Sarah's POV
"Wait. We did not agree to this."
I stopped walking so fast that Daniel almost ran into me. My heart was already beating too hard, and I did not like surprises. Not anymore.
"This is part of the plan," Daniel said calmly. "We need practice."
"Practice does not mean dinner," I replied. "Practice means talking. In public. With clothes."
"This is public," he said, pointing ahead. "And we are clothed."
I glared at him, but he was already opening the door to a small restaurant. Warm air brushed my face. The smell of food made my stomach growl, which only made me more annoyed.
"I cannot afford this," I whispered as we stepped inside.
"I can," he said.
"That is exactly the problem," I shot back.
He stopped and turned to me. "Sarah. This is just practice. One hour. We talk. We learn each other's stories. Then we leave."
I hesitated. After everything strange lately, my instincts screamed to run. But I also thought of my mother. Of Sophie. Of Christmas coming closer every day.
"Fine," I said. "One hour."
We sat across from each other. I crossed my arms. Daniel smiled like this was a normal date, not a fake one built on lies.
"Start," I said. "Ask me something."
"All right," he replied. "Tell me about your childhood."
I laughed once. "That is not a small question."
"Then it is perfect practice," he said.
I sighed. "I grew up poor. Small house. Too many bills. My mom worked hard. My dad left early. I learned fast that if I wanted something, I had to earn it."
He listened closely. No interrupting. No judging.
"And you?" I asked.
"My childhood?" he repeated. "Simple. Nothing special."
I frowned. "That is vague."
"I moved a lot," he said. "Did not stay long anywhere."
That felt true. Or close enough.
"What about your parents?" I asked.
He paused. Just a beat. "Strict," he said. "They wanted control."
I felt a strange pull in my chest. "I know that feeling."
Food arrived. We ate slowly. I watched his hands. Calm. Steady. Not the hands of someone pretending to be poor. I pushed the thought away.
"This feels weird," I said suddenly.
"How?" he asked.
"Good," I admitted. "And I do not trust that."
He smiled softly. "Good can be scary."
I looked down at my plate. Memories rushed in without warning.
"Marcus said I was too much," I blurted.
Daniel stilled. "Marcus?"
"My ex," I said. "He left me on Christmas Eve. Three years ago. Said he needed someone easier. Someone richer. Someone who did not worry all the time."
My voice shook, but I kept going. "He kissed another woman in front of me. Said love should not feel like work."
Daniel's jaw tightened.
"I felt stupid," I whispered. "For believing in him. For thinking I was enough."
"You were," he said firmly.
I looked up. "You do not know that."
"I do," he replied. "Anyone who walks away from someone loyal is the foolish one."
My throat burned. I blinked fast.
"Careful," I said lightly. "You are going to make this feel real."
"Maybe it already does," he said before thinking.
Silence fell between us. Heavy. Electric.
I laughed to break it. "Okay. Practice lesson. No deep feelings."
He nodded, but his eyes said otherwise.
We talked more. Small things. Favorite food. Worst jobs. I told him about my double shifts. He told me about long nights and pressure. Not lies exactly. Just shadows of truth.
For a moment, I forgot this was fake.
When we finished eating, Daniel reached for his wallet.
"I will pay," he said.
The owner appeared out of nowhere.
"No," the man said quickly.
Daniel froze. "Excuse me?"
"Your money is no good here, sir," the owner said with a polite smile. "Please enjoy the meal. On the house."
My stomach dropped.
"I insist," Daniel said.
The owner shook his head. "We insist."
I looked between them. "What is happening?"
The owner glanced at me, then back at Daniel. His voice dropped.
"It is an honor," he said quietly.
Daniel's face hardened. "You are mistaken."
The owner stepped back. "Of course. Enjoy your evening."
He walked away before I could say another word.
I stared at Daniel. "Do you want to explain that?"
He exhaled slowly. "Coincidence."
"No," I said. "That is the third coincidence this week."
He met my eyes. "Sarah, please."
My heart raced. Fear mixed with excitement. Who was this man?
We stood to leave. Outside, the night felt colder.
"Practice over," I said.
"Yes," he replied.
As we walked away, I felt something shift. Trust cracking. Curiosity growing.
Behind us, the restaurant owner watched until we disappeared.
And I knew one thing for sure.
Daniel's lies were getting harder to hide.