Standing outside Mary's apartment, Sophia couldn't bring herself to press the doorbell.
"Don't you want to get to the truth?" Rocky asked. She'd been pacing back and forth for what felt like dozens of trips—wasn't she tired?
She stopped. "If I didn't want answers, I wouldn't have come." Taking a deep breath, she finally rang the bell and waited.
Soon, the door opened to reveal a sharp, urban-professional woman with slightly curled short hair, though she looked somewhat worn. She showed no surprise at seeing Sophia outside.
"Come in," she said, turning to lead the way inside.
Returning to this familiar place stirred complex emotions. Sophia knew every detail of the decor—Mary's home had always felt like a second home to her. But now, their friendship seemed shattered beyond repair. A bittersweet ache spread through her chest.
"Have a seat." Mary poured tea for both of them. "I knew you'd come. I've been waiting."
"Why?" Sophia forced the word out with difficulty.
Mary offered a bitter smile. "You want to know why I hired someone to kill you, right?"
Sophia stared silently.
"Because I hated that you introduced me to Henry. I hated that your matchmaking plunged me into this abyss of pain. I hated your very existence because it kept me from happiness. Henry has always loved only you—his eyes never held room for anyone else!" Mary's flat tone wavered briefly before stabilizing.
"We're cousins—it was never possible. Besides, I've always seen him as an older brother."
"But he didn't. He loves you—as a man loves a woman. He has no space for anyone else. As long as you exist, he won't even glance at another woman. So I wanted you gone." She knew it was selfish and cruel, but at the time, she felt she had no other choice.
That's why she hired someone to kill Sophia.
In truth, she'd regretted it almost immediately after the deal was made. She didn't call it off because, after an internal battle, her emotions overpowered her rationality. So the contract remained.
Rocky's voice was cold. "None of this is Sophia's fault. Yet you blamed her and hired killers? What kind of friend does that? No wonder they say hell hath no fury like a woman scorned."
"Rocky, that's enough." Sophia hurried to soothe his anger. She didn't blame Mary—after all, Mary had acted out of desperate love for their cousin.
"And he is...?"
Rocky reached out and pulled Sophia closer. "I'm Sophia's boyfriend. For her sake, I'll let this slide. But there won't be a next time." A flicker of intimidating coldness glinted in his green eyes.
Sophia leaned forward and took Mary's hand. "This time, my cousin will have to give up for good. If you still love him, I sincerely wish you both happiness."
"Sophia, I'm sorry... I wronged you. Because Henry couldn't accept my feelings, I blamed you for everything... I put you in danger. Please forgive me..." Mary's apology dissolved into sobs.
Sophia moved to sit beside her, gently patting her back. "Shh... it's over now. Let it go..."
---
When had it started?
She couldn't quite remember clearly, but it seemed ever since she agreed to let him pose as her boyfriend to make her cousin give up, Rocky's behavior toward her had shifted.
That faint layer of distance he'd kept had melted away.
He always held her hand, hugged her intimately, acting every bit like her real boyfriend.
A pair of strong hands settled soundlessly around Sophia's waist. She didn't need to look back to know it was Rocky.
In the Smith household, he was the only one who'd touch her so boldly.
"Let me go..." She tried to pry his hands away, but he only held her tighter.
"Your body's still a bit stiff and uneasy," Rocky murmured, not releasing her.
His unique scent enveloped her, surrounding her completely. "We're not actually together—it's normal for me to feel awkward with your touch."
"Which is why I'm putting so much effort into helping you get used to it," he said matter-of-factly, leaving no room for argument.
"Get used to it? But we're not real lovers! We only need to act when my cousin visits." His warm breath brushed against her neck, sending a slight shiver through her.
She didn't dislike him—she just didn't want to risk losing herself in the sweet illusion he created, only to struggle when everything returned to normal.
He smiled. "Acting has to be convincing to make your cousin believe it. You don't want to give us away, do you?" Even he had to admire his own flawless excuse—no loopholes whatsoever.
"Of course not." That went without saying.
"Then we should cooperate fully," Rocky said, smoothly delivering his preplanned line.
"Alright. I'll do my best to play along."
"Just playing along isn't enough," he added unhurriedly.
Not enough? She whipped her head around to glare at him, though her heartbeat quickened at his charming smile. "What else then?"
Without letting go, Rocky turned her in his arms to face him. "During this time, you'll need to learn to love me." In other words, they'd be short-term lovers.
Learn to love him? Her tongue suddenly felt clumsy. "Why?"
"If you don't try to fall for me, how will anyone believe we're deeply in love?" He looked at her with a half-smile, his slightly deep voice weaving a spell. "And of course, I'll love you too."
Sophia's heart stirred restlessly. "That's... too difficult," she murmured, feeling a thread of fear.
"Loving me is that hard?" Rocky pressed a hand to his heart, feigning hurt.
"No..." Falling for him wouldn't be hard at all—the real challenge was distinguishing acting from reality.
She was afraid she'd truly fall for him, while he was only pretending to be her boyfriend to help her cousin move on.
"Then why?"
"I just feel like I'm causing you trouble again," she said without meeting his eyes.
"No trouble. I'm doing this willingly." He studied her. "So, do you agree?"
"Yes." She had no other choice.
"Then I look forward to the days ahead," Rocky said with a smile, extending his hand.
"Likewise."
Sophia had a feel—even if it was just a month or two, it would be enough for her to lose her heart to Rocky. And she was powerless to stop it, even knowing it was all just an act.