FAKING IT WITH MY MILLIONAIRE FRIEND

computer, the screen flickering off and leaving me with my own reflection. I looked tired, my eyes heavy with fatigue and a trace of the earlie

noticing the empty desks and the few remaining colleagues who were finishing up their tasks. The murmur of distant

was about to leave, I saw a colleague walking towards me. It was Janet, one of the

d with tailored trousers. Her professional attire contrasted with the empathy in her eyes. She glance

d, her voice gentle. "

small smile. "Of cour

"I just wanted to check on you after what happened with Mrs. Thatc

and still stung. "Thanks, Janet. It was pretty intense, but I'l

great worker, Sophia. We all have off days. But,

et a ride in, but everyone else has already left. I called roadside assistance, but they won'

ask unless she really needed help. "Of course, Janet," I said, o

f washed over her face. "Thank you so much, Sophia. I was real

gathering the last of my thi

ched the elevator, Janet pressed the button, and we waited in a comfortable silence. The rid

to express her gratitude. "I really appreciate this,

letely. "I know the feeling.

, I started the engine and pulled out of the parking lot. The city's noise was a welcome di

a conversation, so I asked S

ything seemed fine, and then suddenly, the engine started sputtering. I was on Maple Street, you know

with cars, drivers growing impatient. "That sounds like

I was blocking traffic, and people started honking. It was so embarrassin

tress she must have felt.

thirty minutes to get to me. Meanwhile, I called the office to let them know I'd be late. As I waited, I cou

culous about her car, always ensuring it was in top s

echanic to let them know I was coming in. The tow truck driver was really nice, th

ed. "But they need to run a full diagnostic to be sure. I had to leave the car there, and

ing. "I can imagine. It's such a hassle when your car

s. "Like, do you get?I just needed to vent. This morning has been

out getting to work. I can drive you until yo

hat means a lot." Janet said before looking down at her phone. I l

he said, turning her phone so I could see the screen. "It's a boat crui

dyssey's Summer Splendor Cruise had been on my the net for weeks, and thanks to Robert I would be at

ing to keep my voice neutral even a

oice filled with enthusiasm. "The journey start in Barcelona. Picture this: People board the ship, and after a seamless check-in, they're greeted

here were images of the grand atrium, with its sweeping staircase and crystal chandeliers, the infinity pool on the

having the entire day to explore. Imagine walking through the old port, vis

nds of the Marseille port. Janet's vivid description transported

isit to the famous casino, stroll through the exotic gardens, and maybe even spot a few celebrities. The n

ing gown, sipping cocktails and dancing the n

er the caldera in Santorini and the lively atmosphere of My

would visit. "And after Italy, a sail to the Greek Isles. Santorini, Mykonos... expl

lorence, then Rome. There'll be sightseeing of the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchi

t, "is the onboard experience. They have themed parties every night, live

y eyes lighting up despite myself,

going to be magical. And the food! They have world-class chefs prepari

as Janet described it. "It sounds perfe

tos on her phone, showing me th

her right then that I was already going on this cruise, that Robert had

ith work and the expense, it's just not possible right now. Plus, I don't thi

onversation drifted to lighter topics. "Yeah, s

alled 'business trip' last month? Rumor has it, sh

d. "Typical. No wonder our depa

ow, I hear the boat cruise is the best place to

away with each shared chuckle. As I was about to tell her that I had actually gotten a ticket fo

overseas just to attend this boat cruise. He wi

at...?" I said a