I'm still reeling from that kiss.
It wasn't like a movie kiss, where everything slows down and the world fades out. No, this kiss was more like a sharp jab to the gut. In front of everyone. The crowd around us goes wild, clapping, cheering, completely buying into the whole fake couple routine.
Eli pulls away just enough to grin at me, his breath warm against my cheek. "See? I told you we'd convince them."
I blink, stunned, still trying to process the fact that I've just kissed my fake boyfriend in front of an entire wedding reception. But I try to play it cool, because what else can you do? It's either laugh it off or melt into a puddle of embarrassment. I go with option one.
"Yeah, real convincing," I mutter, trying to act casual, but I can feel my face burning. "Great job, Romeo."
Eli chuckles, and it sounds like he's genuinely enjoying this. "I think you've got the hang of it. You were practically a natural."
"You're a disaster," I shoot back, but I can't help but laugh. I mean, it was kind of funny. There we were, surrounded by people who would never guess the truth about us. And then there's me, playing the part of the girlfriend in a love story that's about as real as a Hollywood romance.
But then I glance over at Lucas again.
Why is he still here?
I don't know why I'm surprised. Of course, he's still here. He's probably not going to let this go. But as I look back at him across the dance floor, I see something that makes my heart do a weird flip—he's looking at us. But it's not the anger or disappointment I expected. No, it's more like he's watching me with some kind of regret, something I can't quite figure out.
The kind of regret that says, "I made a mistake, and now I have to fix it."
I break my gaze away quickly, my stomach twisting with confusion.
"Cleo?" Eli's voice brings me back to reality. "You okay?"
"Yeah," I say, way too quickly, not even sure I believe it myself. "Just... fine."
He doesn't look convinced, but he lets it slide. For now.
The night goes on in a blur of fancy drinks, awkward small talk, and terrible wedding speeches that make me wish I could disappear into the background. But at least the tension between us and the crowd has lifted. It's like we've suddenly become the it couple. Everyone keeps coming over to congratulate us, tell us how cute we look together, and all that nonsense. The thing is, I'm not even sure how to act. Do I keep up the act, or do I let my guard down? I'm not here to make real memories with Eli, but it's hard not to get sucked into the energy of the night.
At some point, I find myself at the bar, nursing a drink that probably has more sugar than I should be consuming. Eli's gone off to talk to his aunt about the wedding planning, leaving me alone with my thoughts. Which is exactly the kind of situation I don't need. I'd much rather be distracted.
And then—of course—who shows up? Lucas.
I don't even need to see his face to know it's him. I can feel his presence the second he walks up behind me, like an unwanted shadow I can't shake.
"Cleo," he says quietly, his voice almost a whisper against the thrum of the wedding music.
I turn around, my heart pounding in my chest like it's trying to make a break for it. "What are you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same thing," he says, his eyes glinting with something I can't quite read.
I cross my arms, trying to keep my cool. "It's a wedding. People are allowed to show up."
"You didn't think I'd just disappear, did you?" he says, leaning in a little too close for comfort. "We have unfinished business."
Unfinished business? What is this, a bad crime drama?
"I think you're mistaken," I reply, doing my best to keep the edge out of my voice. "We don't have anything to finish."
Lucas looks at me for a long moment, like he's trying to figure something out. I'm not sure what he's looking for, but it makes me feel... uncomfortable. "You've really moved on, huh?"
I open my mouth to respond, but the words get stuck in my throat. Moved on? He's asking me if I've moved on? The guy who dumped me out of nowhere?
Before I can find the words to respond, Eli appears at my side. His hand slips into mine, giving it a gentle squeeze, and his posture shifts—protective, almost defensive.
"What's going on here?" Eli's voice is calm, but there's a hard edge to it.
Lucas looks between us, his gaze flickering from me to Eli, and then back again. There's a shift in his expression—something almost like defeat.
"Nothing," Lucas says after a beat. "I was just... checking in."
"Checking in?" Eli's tone is sharp now. "I don't think Cleo needs any checking in, thanks."
I can't help but feel grateful to Eli for stepping in. I don't need Lucas in my life. I definitely don't need him messing up the "pretend" relationship I've got going with Eli. But then I look at Eli, and for a second, I swear I see something in his eyes—a flicker of something that looks like concern.
He's still holding my hand, like we're in this together. But then I remind myself that this is all fake. This isn't real. I can't let myself get carried away with what's happening between us, even if it feels like we're playing a game we don't know how to quit.
"Let's go," I say, turning toward Eli with a small nod. I don't need to look back at Lucas. He's not my problem anymore.
Eli follows me, pulling me gently by the hand, leading me away from the bar and into the swirl of guests still celebrating. As we walk, I can't help but feel this weird twinge in my chest. Part of me is relieved that Lucas isn't hanging around anymore, but another part of me wonders if there's something I'm missing.
But that feeling doesn't last long. Eli pulls me closer, his voice low and teasing as we head toward the edge of the reception. "So, what's the deal with your ex?"
I roll my eyes, trying to keep things light. "Just a really bad chapter in my life. Let's just leave it there."
Eli chuckles. "Got it. You're a woman of mystery."
"Trust me, I'm not mysterious," I mutter. "I'm just... complicated."
Eli's smile widens, and it's like the whole world could disappear, and I'd still be stuck here with him. The weirdest part? I don't mind.