The next day, Amelia found herself scrolling through a high-end matchmaking service that promised "premium companions for exclusive events." Each profile was more attractive—and more intimidating—than the last. Tall, dark, muscular, perfect smiles, exotic names. I don't need this much perfection, she muttered. Yet curiosity pried her fingers across the screen.
Then she saw him: Ethan Black.
His photograph was impeccable, yet unpretentious. Sharp suit, confident stance, eyes that seemed to look right through the camera. But what really caught Amelia's attention wasn't the looks—it was the air of mystery surrounding him. Unlike the other profiles, he didn't gush about hobbies or favorite travel spots. The profile simply read:
"Professional companion. Available for exclusive events. Discretion guaranteed."
Amelia raised an eyebrow. Something about him was different. She clicked on the message button, typed out a brief inquiry, and within the hour, she had a reply.
"I'm available for your sister's wedding. Shall we discuss details over coffee?"
Amelia stared at the message. Coffee? This isn't a date. This is a business transaction.
And yet… she agreed.
Two days later, Amelia walked into a quiet café in the heart of the city. Her heart raced slightly—not from excitement, but from mild apprehension. She wasn't used to hiring people for personal reasons.
Then she saw him. Ethan Black.
He stood from the moment she entered, smooth and composed, eyes scanning her as if assessing her very soul. His dark hair was neatly styled, and his tailored navy suit made him look like he had just stepped out of a fashion magazine.
"Amelia Hart?" he asked, his voice smooth, calm, with a hint of amusement.
"Yes," she replied, extending her hand. "And you must be Ethan Black."
He shook her hand firmly, a spark of confidence that made her pulse quicken. "It's a pleasure. Shall we sit?"
They talked for what felt like hours, discussing the wedding, the expectations, the 'rules' of their agreement. Ethan was charming, witty, and endlessly composed. Amelia found herself laughing more than she had in weeks. And yet, behind his smile, there was something… unreadable. A depth she couldn't quite place.
By the time they parted, Amelia was both relieved and unnervingly intrigued. She had hired a companion for a weekend, not knowing that the man in front of her carried a world of secrets she wasn't prepared for.
As she walked back to her penthouse, Amelia thought about Ethan's eyes, the way he seemed to measure her carefully without judgment, and she couldn't help but wonder…
Was this really just a business arrangement? Or had she just invited a storm into her perfectly ordered life?