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The smell of waffles drifts into the room, gently pulling Blair out of her sleep. She blinks slowly, and when her eyes adjust to the dim light, it hits her: this is real. She's here, in Dan's bed. This isn’t a dream. It’s wild, surreal, and yet, somehow comforting. She can't shake the feeling that she shouldn't be here, but at the same time, she finds herself strangely at ease. His scent lingers on the sheets, wrapping her in warmth. The sounds of Brooklyn outside filter in, but here, in this room, she feels safe.
For a fleeting moment, she imagines this could be her life. A child running around while Dan prepares breakfast, perhaps waffles again—something she'd tease him about—but they'd both know she didn’t mean it. She could see herself here with him, in this home, making it their own.
She stands up, moving toward the kitchen, the hum of Dan's voice reaching her before she even sees him. His presence fills the space, and for a moment, she allows herself to picture it all: a family, laughter, and love. She could pretend for just a little longer. She could pretend that they were in love, that they had a future. But doubt creeps in. Could she really ask Dan to give up his life for her? It felt unfair to him. He deserved better than to be trapped in some charade.
When Dan turns around and notices her standing there, he smiles brightly, his eyes warm and welcoming. Blair forces herself to return a smile, though it doesn’t reach her eyes.
- You’re awake. - He says, his tone soft. - How are you feeling?
Blair nods, trying to brush off her unease.
- I’m good. Sorry for taking your bed.
- It’s fine. - He waves off her apology, then continues - I was making breakfast for us. I started with eggs and toast, but then I remembered you can’t stand the smell of eggs. So I tried to get rid of it…
His voice trails off as he sniffs the air, concern creeping into his features. Blair can’t help but laugh softly. It's funny how only two people—Dorota and Dan—really know what makes her sick. Not her fiancé, not anyone else. Just them.
- I also made waffles. But if you want something else… - He seems determined, like a man on a mission to serve the perfect breakfast.
- Waffles sound amazing right now. - She says, her voice quieter than usual as she takes a seat at the kitchen counter.
As they eat, Blair's mind races. She wants to say yes to him. The thought of this life, of a family with Dan, it feels almost too perfect. She catches herself smiling at him as he talks about an article he read. It’s so simple, so normal—something she never thought she could have with him. Could they really make it work?
Her phone buzzes, pulling her back to reality. She should go home. Dorota would be worried. But Blair doesn't want to leave. She wants to stay here, to pretend longer. So when Dan suggests they watch a movie, she agrees without hesitation. The plotline is ridiculous, but somehow it’s less absurd than their situation. And as they talk and joke through the movie, Blair starts to believe that maybe—just maybe—they could pull this off. She’s good at scheming. He’s smart. Together, they could convince everyone they were in love, and it would be a great story. From enemies to lovers. A dream come true.
But she knows this isn’t real. It’s not a movie. It’s a lie, and pretending it’s something more would only end in heartbreak. But she can’t help herself. The more she thinks about it, the more it seems possible.
As the evening stretches on, Blair realizes how late it’s gotten. She should leave before Dorota gets suspicious. But as she puts on her shoes, her eyes flick to the bedroom door. The thought of leaving the warmth and comfort of Dan’s home pulls at her. But she can’t stay. She has to go.
- Blair.. - Dan’s voice startles her, and she jumps slightly, lost in her thoughts. - Are you sure you’re okay? Last night was…
He hesitates, struggling for the right word.
- Scary? - She offers weakly, a smile tugging at her lips.
- I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have just rushed over like that. Your dad— He stops her, shaking his head.
- I just… I never saw you like that. So panicked.
Blair looks down, trying to process the emotions swirling inside her. She knows she should leave, but at that moment, she doesn’t want to. She wants to stay with him forever. She wants to say yes to his idea. She wants to build a life with him, even if it’s built on a lie.
- I know.. - She says quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.
The night drags on, and Blair finally finds herself back in her bed. Sleep doesn’t come easily, as her mind races, thinking about everything that’s happened. Her phone lights up with a message. Then another.
Humphrey: Are you sleeping?
Humphrey: I hope I didn’t wake you.
Blair sighs, staring at the screen. What can she say? That she can’t sleep because all she can think about is how much she wants to say yes to his ridiculous idea? She can’t tell him that.
Humphrey: I feel like I messed up.
Humphrey: When I asked you to play pretend.
Her heart skips a beat as she reads his message. She knew it. He didn’t mean it. He was just being nice. Feeling sorry for her. It all makes sense now.
Humphrey: I can tell you’re upset about this.
Humphrey: It’s your life, not mine. I don’t want to pressure you.
Humphrey: But I’m saying this one last time.
Humphrey: We could do this, Blair. We could fool everyone. I’ve got your back if that’s what you want.
She stares at the screen, her breath catching in her chest. He’s serious. He really wants to do this. It’s insane. She’s insane for even considering it.
Blair: Why? What’s in it for you?
Humphrey: I want you to be happy.
Humphrey: And I think I could make this baby happy too.
Blair types and deletes a response, unsure what to say. Her phone rings, startling her. It’s him again.
- What if I say yes? - She can barely whisper, feeling exposed.
- Then we’ll start planning. The wedding’s coming up soon. - Dan’s voice on the other end is warm and full of hope. Blair’s heart races.
- What if this blows up in our faces? What if this ruins everything?
- If that happens, we’ll figure it out. Together. - Dan pauses, then replies with a calm certainty.
And just like that, Blair knows. She knows what she has to do. Against her better judgment, she whispers, “Yes.”