Fake Dating My Boyfriend's Rival For Christmas

3. Let the fun begin

{Day 1; December 20th, Ophelia Cruise Ship}

Octavia

I stood there, utterly stunned as Dave turned toward Ava and Nathan, the velvet box still in his hand. The air in the room was thick with tension, and for a moment, everything felt surreal—like I was standing outside my body, watching it all unfold.

I fumbled for a reply, but all I could do was just stare In utter disbelief. Twelve days with Dave Carter, Nathan's greatest nightmare? Please sign me up already!

Dave glanced at me, his jaw tightening as if solidifying his resolve. Then, without a word, he took my hand, his touch warm and steady, and slid the emerald-cut pink amethyst ring onto my finger.

A gasp escaped Ava’s lips, followed by a sharp, “You’ve got to be kidding me, Dave!”

I glanced at her, startled by the raw fury on her face. Her perfect features were twisted in disbelief, her earlier smugness completely gone.

“She’s not even as beautiful as I am! What the f**k is this?”

Nathan, his split lip still bleeding, looked equally dumbfounded. His eyes darted between the ring on my hand and Dave’s calm expression.

But Dave didn’t respond to Ava’s outburst. Instead, he turned to me and said softly, “It suits you.”

My heart fluttered at his words. No one had ever said something so kind to me, and the sincerity in his tone made my breath hitch.

Ava was still sputtering, her rage filling the room. “Dave, you’re insane! Her? Look at her! She’s… she’s plain!”

Dave turned to her, his piercing gaze cutting through her like a knife. “I think we’ve had enough of your opinion, Ava.” His voice was sharp, controlled, and icy.

Ava shrank back slightly, her arrogance faltering under his intensity.

Nathan sneered, his face still swollen from Dave’s punches. “This is ridiculous,” he spat. “Octavia’s not even in your league, Dave. What are you playing at?”

But Dave ignored him, his focus entirely on me. “Octavia, pack your things. You’re moving into my suite.”

My breath caught, and I nodded, unable to find my voice.

---

Later

I hurriedly packed my things, my hands trembling as I stuffed clothes and toiletries into my suitcase. The suite I’d shared with Nathan no longer felt like mine. It was suffocating, full of memories that I wanted to leave behind. Ava flitted around the room, throwing her own belongings into a designer bag and making it a point to shove things noisily to create space for herself.

“You better enjoy it while it lasts,” she said with a venomous smile as I zipped up my suitcase. “Dave will get bored of you in no time.”

I didn’t reply, refusing to give her the satisfaction of knowing she’d gotten under my skin. Instead, I hauled my suitcase toward the door, my heart pounding as I stepped into the hallway.

Dave’s suite was breathtaking. It was twice the size of the one I’d shared with Nathan, with a sprawling sitting area, a balcony overlooking the shimmering ocean, and luxurious decor that screamed wealth and elegance.

I placed my suitcase in the corner, feeling awkward and out of place. I couldn’t believe this was my reality. A few hours ago, I was trying my best to please my toxic boyfriend, but now here I was in a VIP suite, with Dave Carter of all people.

Dave didn’t say much as he gestured for me to make myself comfortable. His silence was oddly grounding, absolutely different to Nathan’s constant criticisms. For the first time in what felt like years, I didn’t feel the need to tiptoe around someone.

“The cocktail party starts in an hour,” Dave said, finally breaking the silence.

He was standing by the window, the golden light of the setting sun casting a warm glow on his sharp features. “You should get dressed.”

I nodded, feeling a twinge of nervousness.

He walked toward me, holding out his hand. “Your phone.”

I handed it to him, and he quickly typed in his number. “Call me when you’re ready,” he said, his tone businesslike.

“Look your best. Don’t forget Ava is a model.” With that, he turned and left, the door clicking shut behind him.

I rummaged through my suitcase, searching for a dress that would make Nathan look twice. My hands brushed over familiar fabrics—simple dresses, blouses, and skirts that suddenly felt inadequate.

After several minutes, I finally settled on a deep emerald-green gown with a sleek silhouette—one of the dresses Nathan got me specifically for this event. It wasn’t as daring as Ava’s scarlet dress, but it hugged my curves in a way that felt elegant.

I slipped it on and caught my reflection in the full-length mirror. For a moment, I barely recognized myself. The gown complemented my olive skin, and the neckline was just low enough to feel sophisticated. My copper waves tumbled down my back, but my eyes lingered on the faint traces of self-doubt etched in my expression.

“You’re beautiful,” I whispered to my reflection, though the words felt foreign on my tongue.

Years of Nathan’s insults had chipped away at my confidence. Even now, as I stared at myself, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing—that I wasn’t enough.

I packed my hair into a sleek twist but hesitated before dialing Dave’s number.

He returned to the suite minutes later, dressed in a tailored charcoal suit that highlighted his broad shoulders and well-sculpted chest. His brown leather shoes were shiny, and his pants were neatly pressed.

His gaze landed on me, and for a moment, he didn’t say anything.

The silence stretched, and my insecurities clawed at me. I fidgeted, my hands smoothing the fabric of my gown. “I’m sorry… I’ll change it,” I stammered, turning toward the closet. “I—”

Dave caught my hand, his touch firm but gentle. “Octavia,” he said, his voice soft but commanding. “There’s nothing wrong with this dress. You look amazing.”

I blinked up at him, stunned by the sincerity in his tone. My heart thudded in my chest as he stepped closer, his hands moving to the hair I’d tied back. He carefully released the twist, letting my waves fall over my shoulders.

“It’s better this way,” he said, a small smile tugging at his lips. He turned me toward the mirror, his reflection standing tall behind mine.

I swallowed hard, trying to control myself—Ava said he’s boring, but I think I like his softness.

“Do you have a makeup set?” Dave asked, his voice breaking the spell.

I nodded, reaching for a small box in my suitcase. “Nathan bought it for me… he’d always wanted me to embody the perfect girlfriend, but I never really…” I trailed off, unsure why I was sharing this.

Dave placed his hands over mine on the box.

“Octavia, it’s fine if you don’t want to wear it. You don’t have to be the perfect girlfriend, okay?”

His words sent warmth flooding through me, and I felt heat rise to my cheeks. For once, I didn’t feel pressured to do things I didn’t want.

“It’s fine,” I said softly, my voice steadier now. “If we’re going to do this—if we’re going to take revenge—I want to go all in. Nathan always wanted me to look like this for him, and now he’s going to see what he’s lost. It’ll hurt his fragile ego, and that’s what I want.”

Dave’s lips twitched into an amused smile. “Let’s do this.”

He picked up the makeup kit, gesturing for me to sit. “But let me help. I’ve had enough fashion experience with Ava to know what I’m doing.”

I sat in front of the mirror as Dave carefully applied a soft layer of makeup. His hands were steady, his touch surprisingly gentle.

When he was done, I barely recognized the woman staring back at me. Her eyes were bold, her lips painted a soft rose, and her confidence—though still fragile—seemed to shimmer beneath the surface.

Dave stepped back, his gaze sweeping over me. “Perfect.”

I stood, smoothing my dress as a surge of determination washed over me. Tonight wasn’t just about revenge—it was about reclaiming a part of myself I’d lost to that manipulative, self absorbed jerk!

“Let’s give them something to talk about,” I said, surprising myself with the confidence in my voice.

Dave offered his arm, a smirk playing on his lips. “Let the fun begin.”