Madeline was enjoying a quiet evening with family when her grandmother, Florence, decided to make a shocking announcement. It wasn’t just any family update—Florence declared that to receive her inheritance, Madeline needed to70 get married within a month, before Florence’s upcoming 70th birthday.
The living room was full of chatter as the whole family gathered in Florence’s big, old-fashioned house. Florence, wearing bright pink as usual, was full of energy and confidence, as always.
“Everyone, listen up!” Florence called out, and the room went quiet. Her eyes twinkled as she looked around at her relatives.
“Madeline,” she said, locking eyes with her granddaughter, who shifted uncomfortably in her chair under everyone’s gaze.
“You’ve done well in your career, and I admire that. But in chasing success, you’ve left behind what matters most—family.”
Madeline frowned slightly. She had a feeling this was coming. Her grandmother’s ideas were old-fashioned, and they clashed often.
Florence pressed on, “I’m the last one keeping our family’s traditions alive, and it hurts to see them ignored. That’s why I’ve decided: if Madeline isn’t married by my 70th birthday next month, she won’t be part of my will.”
Madeline’s face turned pale. The room went silent.
“Grandma, you can’t be serious,” she said quietly, but Florence didn’t back down.
“I’m completely serious, Madeline. I won’t pass on my legacy to someone who won’t help carry on our family.”
Her tone made it clear there was no changing her mind.
Madeline jumped to her feet, her chair screeching across the floor.
“I’ve worked hard for everything I’ve achieved!” she said, her voice shaking with anger. “And now, just because I haven’t gotten married, you’re cutting me out? That’s not right!”
Florence looked up at her, her expression firm.
“Life is full of choices, Madeline. You made yours, and now I’m making mine.”
Feeling hurt and overwhelmed, Madeline rushed out, slamming the door behind her. She sat in her car, wiping away angry tears.
Madeline treated her grandmother’s challenge like a work task—methodically and with focus.
She signed up for dating apps, went to speed-dating events, and let friends set her up. But every date ended in disappointment or disaster.
One night she met Caleb, who seemed nice—until he whispered, “Did you know the moon landing was fake?” Madeline almost spat out her drink. Things only got weirder as Caleb shared more of his strange beliefs.
Then there was Lewis, who proudly showed her photos of his pet snake and lizard.
“And that’s Monty and Tweedy!” he said, pointing to pictures on a shelf. Madeline smiled politely, already counting the minutes.
Another time, she talked business nonstop while her date stared blankly, clearly lost in the conversation.
Each failed date left her more discouraged. She was totally unprepared for the unpredictable world of dating.
Back at work, Madeline sat scrolling through her phone, another bad date behind her. She let out a sigh and turned to Brian, her loyal assistant, who was organizing files.
“Brian, can I ask you something kind of… weird?” she asked seriously.
“Sure. What’s going on?” he asked.
“I need a big favor,” she said quickly. “I want you to pretend to be my boyfriend for a week.”
She added, “I’ll pay you.”
Brian blinked. “Pretend to be your boyfriend? Are you serious?”
“It’s only until my grandma’s birthday party,” she said. “Then we’ll stop.”
Seeing how stressed she was, Brian finally nodded. “Alright. But let’s at least make it convincing.”
They started spending more time together, getting to know each other better. Madeline, being a perfectionist, turned their conversations into interviews—asking about his background, opinions, even his credit score.
Brian laughed and suggested, “Why don’t we just go to my cousin’s lake house this weekend? No pressure—just relax. It might help us feel more natural.”
Madeline agreed.
“Okay, Brian, how hard can this be?” Madeline joked, tying an apron as they stood in the small kitchen of the lake house.
“My cousin said to throw everything in the pot and hope it works,” Brian laughed while chopping veggies.
Later, they went fishing but weren’t any good at it. After a few tries, Madeline laughed, “We’re terrible at this.”
“It’s not about catching fish. It’s about being together,” Brian smiled.
At night, wrapped in blankets by the fire, they shared stories.
“I used to think being strong meant doing it all alone,” Madeline admitted quietly. “But this is nice.”
“Life’s better with company,” Brian replied, handing her a marshmallow.
By the time they packed to leave, Madeline realized she enjoyed being with Brian far more than she expected.
“This weekend changed everything,” she said softly as they drove home.
Brian opened up too. “I’ve always wanted to open a café or bakery,” he said. “I think it’s finally time.”
Madeline stayed quiet, unsure how this would affect her plan.
They arrived at Florence’s house for a formal dinner. The place smelled amazing, and the mood was festive.
“Brian, I’m so glad to finally meet you,” Florence said warmly.
“Thank you, Mrs. Walters. It’s an honor,” Brian replied.
Brian was friendly and charming throughout dinner. But Madeline acted cold and distant, keeping things formal despite their recent closeness.
After dinner, Florence noticed the tension and pulled Madeline aside.
“What’s going on?” she asked. “Brian really cares. Don’t mess with his heart.”
“Everything’s fine,” Madeline said quickly. “He might even propose soon.”
Florence gave a slow nod but didn’t look convinced.
Meanwhile, Brian returned to the room with snacks, but he had overheard the conversation. His mood changed. He went quiet and distant.
When it was time to leave, he said goodbye without a word and walked out.
The next day at work felt different. Brian was gone—he had resigned.
Madeline found him gathering his things.
“I thought we had something,” she said.
“I did too,” Brian answered. “But you went back to treating me like an assistant.”
“I’m sorry. I got scared,” she whispered.
“I need more than that,” he said. “And I won’t take your money anymore.”
He left without looking back.
On the day of Florence’s party, Madeline took time getting ready, her thoughts full of memories of Brian.
When she arrived, her heart skipped a beat—Brian was there. Florence had invited him.
Madeline walked up to him, nervous.
“Brian,” she began, “I owe you a real apology.”
She took a breath. “Pretending turned into something real. I’ve fallen for you. I’m so sorry for everything.”
Brian listened, then said gently, “I forgive you. I had feelings for you too. I hoped this would help us find out if it could be real.”
Florence had been watching and walked over, smiling.
“Madeline, I’m proud of you,” she said. “I never planned to go through with cutting you out. I just wanted you to see what matters.”
Then Brian smiled. “And by the way, I’ve opened a bakery! I brought a special birthday cake tonight. I hope everyone visits soon for coffee and dessert.”
The night turned joyful. The earlier tension faded, replaced with laughter and celebration.
Florence watched with a full heart, knowing her granddaughter had finally found balance—between success and love.
