The afternoon sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the towering skyline of New York City. The streets bustled with people going about their day—some hurrying down the sidewalks, others lounging at outdoor cafés. The scent of roasted coffee and freshly baked pretzels wafted through the air as Anastasia slid into the passenger seat of Caroline's sleek black Audi.
The Laurent estate was nothing but a fading memory in the rearview mirror, but the weight of her father's words still clung to her.
Caroline let out a sharp breath, adjusting her sunglasses before hitting the gas. The car smoothly merged onto the main road, weaving through the organized chaos of the city. For a few moments, neither of them spoke. The rhythmic hum of the tires on pavement filled the silence as Caroline drummed her fingers against the wheel.
Then, without warning—
"You hesitated."
Anastasia blinked, tearing her gaze away from the skyline. "What?"
Caroline shot her a knowing look. "At brunch. When Grand father brought up relationships, you hesitated."
Anastasia's lips pressed into a thin line. "I did not."
Caroline snorted. "Oh, please. You paused like someone asked you to recite Shakespeare in Mandarin."
Anastasia rolled her eyes. "You're imagining things."
Caroline ignored her. "So? Spill. Who was he?"
Anastasia groaned, rubbing her temples. "Drop it, Caro."
Caroline gasped dramatically. "Oh my God, there was someone!" She swerved the car slightly, earning a few honks from angry drivers. "Holy shit, Stassi. You, my emotionally detached best friend, actually caught feelings?"
"Watch the road, Caroline!" Anastasia scolded, gripping the door handle.
Caroline just cackled, whipping the car into a left turn. "Not until you tell me everything."
Anastasia exhaled sharply, knowing Caroline wouldn't let this go. "Fine. There was someone."
Caroline grinned like a cat who just caught a mouse. "Spill."
Anastasia looked out the window. "It doesn't matter."
Caroline made a sharp U-turn, nearly making Anastasia lurch forward.
"What the hell—"
"I will keep driving like a maniac until you tell me."
Anastasia let out a frustrated groan. "You are deranged."
"And you're avoiding the question."
A pause.
Anastasia sighed. "It was… complicated."
Caroline smirked. "Meaning?"
Anastasia crossed her arms, glaring at the dashboard. "Meaning it didn't work out."
Caroline hummed in thought. "Huh. Okay, fine. I'll let you off this time."
Anastasia rolled her eyes. "You act like I owe you my dating history."
Caroline grinned. "You do."
Before Anastasia could argue, Caroline's expression suddenly changed. The light teasing in her eyes dimmed, and her fingers clenched the wheel a little tighter.
"Speaking of disasters…" Caroline muttered under her breath.
Anastasia frowned. "What?"
Caroline let out a humorless laugh. "My father is trying to marry me off."
Anastasia nearly choked. "What?"
"You heard me." Caroline groaned, tilting her head back. "Apparently, I've been downgraded from 'beloved daughter' to 'strategic pawn.' He's decided I need to settle down for the sake of 'stability' and 'family reputation.'"
Anastasia gaped. "And you're just telling me this now?"
Caroline waved a hand. "I needed caffeine before I could even say it out loud."
Anastasia shook her head in disbelief. "Who is he trying to set you up with?"
Caroline sighed dramatically. "Some rich asshole with an 'impeccable lineage.' His name is Theodore fucking Belmont."
Anastasia winced. "Oof."
"Right?!" Caroline groaned. "I looked him up, and he's basically a human mannequin with the personality of a damp sock."
Anastasia bit back a laugh. "So, what are you going to do?"
Caroline hesitated. Then, slowly, she turned to Anastasia, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
Anastasia narrowed her eyes. "Caro… no."
Caroline grabbed her hand dramatically. "You're my last hope."
Anastasia pulled back. "Absolutely not."
Caroline pouted. "Just hear me out—"
"No."
"It's genius—"
"It's insane."
Caroline pressed a hand to her chest. "Listen, I am begging you, Stassi. Begging."
Anastasia sighed. "This can't be good."
Caroline grinned. "You pretend to be me."
Silence.
Anastasia blinked. "I'm sorry. What?"
Caroline gestured wildly. "Think about it! You show up as me, be an absolute nightmare, and make Theo reject the proposal himself. That way, my father can't blame me for ruining it."
Anastasia gawked at her. "That is the dumbest plan I have ever heard."
Caroline pouted. "Oh, come on—"
"No."
"But—"
"No."
Caroline sighed heavily, turning back to the road. "Fine. I'll just let my life be ruined forever."
Anastasia rolled her eyes. "You are so dramatic."
Caroline sniffled. "I just thought my best friend would do anything for me."
Anastasia groaned. "Oh, for the love of—"
Caroline peeked at her with puppy-dog eyes.
Anastasia clenched her jaw. "I hate you."
Caroline beamed. "So that's a yes?"
Anastasia exhaled sharply.
She had a very, very bad feeling about this.