Fallon
If I had known what today had in store for me, I would have faked an emergency and stayed home.
Instead, I was sitting in the backseat of a chauffeur-driven car, on my way to meet Reid's mother for an afternoon of shopping.
I liked Mrs. Callahan. She was warm, elegant, and effortlessly charming—the kind of woman who made you feel at ease in her presence. Unlike my own mother, who was all about appearances and reputation, Mrs. Callahan actually seemed genuinely excited about this wedding.
That was the problem.
Because I was about to spend the next few hours pretending to be a blushing bride-to-be while knowing full well this wedding was nothing more than a carefully orchestrated business deal.
The car pulled up in front of an upscale designer boutique, and the moment I stepped out, I spotted Mrs. Callahan waiting by the entrance, her eyes lighting up when she saw me.
"Fallon, darling!" she beamed, pulling me into a hug. "You look stunning, as always."
"Mrs. Callahan," I greeted with a polite smile. "It's so nice to see you."
"Oh, none of that formal nonsense," she chided playfully. "Call me Evelyn."
I forced a smile, nodding. "Of course."
"Come, come," she said, looping her arm through mine. "We have a lot to do today. Wedding dresses, accessories, and of course, a little something special for you."
I barely held back a sigh as I let her lead me inside.
The boutique was as luxurious as I expected—rows of designer gowns, velvet seating areas, and personal stylists waiting on hand to cater to clients. Evelyn wasted no time, immediately pulling out dress options and chatting excitedly about wedding themes and floral arrangements.
"You know, I always imagined what Reid's wedding would be like," she mused as she ran her fingers over the lace of an ivory gown. "I never thought he'd be the first to settle down, but I knew that when he did, it would take an extraordinary woman to capture his heart."
I shifted uncomfortably. "Mrs.—I mean, Evelyn, Reid and I…"
"You and Reid make a fine couple," she interrupted before I could finish my sentence. "You balance each other out so well. He's always been so serious, so focused on work, but with you, I see something different."
I swallowed hard, unsure of how to respond.
"He likes you, you know," she continued, a knowing glint in her eye.
I forced a chuckle. "I think 'tolerates' is a better word."
Evelyn waved me off. "Nonsense. I know my son, Fallon. And I see the way he looks at you."
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. If only she knew the truth.
Instead, I settled for a neutral response. "Reid and I are still getting used to… everything."
She smiled knowingly. "That's how all great love stories begin."
I bit my lip to keep from arguing.
Moments later, a sales associate appeared, holding up a breathtaking wedding gown. "Miss Prescott, we believe this dress would be perfect for you."
I turned to look at it, my breath catching slightly. It was stunning—delicate lace, a fitted bodice, and a soft train that pooled elegantly onto the floor.
"Try it on," Evelyn encouraged, her eyes twinkling with excitement.
I hesitated. This wasn't real. This wasn't my fairytale wedding.
But one look at her hopeful face, and I knew I couldn't say no.
So I nodded, taking the dress and heading toward the fitting room, all while reminding myself that this was just another part of the act.
And yet, as I slipped into the gown and caught my reflection in the mirror, a small, traitorous part of me whispered…
What if?