Sophie had always been focused on her career, but her grandmother Evelyn had something else in mind. During a family gathering at Evelyn’s grand old house, the matriarch made an unexpected announcement: Sophie must marry within a month or risk being cut out of Evelyn’s will, which was to be finalized by her 70th birthday.
The news hit Sophie like a ton of bricks. Her face went pale, and a heavy silence followed Evelyn’s proclamation. “Grandma, you can’t be serious,” Sophie whispered, but Evelyn’s resolve was unshakable.
“I am serious, Sophie. I cannot leave my legacy to someone who doesn’t honor our family traditions.”
Frustrated and feeling unfairly treated, Sophie stormed out of the house, her emotions swirling. Determined not to let this challenge affect her professional life, she approached the dating world with the same diligence she applied to her career. She signed up for dating apps, attended speed dating events, and let friends set up blind dates. However, these efforts led to awkward encounters and disappointing dates—one man believed the moon landing was staged, while another was more interested in discussing his pet reptiles than getting to know her.
Feeling despondent, Sophie turned to Steven, her reliable assistant. She asked him to pose as her boyfriend for a week to appease her grandmother. Despite initial reluctance, Steven agreed, and they began spending time together outside work. A weekend at Steven’s cousin’s lake house allowed them to relax and be themselves. The simplicity of fishing and cooking together revealed a new side of their relationship.
Back at Evelyn’s, Steven charmed everyone at a formal dinner, but Sophie remained distant, unable to fully let go of her initial motivations. Evelyn noticed the tension and spoke privately with Sophie, urging her not to play with Steven’s feelings. Sophie, feeling cornered, lied about their future plans, which only led to Steven feeling disheartened.
The next morning, Steven resigned, saying he couldn’t continue under false pretenses. Sophie was devastated, realizing how deeply she had come to care for him. On the day of Evelyn’s birthday party, Sophie’s anxiety was palpable. When she found Steven among the guests, she apologized for her behavior and confessed her genuine feelings.
Steven revealed he had feelings for her too and forgave her. Evelyn, observing their exchange, revealed her true intention: the marriage deadline was a test, meant to push Sophie to value personal connections over professional success.
As the party continued, Steven announced he had opened his own bakery and invited everyone to visit. The evening ended on a high note with laughter, shared stories, and admiration for Steven’s new venture. Evelyn watched with satisfaction, knowing her unconventional method had succeeded in guiding Sophie to a more fulfilling path in life.
