A Love in Disguise

In my third year as Isabelles paid companion, her family decided it was time for her to win over the man she was arranged to marry.

Isabelle, bored and annoyed, just tossed me her phone with a burner account logged in. You chat with him, shed ordered, a sharp warning in her voice. If you mess this up, youre done.

So, I gritted my teeth and dove in. Every day, I wracked my brain for sweet nothings and clever compliments. I spent three months weaving a web of digital romance with Nathaniel Northwood, the heir to the Northwood fortune. And it worked. He became more and more attentive, more engaged.

Until one day, he messaged my personal number. Hed gotten it from Isabelle to coordinate something. He asked me to grab a gift hed left and bring it up to her.

Without thinking, I typed back:

[Got it, thanks babe!]

The other end went silent.

I sent the message and immediately got out of bed to wash up. It wasnt until the cold water shocked my senses that I remembered Nathaniels text.

I grabbed my phone, intending to double-check where hed left the gift.

But when the screen lit up, my blood ran cold.

There, in our chat history, was my reply. After it, Nathaniel hadnt responded with his usual warm patience.

Just a single, cold question mark: [?]

His original message read:

[I left a gift for Isabelle at the front desk of her dorm. Make sure she gets it.]

A knot of dread tightened in my stomach. I backed out of the chat, my thumb trembling, and clicked back in. I did this several times, praying the screen would change.

Finally, I had to accept the horrifying truth.

I was logged into my own account. Not the burner Isabelle had given me.

And my thanks babe was well past the time limit for unsending a message.

My mind raced, scrambling for a way to fix this. I sifted through a dozen bad excuses until I landed on the most plausible one:

[So sorry, wrong person. That was meant for a friend.]

[Ill get the gift to Isabelle right away.]

I sent it and waited, my heart hammering against my ribs. After a few agonizing moments, he replied. He didnt press the issue, thank God. His response was clipped and detached.

[Right. Thanks.]

I let out a breath I didnt realize Id been holding.

Then, I switched over to the burner account Isabelle had given me.

A new message from Nathaniel popped up instantly, his tone a world away from the coldness hed just shown me:

[Babe, Im coming home.]

[When I get back, lets talk about our engagement, okay?]

The breath Id just released hitched in my throat.

I started working for Isabelle my freshman year of college. I needed the money for my grandmothers medical bills, and she needed someone to manage her life. I became her shadow.

Then, three months ago, her familys company hit a wall. A cash flow crisis. Suddenly, the engagement to Nathaniel Northwood, the heir to a massive fortune, went from a vague future plan to an urgent necessity. Isabelle had to charm him, and fast.

The problem was, Nathaniel was still overseas. Their only connection was through their phones. She tried for three days, sending polite, lukewarm messages. He remained distant, almost indifferent.

Isabelle had never been ignored in her life. It drove her crazy. Luckily, the account she was using wasn't her main one. In a fit of pique, she shoved the phone at me.

You do it, shed said. If you blow it, youre fired.

So, with my job on the line, I took over. My world began to revolve around him. Id wake up and immediately start composing romantic messages. I scoured his social media, learning his passions, his pet peeves, his favorite bands, anything to find common ground.

Slowly, it started to work. His replies grew longer. He started initiating conversations. He became warmer, more personal.

Three months flew by like that.

And now, he was coming home to discuss their wedding.

I knew my mission was finally coming to an end.

I immediately started compiling a document.

A complete dossier on Nathaniel Northwood. Every preference Id learned, every inside joke wed shared over the last three months, every little detailit all went in.

Then I went downstairs, picked up the gift hed left, and headed to Isabelles lavish off-campus apartment.

When I walked in, she was lounging on a velvet sofa, surrounded by a mountain of shopping bags and gift boxes. I handed her the package and explained what it was.

Isabelle tore it open. Inside was a small, exquisitely crafted plush bunny. A limited edition.

She examined it for a moment, her nose wrinkled in distaste.

Thats it? A stupid stuffed animal?

I kept my eyes lowered. I think I mentioned once that I thought rabbits were cute. He must have remembered.

Isabelle rolled her eyes and tossed the bunny at me.

Whatever. You can have it.

Her voice sharpened. Next time, make sure you mention how much I love diamonds and designer bags. Got it?

My fingers tightened around the rejected gift. Yes, I said quietly.

I had to remind her. He said hes coming back. You two will be meeting in person soon.

I tried to hand the reins back. Maybe you should take over the texting from now on.

But Isabelle just shook her head, waving her own phone at me. The screen was a dizzying list of chats. Look at this. Ive got my hands full with all these guys. You just keep handling Nathaniel.

I fell silent, then nodded again, defeated. I sent her the file Id prepared.

Here are his likes and dislikes. You should probably read this before you meet him.

Yeah, yeah, whatever, she said, already bored. Stop nagging.

I said no more.

A few days later, Nathaniel was back.

Isabelle dressed to the nines for his welcome-home party, and I trailed behind her, carrying her purse. As we reached the door to the private room, her phone buzzed. It was one of her other admirers.

She waved me forward. You go in first. I need to take this.

I nodded and pushed the heavy door open.

Before my eyes could even adjust to the dim light, the purse was lifted from my hand. A second later, a pair of strong, long-fingered hands laced through mine.

A warm, woody scent enveloped me.

A voice, lazy and laced with a smile, washed over me. Look at you, being so good today. You even brought the bag I sent you.

It was the same voice Id imagined a thousand times through a speaker, now real and resonating right beside my ear.

My face flushed with heat as I looked up.

At that exact moment, Nathaniels eyes focused on my face.

He froze. His hand dropped mine as if it were on fire. He muttered a quiet curse under his breath.

Sorry, he said, his voice flat. Wrong person.

Just then, Isabelle breezed in from her call. What are you two doing just standing here?

Nathaniels composure snapped back into place instantly. He smoothly took Isabelles hand, his smile returning. Waiting for you.

The awkward moment was forgotten, or at least ignored. Isabelle was a natural, mingling and laughing with everyone in the room within minutes. I found a quiet corner seat next to her and tried to make myself invisible, which suited me just fine.

After a while, Isabelle peeled a shrimp, a playful look on her face, and held it up to Nathaniels lips.

The room fell silent for a beat.

Isabelle looked around, confused.

My heart leaped into my throat. She hadnt read my notes. I knew she hadnt.

Nathaniel was allergic to shellfish. Id even bolded and highlighted it in the document.

His brow furrowed slightly as he looked down at the shrimp she offered.

Disaster was seconds away. I leaned in and whispered urgently, Hes allergic to seafood.

Isabelles recovery was seamless. She popped the shrimp into her own mouth, winked playfully at Nathaniel, and said, I know you cant have any, silly. I just wanted to let you smell it.

A low chuckle escaped Nathaniels lips.

The crisis was averted. I finally breathed again.

After dinner, the party shifted to a game of Truth or Dare. Midway through, Isabelle announced she needed to touch up her makeup and asked Nathaniel to pass her purse.

My own bag was sitting right next to hers. As he reached for it, he accidentally knocked mine over.

Its contents spilled across the floor.

And there, under the warm lights of the restaurant, lay the limited-edition plush bunny.

Panic seized me. I dropped to my knees, desperate to snatch it up before anyone noticed.

But it was too late.

Nathaniels voice, cool and laced with something I couldnt decipher, cut through the air.

That bunny. Why do you have it?

A thousand excuses flashed through my mind.

I was holding it for Isabelle. I happened to have the exact same one.

But every lie sounded flimsy and pathetic. The truth was, I loved rabbits. When Isabelle had tossed the toy at me with such disdain, Id held onto it, eventually tucking it away safely in the deepest pocket of my bag. Id been in such a rush today, Id forgotten it was even there.

My brain went blank. Before I could stammer out a single word, Isabelle, panicked and cornered, pointed a finger at me.

Zoe! she cried, her voice ringing with false accusation. How could you steal from me?

Tears welled in her eyes, perfectly timed. Ive been so good to you! You knew how much I loved that gift, why would you take it?

Every eye in the room swiveled to me. Whispers erupted like wildfire.

Isnt that her little assistant? So ungrateful.

Wow, shes got some nerve. Stealing a gift from Nathan to his girlfriend.

Who knows what else shes stolen? Better check my wallet.

I opened my mouth to deny it, to tell them the truth.

But Isabelle leaned in close, her voice a venomous whisper in my ear. You say one word and youre finished.

She sweetened the deal. Play along, and Ill give you five thousand dollars after this.

The words died on my tongue.

Five thousand dollars. That was months of my grandmothers medication. Her surgery was just around the corner, and I couldnt afford to lose this job. Not now.

My nails dug into my palms.

Under the weight of a dozen judgmental stares, I heard my own voice, raw and shaky.

Im sorry. I stole it.

Isabelle wiped a tear from her eye, playing the part of the magnanimous victim. Its okay. As long as you learn from your mistakes.

She turned to Nathaniel, forcing a smile and tugging on his sleeve. Come on, dont be angry. Zoe didnt mean it. Her family they have it really tough.

Nathaniel said nothing, but I could feel his gaze on me, sharp and full of contempt.

The whispers in the room shifted.

Isabelle is too nice. I wouldnt forgive that.

Whatever, its Nathans welcome home party. Lets not ruin the mood.

Isabelle offered the room a sweet, innocent smile.

Five minutes later, the game of Truth or Dare resumed.

And of course, my luck held. The next dare landed on me.

The one holding the power, the king, was Nathaniel.

He had been silent until now, but as he looked at me, a slow, cruel smile spread across his lips. A dare, huh? he said, his voice dangerously smooth. Okay Feed a piece of food to a guy of your choice.

He paused, letting the words hang in the air before adding the final twist.

Without using your hands.

The room went dead quiet.

The malice was so thick you could cut it with a knife. It was a direct, personal attack, and everyone knew it. But no one dared to challenge him.

I stood there, frozen in humiliation. I didnt know anyone here well enough to ask them to participate in my punishment.

Finally, one of Isabelles hangers-on, a guy named Rick, stood up. A leering, predatory grin spread across his face. Hey. Ill do it with you.

His eyes crawled over me like snakes, slick and unsettling.

I swallowed down a wave of nausea, determined to just get it over with.

Rick produced a long, thin biscuit stick, gesturing for me to bite down on one end.

Then, his greasy face began to move closer, and closer.

My hands, hanging limp at my sides, started to tremble. I couldnt do it. I was about to shove him away, consequences be damned.

Okay, thats enough, Isabelle finally called out, her voice feigning boredom. It doesnt have to be that literal.

Nathaniel raised an eyebrow but nodded, ending the spectacle.

The game continued as if nothing had happened.

After the party, I drove Isabelle home in silence. When we arrived, she tapped on her phone, and a notification for a five-thousand-dollar transfer popped up on my screen. She got out of the car and walked into her mansion without a backward glance.

As if that sum meant nothing to her at all.

I clutched my phone, a small, hopeful thought flickering in the darkness.

Tomorrow, I can buy some good ribs. I can make Grandma a nice meal.

As I was thinking this, a notification appeared on the burner phone. It was from Nathaniel.

The same Nathaniel who had just watched me be humiliated. Now, clueless, he was back in character.

[Babe, I took care of it for you. Dont be sad anymore, okay?]

[That bunny got dirty. Ill get you a new one.]

The next day, I was back at my part-time job at a local bakery.

Grandmas surgery was still tens of thousands of dollars away. The money from Isabelle wasnt nearly enough.

I was on my lunch break when the bell over the door chimed.

It was Rick, the guy from the party.

He picked out a few pastries and brought them to the counter. I boxed them up.

Thatll be twenty-seven dollars.

He took the box, but instead of letting go, his fingers slid over mine, his touch lingering and unwelcome.

A pretty face like yours shouldnt be working in a place like this. Why dont you just come with me?

My stomach lurched. There are cameras in here, I said, my voice ice. Let go, or Im calling the police.

His grip only tightened. He leaned in, unafraid. Dont be like that. I just want to be friends.

He lowered his voice. Whatever Isabelles paying you, Ill double it. How about it?

I looked up at him and forced a smile.

In the split second he was distracted, I snatched a pen from the counter and jabbed it hard into the back of his hand.

He yelped in pain, his hand flying back.

I used the opening to bolt for the back room.

He recovered quickly, shouting curses as he chased after me. He was just about to grab the collar of my shirt when a loud, pained cry echoed through the shop.

I spun around, startled.

Rick was sprawled on the floor. Standing over him, looking down with an air of cold authority, was Nathaniel.

After hed sent Rick scrambling out the door, a heavy silence fell between us.

Nathaniel didnt look at me. Dont get the wrong idea, he said, his tone casual. Isabelle happens to like you as her little assistant.

He finally glanced over. If you ran off with Rick, shed be upset.

I took a step back, putting distance between us. I understand, I said, my voice formal. Thank you for your help.

Just then, my coworker arrived for her shift. I gathered my things, desperate to escape.

But Nathaniel followed me out the door. He checked his watch. I was just on my way to see Isabelle anyway. I can give you a ride.

The truth is, this wasnt the first time Id met Nathaniel.

Years ago, back in high school, my parents got divorced. Neither of them wanted me. They just left me. On the street.

I was alone, with no money, huddled on a curb. I wasnt sad, not really. I was just trying to figure out how I was going to get the ten dollars I needed for school books the next day.

I walked down the main street, going from restaurant to restaurant, asking if they needed any help. They all took one look at how young I was and shook their heads, saying they didnt hire kids.

The last shop owner was impatient. I told you, no kids! Go on, get out of here. Youre bad for business.

I stood there, lost, when a voice came from behind me.

How much do you need?

He couldnt have been much older than me, but he carried himself with an air of wealth and confidence.

I sniffled. Ten dollars.

He seemed to be in a hurry. He pulled out his wallet and handed me a twenty.

Wait here, I said quickly. I ran into the convenience store next door and got change, then ran back to give him the other ten.

He took it without a word, ready to leave. It was clear he was just doing a random act of charity.

In a moment of panic, I grabbed his sleeve. Whats your name? Ill pay you back.

He paused, then finally spoke two words. Nathaniel Northwood.

I didnt know how to spell it, didnt know who he was.

But I never forgot the name. I tucked it away, a secret treasure in the back of my mind.

Then, three months ago, Isabelle sent me his picture.

I stared at it for a long, long time.

After all these years, I finally knew who he was.

And now, here we were, standing outside the bakery in an awkward silence.

He clearly had no memory of me.

While we waited for his driver, he pulled out his phone and started texting.

A moment later, my pocket buzzed.

It was the burner phone. A message from him.

[What are you doing, babe? Why arent you answering me?]

My hands fumbled as I quickly silenced the notification.

Nathaniel, completely oblivious, didnt look up. He waited another moment, and when he still got no reply, he pursed his lips and just decided to call.

In the next second, my purse started to ring.