When a dazzling stranger offered $500 to pose as her boyfriend for a meal, I saw it as a quick fix for bills. I’m Lucas, 34, and this is how her scheme nearly wrecked my career and my duty to my mom, until honesty saved us.
My life was stable six months ago. I had a good job at an ad agency, a small place to call home, and enough to care for my mom, who raised me alone after Dad left at 10. While others built families, I chased career goals to cover Mom’s health costs. “You need fun, Lucas,” my coworker Alex said. I’d smile, too busy for romance. My job was my passion—creating ads, winning clients, and earning my boss’s respect. A senior role was near, promising security for Mom and me.
One Saturday, at a quiet café, a woman approached. She was radiant—curly hair, warm eyes, bold. “I’m Sophie,” she said, sitting. “$500 to be my boyfriend for lunch?” I blinked, wary. She said her parents nagged her to settle down, so she’d invented a boyfriend. Her stand-in canceled, and she picked me. The money could help Mom, so I agreed, despite doubts. We walked to an elegant eatery, Sophie feeding me details. Seeing her dad—my boss, Tom—froze me. His stern glance confirmed he knew me from work.
Sophie introduced me as her boyfriend, unaware of the stakes. Lunch was brutal. Tom quizzed me on client pitches, not our “love.” “We’re on schedule,” I mumbled, as Sophie’s mom called me “sweet.” Tom’s toast was grim: “I expect better for Sophie. Betray her, and your job’s gone.” I nodded, terrified. After, I begged Sophie to come clean. “Too much hassle,” she said, adding, “We’re on for dinner Sunday.” I refused, but she warned, “Don’t skip.” Sunday’s dinner was torture, with Tom eyeing our “future” and Sophie acting smitten. Driving her home, I offered to repay. She laughed. “I know Tom’s your boss. Bail, and I’ll say you’re a creep.”
Her threat was recorded on my phone. Monday, I faced Tom, nerves raw, and explained—Sophie’s offer, my mom’s needs, her blackmail. I played the recording, expecting the worst. Tom grinned. “Sophie’s gay, dodging her mom’s expectations with fake dates. You’re not the first.” He valued my courage, kept me employed, and dealt with Sophie. I deleted the audio—keeping a backup. Promoted to team leader, I ensured Mom’s care. That $500 was a gamble, but standing up for truth strengthened our family’s future.
