Fake Love, Real Trouble

Nathan's day started like any other. School was uneventful, the usual routine of classes, assignments, and avoiding unnecessary interactions. He blended in well, just another student in the sea of faces. But as he returned home, the contrast in his life became stark.

Unlike most of his classmates who had families waiting for them, Nathan's house was eerily quiet. The mansion was spacious yet void of warmth, a place where wealth was evident but companionship was absent. It had been this way for years, and he had long stopped expecting it to change.

Then, his phone rang.

Nathan glanced at the screen. The name flashing on it made him sigh.

"Uncle Arthur."

Reluctantly, he picked up.

"Nathan, my favorite nephew! What do you say we have a little dinner tonight?"

Nathan leaned back on the couch, rubbing his temple. Arthur wasn't the kind of person to call without a reason.

"Why the sudden invitation?" he asked, already anticipating the answer.

"Can't an uncle just want to see his favorite nephew?" Arthur replied with mock innocence.

Nathan exhaled. It wasn't like he had anything better to do.

"Fine."

"Excellent. Dress nicely, of course. I'll send a car for you."

With that, the call ended, and Nathan dragged himself off the couch. He knew Arthur well enough—casual wear wasn't an option.

Nathan stood before his mirror, adjusting the cuffs of his tuxedo. The tailored suit fit him perfectly, the deep black fabric enhancing his sharp features. He ran a hand through his styled hair, ensuring every strand was in place.

For a brief moment, he barely recognized himself.

At school, he was just Nathan—the quiet, unremarkable student. But like this? He could walk into any high-profile event, and no one would dare overlook him.

The sound of a car horn snapped him from his thoughts.

Outside, a sleek limousine awaited.

Dinner with Arthur

The restaurant was a five-star establishment, a place where only the elite dined. Nathan stepped inside, exuding an air of effortless confidence.

At a reserved table sat Arthur Cole, his uncle—a man in his late thirties, dressed impeccably in a dark suit.

Arthur looked up and smirked.

"Well, look at you. If I didn't know better, I'd say you were royalty."

Nathan merely shrugged as he took his seat.

"Had to, right? You wouldn't let me show up in jeans."

Arthur chuckled, swirling the wine in his glass.

"So tell me, Nathan… no girlfriend yet?"

Nathan scoffed.

"You think it's that easy? School me and the me sitting here are two different people."

Arthur leaned forward, intrigued.

"Is that so? Then what did you do instead?"

Nathan sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Long story short, some girl needed a fake boyfriend. I said yes."

Arthur raised a brow.

"Why would you agree to something like that?"

Nathan smirked.

"I don't know. She looked like she needed help."

Arthur chuckled, but his amusement only grew when Nathan mentioned Derek—the supposed boyfriend Lilian had been dealing with.

"Ah, I see. The rich, arrogant captain of the soccer team. Let me guess—his father's loaded, and he thinks that gives him the right to do whatever he wants?"

Nathan nodded.

"Pretty much. Guy's a jerk."

Arthur took a sip of his wine.

"Why not put him in his place? You could easily show him up, you know. Especially considering who you are."

Nathan's expression darkened slightly.

"I don't need to. I can handle him in my own way. I don't need to wave around the Cole name."

Arthur smirked.

"Still insisting on doing things your own way, huh?"

Nathan simply nodded.

Arthur's gaze turned contemplative.

"Alright, if you don't want to flaunt your wealth, fair enough. But tell me—why not just take his spot?"

Nathan blinked.

"What?"

"You were a wonderkid once, Nathan. You had talent that caught the attention of Barcelona scouts. You could've been a star."

Nathan stiffened. The words hit him deeper than he expected.

"That was a long time ago."

Arthur studied him carefully before speaking again.

"Ah… it's because of 'that incident,' isn't it?"

Nathan lowered his gaze, silent.

Arthur sighed, leaning back.

"I figured as much."

An Unexpected Suggestion

Sensing the shift in mood, Arthur changed the subject.

"Anyway, back to this fake girlfriend of yours… if you're going to do this, at least do it right."

Nathan looked up, frowning.

"What do you mean?"

Arthur smirked.

"Make it believable. Be a good fake boyfriend. Give them a show."

Nathan rolled his eyes.

"Why would I go through all that trouble?"

"Because, Nathan," Arthur grinned, "you used to be an amazing actor. You always got lead roles in middle school back in France. What happened to that charm?"

Nathan shook his head, exasperated.

Arthur continued rambling, offering unsolicited advice on how to play the role of the perfect boyfriend. Nathan mostly tuned him out, waiting for the conversation to end.

A Decision is Made

Later that night, back home, Nathan sat on the couch, lost in thought.

Arthur's words echoed in his mind.

"Fake or not, at least make it look real."

Nathan exhaled.

Maybe Arthur had a point.

Maybe… it was time to start playing the role properly.

End of Chapter 4.