Nora, the practical narrator, disliked her charming coworker, Caleb, who constantly wasted her time with unrequested coffee and playful banter, viewing his actions as manipulative business tactics, not flirting. She felt compelled to work hard, believing her focus on deadlines was always better than missing opportunities. That evening, she met June, her best friend, and discussed Caleb’s persistent attention. June insisted that Caleb genuinely liked Nora, but Nora dismissed the idea, convinced he merely sought a distraction so he could look better professionally. Nora focused instead on her successful, practical career trajectory.
June quickly changed the subject, excitedly telling Nora that the old house where she grew up—the last place her family lived before her mother passed away—was finally for sale. It was more about cherished memories than the actual plumbing, and June was dedicated to buying this special piece of her history. The next morning, Caleb approached Nora with a serious business proposal. He had found a profitable house deal, but the very particular owners only wanted to sell to a married couple. Caleb then dropped the bombshell, asking Nora to pretend to be his fiancée to secure the substantial profit and the resulting company bonuses.
Nora, seeing a chance to prove herself to her boss, reluctantly agreed to Caleb’s scheme, warning him that he would handle HR if they were caught. The next day, at a café meeting, Caleb showed up with bright tulips and a tiny, costume jewelry engagement ring, committing fully to his role. As they planned their fake story, Nora found herself enjoying Caleb’s company, laughing easily while discussing favorite movies and childhood pets. The easy, comfortable feeling was terrifyingly new. They soon left to meet the owner, Mrs. Thompson, a warm, conservative woman who seemed entirely convinced by their three-year ‘relationship’ and their ‘real love.’
The meeting with Mrs. Thompson was a resounding success, and they walked out grinning, the deal effectively secured. Caleb immediately suggested they celebrate with a ‘real date,’ which Nora, thinking of June’s advice to live outside her spreadsheets, cautiously accepted. Later that evening, Nora received a triumphant message from Caleb confirming the signed contract: “It’s ours!” This joy was instantly shattered by a frantic, all-caps text from June: “I HATE YOU!!!” Nora called her best friend, who was screaming that Caleb had used her. June revealed she had given Caleb advice on how to get Nora’s attention, mentioning the very house she desperately wanted.
June then realized the terrible truth: Nora and her coworker had purchased the sentimental home out from under her, effectively ruining her cherished dream and their friendship. Nora rushed to the restaurant to confront Caleb, shoving the congratulatory flowers back into his chest. Caleb admitted that he knew June wanted the house but claimed he “didn’t realize” the extent of the impact, explaining his manipulative actions were only to spend time with Nora because he liked her. Nora, disgusted by his selfishness and his use of her best friend, grabbed a glass of wine and angrily tossed the contents directly at him before walking out.
Later that night, Caleb appeared at Nora’s door, damp from the rain, ready to apologize. Nora pointed out that his apology couldn’t fix the damage to June or her lost house. Caleb then revealed the shocking news: he had taken full responsibility with the company and sold the house back to June for the same price they had purchased it for, sacrificing the massive profit. He confessed that his idiotic actions were motivated by love and his inability to stand the thought of Nora hating him. After a long hesitation, Nora agreed to give him one real chance: one date, free of all lies, fake rings, and house deals.
