Page 1 of The Fiancé Hoax

1

FELICITY

“Felicity, you look absolutely ridiculous.”

I pushed the thick-framed glasses up my nose and adjusted my wig. “But do I look like someone who’s not me?”

Lauren studied me from the passenger seat. “Yes, actually. Your little disguise is silly, but it’s working.”

“Good.” I looked in the rearview mirror and arranged the frizzy blonde curls I was sporting. “You’ll help me keep an eye out for my dad, right? He can’t find out I’m here.”

Lauren and I climbed out of my old clunker and stood on the grassy parking area facing my childhood home.

“Of course I will,” she said. “But I still don’t understand why you need to hide from your father.”

I adjusted the neckline of my dress. It was my own design—a long, midnight blue gown with a flared skirt. For a moment, I worried that wearing one of my own creations would blow my disguise.

But that was silly. Dad had no idea what the clothes I made looked like.

“He doesn’t want me asking one of his fancy investor friends for help.” I glanced at my best friend. “You know that, Lauren.”

“I know. And I’m sorry, sweetie.” She stood beside me and gave my arm a squeeze.

We watched as the guests arrived in their Bentleys and Maseratis, making my old sedan stick out like a sore thumb. At least my dress was up to speed.

These were my dad’s friends and clients. The well-dressed couples headed toward the party on the gorgeous estate where I grew up.

“I just don’t get what he has against helping his daughter out,” Lauren said. “You’re so talented, Felicity. You just need a little cash to keep your store open until your fashions take off.”

I nodded tightly as I thought of the business I’d poured my heart and soul into for three years.

The one I was about to lose.

Lauren gestured at my dad’s huge house. He lived here alone, ever since I moved out at age eighteen.

“Your dad obviously has more than enough to spare. Plus, he knows the top businesspeople in LA. I’m sure any of them would love to invest in your shop.” She clicked her tongue. “But ol’ Marsh Hayes won’t even let you ask one of his buddies for help.”

I did my best impression of my father’s deep, booming voice. “No handouts. Not even for you, Felicity. Especially when you’re all mixed up in that fashion design business.”

“He makes it sound like you’re a drug dealer.” Lauren giggled. “What a hardass.”

“Exactly.” I grabbed my clutch and squared my shoulders. “Which is why I’m gonna sneak into this party, find some rich investor to save my business, and escape before Dad catches me.”

Lauren smiled as we crossed the parking area. “It’s on.” She wore a little black dress that showed off her long legs.

The other guests at the party entered through the front door of the house, where the butler received them and led them to the backyard. But I didn’t have that luxury.

“Let’s sneak in through the side,” I muttered to Lauren.

We kept to the shadows as I found the path on the far side of the house.

“I still can’t believe you grew up in this mansion,” Lauren whispered. “It’s crazy! You came from a rich family, and now you’re totally broke!”

I squinted as we walked in the dim light, trying not to trip on a rock.

“I mean, you drive a 1998 Plymouth Breeze,” Lauren continued. “You live in a moldy apartment. And you’re about to lose your boutique!” She shook her head sadly.

I looked at her. “You know, you’re not helping.”

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