Chapter 2 Five Years Have Passed

• Sarah***
• “So here’s another basket from our favorite Maximus.”
• “Yeah, and yet another win for the team.”
• “It’s great to have a player who once quit basketball now ruling the court.”
• “You’re right. And it’s also great we’re all here to witness another win for his team.”
• “Why do you think they call him Magnus Maximus?”
• “Yeah, right…”
• “How many times do I have to tell you not to waste your time watching this nonsense?” Sam’s voice cut through the commentary, and before I could protest, he turned off the television with a sigh.
• “I hate you!” I groaned, throwing myself back onto the couch, not even trying to hide my irritation.
• “Hate me all you want,” he replied, completely unfazed. “But we don’t have time to waste on these games.” He gestured dismissively at the darkened screen.
• “I was just watching the match, not wasting time,” I argued, sitting up with a pout.
• “Fine. But now, get up and change into something appropriate. You can’t keep walking around in your PJs.”
• I glanced down at myself. My comfy pajama set didn’t seem that bad. Maybe not as polished as Sam’s tailored perfection, but certainly not horrible.
• “Fine,” I grumbled as I stood up, crouching to gather the empty chip packets and stray popcorn littering the couch and floor.
• “What the heck are you doing?” Sam grabbed my wrist, stopping me mid-cleanup. “Leave it. Go get ready. And for heaven’s sake, pick a dress that looks current. Wear it. Love it.”
• “You know, this is why I stay friends with you,” I teased, throwing my arms around him in a mock hug.
• “Because I’m rich?” Sam quipped, his eyebrow arching as he began tidying up the mess I’d made.
• I shook my head, smirking. “Because you’re kind. Well, kind and rich.”
• “Selfish girl.” He laughed, lightly shoving me toward my room. “Now go, or I swear I’ll kick you out of my place.”
• “Maybe you should find a new girlfriend before doing that—a real one this time.” I winked at him over my shoulder.
• “That’s the problem.” He sighed dramatically. “I can’t find anyone better than you.”
• “Exactly! I’m the best!” I struck a theatrical pose before bowing, earning an eye roll from him.
• “Yeah, yeah, I know. Now go!” He turned me around and gave me a gentle push toward my room.
• I stepped into the bathroom for a quick shower, refreshed and ready to dress for the occasion. When I came back out, my eyes fell on three shopping bags sitting on the bed—luxury brands, all in my size.
• I frowned. Sam always did this—splurging on expensive clothes for me. I hated him spending so much on me, but with the high-profile parties he dragged me to, I couldn’t exactly show up in my worn-out jeans. Standing next to Sam meant looking the part.
• We might have been in a fake relationship, but when we were in public, we played the part convincingly.
• I picked a dress after much deliberation, slipping it on and letting out a satisfied sigh as I checked my reflection. The elegant cut and soft fabric made me feel almost... beautiful.
• “Ready!” I called, stepping into the living room with a wide smile. “So, how do I look?” I placed my hands on my hips, striking a playful pose.
• Sam looked up from his iPad, his eyes widening slightly as he took me in. “Beautiful,” he murmured. Then his brow furrowed. “But something’s missing.”
• “What?!” I asked, spinning to examine myself.
• “Wait here,” he said and disappeared before I could argue.
• I glanced at my reflection again in the full-length mirror. What could possibly be missing?
• Sam returned moments later, standing behind me in the mirror’s reflection.
• “Sam…” I turned my head toward him.
• “Turn around,” he instructed softly. His hands brushed my shoulder as he gently moved my hair aside and fastened a necklace around my neck.
• “Sam, this is…” My voice trailed off as I stared at the glittering piece of jewelry.
• “Gorgeous,” he finished, smiling at me through the mirror.
• “I can’t take this,” I protested, my hand flying up to the necklace.
• “It’s rude to refuse a gift.”
• “Sam, this is too expensive.” I tried to take it off, but he grabbed my hands, stopping me.
• “If you don’t like it, we can exchange it. But I’m not taking it back.”
• “It’s beautiful,” I whispered, my fingers brushing over the delicate pendant. “But I don’t deserve it.”
• “You deserve the world,” Sam said, pressing a soft kiss to my hair. “Now stop arguing, or we’ll be late.”
• “Where are we going?” I asked as we walked toward his car.
• “You’ll see,” he replied with a mischievous grin.
• The blindfold caught me off guard. “Sam, why are you blindfolding me?”
• “It’s a surprise.” His hands rested on my shoulders, guiding me carefully. “Just trust me.”
• When he finally removed the blindfold, it took my eyes a few seconds to adjust to the light. The sight before me stole my breath.
• A greenhouse transformed into a magical wonderland, illuminated by warm string lights, surrounded us. Fresh flowers filled the air with their sweet fragrance, and a table for two sat in the center, perfectly set under the moonlit sky.
• “Wow…” The word slipped from my lips before I could stop it.
• “You like it?” Sam asked, his smile wide and hopeful.
• “It’s beautiful,” I replied. “But, Sam, why are we here?”
• His demeanor shifted. He took my hands, his gaze steady yet vulnerable. “I finally worked up the courage to say this.”
• “Sam…” My heart started to race.
• “Sarah… will you do me a favor and turn our fake relationship into a real one?”