Chapter 1 — The Boyfriend I Didn’t Order
Elara Voss had three problems.
Her ex-boyfriend was getting married.
Her family had somehow decided that his wedding was the perfect place to discuss her nonexistent love life.
And, worst of all, her mother had already told everyone that Elara was bringing her boyfriend.
There was only one problem.
Elara didn’t have a boyfriend.
She stared at the message on her phone.
Mom: Darling, don’t forget to bring your boyfriend on Saturday. Your aunt is very excited to meet him.
Elara closed her eyes.
“Of course she is.”
Across the café table, Mirelle Ashford slowly lowered her cup.
“You haven’t told them?”
“Told them what?”
“That you’re single.”
“I thought that was obvious.”
Mirelle gave her a look.
“To normal people, yes. To your family? Apparently not.”
Elara dropped her forehead onto the table.
“I can’t go.”
“You’re going.”
“I’ll fake an illness.”
“You’ve already used food poisoning twice.”
“Then I’ll fake my death.”
Mirelle laughed.
Elara lifted her head.
“This isn’t funny.”
“It actually is.”
Then Mirelle pulled out her phone.
“I found a solution.”
Elara narrowed her eyes.
“I don’t like the sound of that.”
Mirelle smiled.
“You’re going to hire a boyfriend.”
Elara stared at her.
“What?”
“Not permanently.”
“Mirelle.”
“Just for the wedding.”
“No.”
“Thirty days.”
“Absolutely not.”
Mirelle turned her phone around.
On the screen was a sleek black-and-gold website.
AFTERLOVE — When You Need Someone Beside You.
Elara read the words twice.
Then she laughed.
“You’ve officially lost your mind.”
“Maybe.”
Mirelle tapped the screen.
“But look at the reviews.”
Elara reluctantly glanced down.
Perfect dates.
Professional companions.
Discreet arrangements.
No emotional complications.
She almost smiled.
Almost.
Then Mirelle pressed BOOK NOW.
“Mirelle!”
“It’s already done.”
“You didn’t!”
A notification appeared.
Your companion has been assigned.
Elara’s stomach dropped.
“Cancel it.”
Mirelle looked at the screen.
“Too late.”
A second notification arrived.
Your boyfriend will arrive tonight at 9:00 PM.
Elara stared at the words.
“Tonight?”
Mirelle nodded.
“Apparently.”
At exactly 9:03 p.m., someone knocked on Elara’s apartment door.
She froze.
Another knock.
She slowly approached the door.
“Who is it?”
A man’s voice came from the other side.
“Your boyfriend.”
Elara’s eyes widened.
She opened the door.
And forgot how to breathe.
The man standing there was tall, impeccably dressed, and completely unfamiliar.
His dark eyes settled on hers.
Then he smiled.
“Elara Voss?”
“Yes.”
“I’m Caspian Rowe.”
He extended his hand.
“Your boyfriend for the next thirty days.”
Elara didn’t take his hand.
Instead, she stared at him.
“You’re kidding.”
His smile widened.
“No.”
Then his eyes dropped briefly to the contract in her hand.
“You should probably read the final rule.”
Elara frowned.
“What final rule?”
Caspian’s expression changed.
For the first time, the charming mask disappeared.
“Whatever happens between us,” he said quietly, “you can never ask me why I took your contract.”
Elara’s heart skipped.
“Why?”
Caspian stepped closer.
“Because if you find out…”
He paused.
“…you might not want me to leave.”
And suddenly, Elara wasn’t sure whether hiring a boyfriend had been the worst decision of her life—
or the beginning of something she had never expected.
