Alina's head shifted restlessly on the pillow, her face twisted in discomfort, as though trapped in a nightmare.

 Then, suddenly, her eyes snapped open, wide and filled with panic. She gasped for air, her chest rising rapidly as though she'd been drowning.

 She raised a trembling hand to her face, but a sharp sting in her arm made her flinch.

 Her gaze dropped, and she saw it- the thin IV line taped to her skin.

 Confused, she slowly sat up and yanked it out. The pain made her wince, but she didn't stop.

 Looking around the sterile white room, the strong scent of disinfectant stung her nose.

 She was in a hospital.

 But why?

 Then, flashes of memory crashed into her mind painfully; her boyfriend's cruel words, her sister's laughter... the image of them in bed together.

 Her pale, dry lips curled into a faint smile, but it wasn't one of joy. It was bitter.

 They had made a fool of her.

 She had given them her trust, her love... and they had crushed it like it meant nothing.

 A slight sound made her turn her head. That was when she noticed someone sitting in a chair beside her bed.

 It was her friend curled up awkwardly, dozing in the uncomfortable seat.

 Alina stared at her for a moment, then quietly pushed the blanket off her legs. She slid her feet to the floor and stood up, moving silently toward the door.

 The sound of movement stirred Lorraine. Her brows furrowed as she blinked awake just in time to see Alina nearing the exit.

 "Hey-wait!" Lorraine quickly stood and reached for her, gently grabbing her arm. "What are you doing? You shouldn't be walking around."

 Alina turned to her. "I'm leaving," she said plainly.

 "Leaving?" Lorraine frowned, placing her hands lightly on Alina's shoulders. "Alina, don't tell me you're planning something stupid-like hurting yourself?"

 Alina glanced down at Lorraine's hands, then slowly reached up and removed them.

 "Hurt myself?" she repeated with a soft laugh, shaking her head. "No. That would make it too easy for them. And they don't deserve that."

 "He'll pay for this." She added.

 Lorraine stared at her, brows furrowed. She didn't need to ask. She already knew.

 Alina must have found out about Kelvin and Jennifer... the very thing she'd been warning her about.

 "What are you going to do?" Lorraine asked cautiously, her eyes locked on her friend's eerily calm expression.

 Alina shrugged, casually twisting a lock of her hair around one finger. "Nothing drastic. Just... going to be a little more selfish now."

 She glanced over her shoulder, her lips curling again, "Maybe even a little wicked."

 She chuckled, a sound that sent a chill down Lorraine's spine.

 "Come on," Alina said, already heading for the door. "Let's go."

 Lorraine remained there, watching her walk out of the ward like she didn't care about anything anymore.

 She wanted to say something, to stop her, to ask if she was really okay.

 But no words came.

 Was she alright? Did she need a doctor? A therapist?

 Or was this just... Alina now?

 Still silent, Lorraine followed.

 ......

 Alina glanced up at the familiar building she'd always called home, inhaling softly before walking toward the front door.

 Inside, everything felt colder than she remembered. Without hesitation, she made her way to her room. Once there, she pulled a suitcase from under the bed and opened her wardrobe.

 She began folding clothes, placing them neatly inside until something on the nightstand caught her eye.

 A framed picture.

 She picked it up slowly.

 It was of her and Kelvin, both smiling brightly, arms wrapped around each other. His cheek was pressed against hers.

 Her fingers brushed lightly over the glass. They looked happy. Like the perfect couple in a perfect love story.

 But it had all been a lie.

 "You're home?"

 A voice interrupted, and Alina turned to see her stepsister standing in the doorway, arms crossed, a smug smile playing on her lips.

 Alina said nothing. She simply turned back to her suitcase and calmly resumed her packing.

 Jennifer stepped further into the room. "Going somewhere?" she asked, stifling back a laugh. "You know... it's honestly hilarious how long we kept you fooled."

 Still, Alina didn't respond. She didn't even flinch.

 Jennifer walked further in, eyes gleaming with cruelty. "Remember that night Kelvin told you he had a business meeting on your first anniversary?"

 She let out a mocking sigh. "Well, the truth is... he was with me. Between my legs, to be exact."

 Her smile widened. "It was... unforgettable."

 Alina didn't react. She kept folding. Kept zipping. Kept moving.

 Jennifer stepped closer until she was right behind her.

 "I have a little secret," she whispered, leaning in like they were sharing gossip. "Shh... don't tell Kelvin I told you."

 She leaned in even closer, her lips nearly brushing Alina's ear.

 "I was the one who texted you yesterday to come to the penthouse. I thought it was finally time you saw the truth for yourself. He never loved you, Alina. He was always mine."

 Alina zipped her luggage shut and lifted it from the bed before finally turning to her sister.

 "I wish you two all the best." she said softly, a small smile forming on her lips. "You make a lovely pair."

 Without waiting for a reaction, she walked past Jennifer and out the door.

 Jennifer stood frozen in place, her smile fading. That wasn't the reaction she wanted.

 She had expected rage. Tears.

 But instead, Alina walked away like none of it mattered anymore.

 And somehow... that hurt more.

 ........

 Alina arrived at Lorraine's apartment, suitcase in hand. After a brief rest, she decided to visit her workplace.

 "Are you sure you're okay enough to go to work?" Lorraine had asked, but Alina could only smile.

 When she arrived at the shop, she paused outside the glass door. Inside, she saw Fred, the older man who'd been her boss for years, checking over the arrangements and speaking to staff.

 She stepped in quietly.

 Fred looked up, momentarily surprised. "Well, well..." His voice trailed off as he took her in; simple clothes, a tired but composed face, hair pulled into a messy bun.

 "What a surprise," he said, walking toward her with a half-smile.

 "Good afternoon, sir," Alina greeted politely.

 "It's been ages."

 "I know," she said. "Am I still allowed to come to work, Fred?"

 Fred chuckled warmly. "Why not? This place missed you, Alina. We could really use your eye for colors."

 Alina laughed. "Thanks so much, sir."

 Without wasting time, she walked over to her section while Fred quietly watched her.

 Alina began gathering stems, petals, and ribbon. Her coworkers couldn't stop whispering as they watched her with furrowed brows.

 "What's she doing?" one murmured.

 "Isn't that... a funeral bouquet?" another asked, brows furrowed.

 "Boss," someone whispered to Fred nearby, "is she-"

 "Let her be," he said gently but firmly. "Just let her do it."

 Then he turned away, leaving Alina alone with her flowers.

 ******

 When Alina returned home that evening, she found Lorraine lounging in the living room, scrolling through her phone.

 "Did that do the magic? I mean, your workplace," Lorraine asked.

 Alina sighed as she hung up her coat. "It was distracting," she admitted, moving to sit beside her.

 Lorraine nudged her playfully. "Good. Distraction is the first step."

 "What?" Alina arched a brow.

 Lorraine grinned. "You remember there's a dating party tonight?"

 Alina groaned, leaning back. "I'm not going."

 "I know, I know. That's where you met Kelvin. But-"

 "I'm still not going," Alina cut in firmly.

 Lorraine groaned. "Come on, it'll be fun. Your ex won't be there. After you two started dating, he stopped showing up. He's too rich and proud to attend things like that. And who knows? You might even meet someone better."

 Alina stared at her friend. Lorraine had a point. Maybe a distraction was exactly what she needed, a little dancing and some wine.

 But then her mind drifted back to the funeral bouquet she'd made earlier.

 What if she gave Kelvin a little goodbye gift?

 She imagined the look on his face. The thought made her chuckle loudly.

 Lorraine frowned. "What are you thinking? You're scaring me," she muttered, watching as her friend kept chuckling.

 "Can you escort me to Kelvin's place?" Alina asked with a mischievous smile. "I have a surprise for him."

Lorraine's brows furrowed as she stood beside Alina in front of the flower shop. The lights were still on, and the place looked quiet.

 "What are we doing here?" Lorraine asked, gently.

 "I told you I needed to visit Kelvin." Alina replied calmly.

 "Okay... and what's that got to do with coming here?"

 "I left him a gift, and I came to get it." Alina smiled faintly and walked toward the door. "Just wait here. I won't be long," she said before stepping inside.

 A moment later, she spotted her boss arranging a vase on the counter.

 "Alina? What are you doing here?"

 "I could ask you the same," she said awkwardly, offering a small smile.

 He chuckled. "Came to grab a few things I forgot. You?"

 "I came for the bouquet I made earlier," she said.

 "The funeral wreaths?" he asked, confused.

 Alina nodded. "Yeah. That one."

 He hesitated, studying her for a moment. "Is everything okay with you?"

 "It is," she responded curtly, walking over to collect the bouquet. "Thanks, Fred."

 She waved at him and left the shop, stepping out to meet Lorraine who was waiting with raised brows.

 Lorraine's eyes nearly popped out when she saw the bouquet. "Oh my God. Who died?"

 Alina simply shrugged. "Well..." she started, then forced a smile. "Let's go."

 The two of them hailed a cab, and within minutes, they arrived at Kelvin's mansion.

 Alina turned to Lorraine, clutching the flowers tightly. "I'll be back."

 Lorraine's jaw dropped. "You're not seriously giving that to Kelvin, are you?" She pointed at the wreath in disbelief.

 Alina nodded, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Yup."

 Lorraine stared at her, stunned. Something about Alina felt off. Her smile was too calm, her eyes too steady.

 "You're freaking me out."

 "I'll be back," Alina reassured her, then turned toward the mansion before Lorraine could protest further.

 She stepped inside the house quietly, only to hear familiar voices from the living room.

 "I told you she was a fool," Donavon laughed. "Doing all that extra just to keep a man who was already sleeping with her sister."

 "Right?" Noeul added. "Imagine making breakfast at 5 a.m. just to bring it to him in bed."

 Kelvin chuckled lowly. "She really thought she was wife material."

 Alina smiled to herself, then turned the corner, walking in like a breeze. Their laughter abruptly stopped.

 "Hi," she greeted casually.

 They all turned, surprised, and Kelvin stiffened at the sight of her.

 Donavon smirked. "Came to apologize?"

 Noeul raised an eyebrow. "Or is this your weird way of saying you want him back?"

 Alina smiled, holding the bouquet behind her. "Actually, I just came to say thank you."

 They exchanged confused glances.

 "Thanks, Kelvin," she said, walking closer. "For helping me realize where I truly belong."

 Donavon narrowed his eyes. "What?"

 She brought out the bouquet and handed it to Kelvin, who looked stunned.

 "Congratulations on your relationship with Jennifer," she said sweetly. "These are appreciation flowers."

 Kelvin's jaw tightened. "Are you crazy?"

 Alina stepped back two paces, her smile widening. "No, honey. I'm not." Then she raised her middle finger. "Fuck you."

 The room went silent.

 Donavon stood up, ready to speak, but Alina held up a finger, shushing him. "Shhh."

 She chuckled softly, unbothered, then turned and walked out the door without a single glance back.

 Outside, she inhaled deeply, placing a trembling hand on her chest. Her heart raced, her nerves shaking.

 "How... did I just do that?" she whispered, half-laughing.

 "Are you okay?" Lorraine asked, rushing over.

 "We can go to the party now," Alina said with a bright smile, walking ahead.

 Lorraine stared after her, eyes wide. "Damn... I'm not used to this Alina. What's gotten into her?"

 She shook her head, then jogged to catch up with her friend.

 ******

 They got home, and Lorraine turned to look at Alina. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, Alina cut her off.

 "I'll go take my bath now. And thanks for letting me stay with you," Alina said, turning to head for her room.

 Inside, the happy face she'd been keeping up disappeared. She stripped off her clothes, heading straight for the bathroom.

 Turning on the shower, a gasp escaped her lips when the cold water hit her body. She ran her hands through her wet hair as the water cascaded down her.

 Now alone, the memories of yesterday began to flood in, and her heart ached.

 All the memories she had with Kelvin, the stolen kisses, the cuddles, the fun nights... Was it all just a facade to get close to her sister? Her own sister?

 Her hand flew to her mouth as a loud sob escaped her lips. Her tears mixed with the water as her uncontrollable sobs echoed through the bathroom.

 She slipped down to the floor, hugging her knees as her shoulders shook with sobs. It was painful.

 ******

 Alina and Lorraine entered the lively party an hour later. Music pounded, lights flashed, and the air smelled of alcohol and perfume. People danced, drank, and talked, each caught up in the moment.

 Alina's eyes roamed the room casually-until they landed on them.

 She froze.

 Her ex-boyfriend, looking smug in his perfectly tailored suit, and her younger stepsister, her fingers curled possessively around his arm, as if she had won the biggest prize of her life.

 They hadn't expected to see her, probably because of the break-up. That much was clear from the way her sister's smile faltered and her ex's eyes widened, then darkened.

 Alina walked in fully, grabbed a glass of wine, and lifted it slowly, forcing a smile she didn't feel. Before she could process anything, Jennifer walked up to her.

 "I thought you'd be crying a storm after Kelvin dumped you," Jennifer sneered.

 Alina raised an eyebrow, then smiled. "Because?"

 Her gaze shifted to Kelvin, who had balled his fist in anger.

 "That's a funny joke," Alina said, her smile never faltering. She turned to Jennifer, narrowing her eyes. "You can have him. You're both exactly where you belong-trash." She smiled wider.

 "You..." Jennifer began, but Alina didn't let her finish. She took a sip from her wine and turned to face Kelvin.

 "Oh! I forgot to tell you," she said, her tone sweet. "I wasn't that faithful either."

 Jennifer scoffed, rolling her eyes. "You think I'll buy that? You can't move on from Kelvin. You've always being obsessed with him."

 The words stung, sharper than she'd expected. Alina bit her lip, her fists clenching. Jennifer was right. She had always loved Kelvin, had never fully been able to move on. But now, she was going to prove them wrong, even if it meant lying.

 She raised her hand to reveal a ring on her finger. "I'm engaged. I've been seeing someone too..." she said, but the look on Jennifer's face told her Jennifer wasn't buying it.

 "I've been seeing... Aiden Blackwood," she added before she could stop herself.

 A collective gasp rippled through the room. Heads turned toward her, each face displaying shock. The music abruptly stopped, and in that moment, Alina realized she'd spoken those words out loud.

 Lorraine's eyes widened, and she quickly nudged her. "Hey, what are you talking about?"

 Jennifer's laughter broke the silence. "You're such a joke, dear sister. Do you even know Mr. Blackwood?"

 Jennifer's tone turned cold and commanding. "Why don't you prove it? Call him over."

 Alina's heart skipped a beat, and she swallowed, her throat dry.

 "I... I..."

 "Prove it." The chant started to rise from the crowd.

 "I guess someone came up with a perfect lie," Jennifer sneered, walking toward Alina and snatching her phone from her hand.

 "Give it back!" Alina shouted, reaching for it, but Jennifer held it out of her reach, shoving her back. Alina stumbled and fell, her palm and knees scraping the floor. She bit her lip, fighting back the pain as she quickly got to her feet.

 "Give. it. back!" she repeated, her voice strained.

 Jennifer smirked, taunting her. "And why should I? You can't even prove what you said," she laughed, scrolling through the phone.

 Alina lunged forward, but Kelvin stepped in the way, pushing her back with a force that made her stumble again. This time, she would have fallen if not for a firm arm catching her mid-air.

 She looked up, her breath catching at the sight of the man who wrapped his arms round her waist, keeping her from falling; Silver eyes, a sharp jawline, and an easy smile that made everything around her feel like it had stopped. 

 "Hey, wifey, " he smiled, "Did I keep you waiting too long?"

 Alina's eyes widened, her heart racing as she stared into those eyes, the noise around her fading.

 "Aiden Blackwood?" someone gasped from the crowd.

 "It's truly him!"

 "What's he doing at a party like this?"

 The whispers grew louder, and that was when Alina finally understood; the man she had just lied about, the powerful and untouchable Aiden Blackwood, was now standing right in front of her.

 Was she doomed after this?

 Her eyes traveled up to meet his, and her breath hitched again. He was more breathtaking than Kelvin-tall, and sharp-featured. She looked down quickly, forcing herself to stand upright.

 "Mr. Blackwood," Kelvin began with a strained voice, trying to recover his composure. "Word has it you don't interfere in matters like this. Why are you covering up a lie?"

 Aiden's eyes flickered over to him. The corner of his lips lifted into a cool smile, but his eyes stayed cold. He looked amused... in a dangerous way.

 "I don't actually know you," he said, voice low and unbothered. "But since you're so invested in how I met my woman, let me clear the air."

 The room fell silent.

 "I met her at The Blooming Nest flower shop," he said smoothly, giving Alina a soft look. "I was just there to buy flowers. Then I saw her-the most beautiful one in the place. I got interested, so I went after her. Got a problem with that?"

 Kelvin's mouth opened to argue, but Jennifer chimed in, skeptical. "Anyone can claim that. She works there. It could be a made-up story."

 Aiden's jaw tightened. He was already irritated. If it weren't for his grandma nagging him to settle down, and his assistant dragging him to this miserable party, these fools would've learned their place a lot sooner.

 Still, Alina had just handed him the perfect excuse to finally get the old woman off his back... and he wasn't about to waste it.

 He turned to Alina and stepped closer, closing the space between them.

 Then, he looked straight at Kelvin.

 "Watch closely," he said, voice low and cold. "This is what we've been doing behind your back for the past few months."

 And then, before Kelvin, or Alina, could react, Aiden claimed her lips.

 The room gasped.

 Alina's eyes flew open in shock. What... what was he doing?

 But then his hand settled on her waist, firm and possessive, and his lips moved against hers with ease.

 "If you're going to lie, then make it believable," he murmured against her mouth.

 Alina's heart thundered. What choice did she have now?

 Her hands instinctively reached for his back, steadying herself as she kissed him back. Just enough. Just convincingly enough.

 When he finally pulled back, he scanned her face, his voice quieter this time...almost too intimate.

 "You need to stop coming to places like this. Why here, when you have me?"

 "I..." Alina started, but her voice failed her.

 "Stop making me worry too much," Aiden interrupted softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

 Alina blinked, speechless. What was happening?

 Before she could process another thought, he bent and swept her off her feet, cradling her in his arms.

 The crowd parted.

 Lorraine stood rooted in place, her mouth slightly ajar. It felt like her spirit had departed from her body. 

 Meanwhile, Alina's brain completely shut down the moment her feet left the ground. One second she was being mocked and backed into a corner, the next, she was in the arms of Aiden freaking Blackwood, a man she only knew from news headlines and scandalous business gossip.

 "What the hell is happening?" she whispered, barely audible.

 Her arms instinctively wrapped around his neck as he carried her with ease past the gaping crowd. Everyone moved aside like he was royalty. Maybe he was.

 She could feel her pulse thudding in her ears. Her cheeks burned. And her heart? It felt like it had jumped right out of her chest.

 They reached a sleek, black Bentley and a suited man opened the door right on cue, and Aiden gently slid her inside before joining her.

 Silence filled the car.

 Alina blinked as it started moving. Her palms were sweaty, and her throat dry. The tension in the air wasn't angry; it was the kind that made her very aware of how close he was, how good he smelled, and just how insanely attractive he looked.

 "Are you gonna keep looking like you've seen a ghost?" Aiden asked casually, eyes still fixed on the road ahead.

 Alina jolted. "W-Why did you help me?"

 Aiden leaned back, resting his arm along the back of her seat. "Because you lied."

 "What?"

 "You said you were seeing me. That put me in a very... interesting situation, flower girl."

 "Since when do you know me?"

 "I don't," he said simply. "I only saw you by chance while driving past that shop. You were smiling so wide it irritated me."

 She blinked. He had also lied... to save her?

 Her lips parted, but no words came out.

 He turned to her then, one brow raised. "I was supposed to bring a girlfriend to my grandmother's birthday next weekend. And you just volunteered."

 "I didn't!" she exclaimed, horrified.

 "You called me your fiancé in front of those people. Sounds like volunteering to me."

 "That was..." she hesitated, biting her lip. "That was a mistake."

 "Well," he smirked, "then we're both making one now. And since we're in it, we may as well play it right. I'll clean up your lie, you clean up mine."

 "Isn't it wrong to just... impose that on me?"

 "I kissed you in front of everyone. Do you want me to go back and tell them it was fake?" He asked, raising a brow, already irritated.

 Alina froze.

 Aiden leaned closer, voice dropping. "Then you'll become the laughingstock."

 She bit her lip, mind spinning. She had no idea who this man really was beyond the rumors, but one thing was clear; he didn't ask for permission. He took what he needed.

 And somehow... he made it look like a favor.

 "So," he said, relaxing, "we're going to act like a couple until next weekend. You'll smile, say 'yes, honey' when needed, and charm the hell out of my grandma. I'll handle the rest."

 "After that?" she asked.

 He glanced at her. "We'll go back to being strangers."

 Her heart squeezed strangely at that. Why?

 "...What's your grandma like?"

 "You'll get all the details." He didn't look up, fingers scrolling through his iPad.

 "Oh."

 They sat in silence for a while until she finally turned to him. "I'll do it."

 "Deal, then."

 "It's Alina. My name-Alina."

 He gave a distracted hum in reply as she turned to gaze out the window.

 "I can do it," she whispered to herself. Maybe this insane lie was the beginning of something even crazier.

 And maybe, just maybe, it wouldn't be so bad pretending to be Aiden Blackwood's fiancée, even if it was just for a week.

 Her fist clenched in her lap.

 "I promise you one week of hell, Kelvin. I'll use every second to destroy you."