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Chapter 1: A Bored Afternoon Turns Dangerous
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Alex slouched on Zara’s worn-out couch, doodling absentmindedly on a napkin. “We’re so broke, it’s almost poetic,” he muttered.
“More like tragic,” Zara shot back, typing furiously on her laptop.
Alex sighed. “Anything exciting in the world?”
Zara smirked, turning her screen toward him. “Depends. There’s a billionaire’s wedding tonight at the Ritz.”
“So?”
“So, dear artist, we could crash it. Free food, free drinks, and who knows? Maybe some inspiration.”
Alex raised an eyebrow. “We’re not that desperate.”
Zara turned her laptop to reveal the venue: chandeliers, roses, and a champagne fountain. “This is art. Think of it as...research.”
Alex groaned. “If we get arrested, I’m blaming you.”
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Chapter 2: Crash and Burn (Almost)
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By 7 PM, Alex and Zara stood outside the Ritz. Zara wore a thrift-store emerald gown, while Alex’s borrowed tuxedo was one size too small.
“Act natural,” Zara whispered.
“Define natural,” Alex muttered, tugging at his bowtie.
To their surprise, no one stopped them as they breezed past security. The ballroom was a dream: tables sparkled, a jazz band played softly, and servers carried trays of hors d’oeuvres.
“This is unreal,” Alex said, grabbing a mini cheesecake.
“Focus. Mission one: eat. Mission two: avoid getting caught,” Zara reminded him, popping a canapé into her mouth.
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Chapter 3: The Great Pretenders
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Zara mingled with the crowd, inventing elaborate backstories about her connection to the groom’s family. Alex stuck to the dessert table, his plate stacked with mousse and macarons.
Things went sideways when Grandpa Bernie—a feisty octogenarian—cornered Zara.
“You’re too lovely to be single,” he declared. “Let me introduce you to my son. He’s single, rich, and needs someone like you.”
Before Zara could protest, Bernie dragged her to the head table, where she was introduced to the groom’s father, Mr. Hamilton.
“Where have you been hiding this gem?” Hamilton asked, eyes twinkling.
Alex, noticing Zara’s distress, swooped in. “She’s, uh...with me!”
The table turned to him.
“And you are?” Hamilton’s wife asked, her sharp gaze assessing him.
“I’m Zara’s fiancé,” Alex stammered, slipping an arm around her.
Zara shot him a look but played along. “Yes! Fiancé. We’re...getting married next month.”
Hamilton’s wife softened. “How wonderful! Take notes from tonight’s setup—it’s divine.”
Alex and Zara exchanged nervous glances. They were in too deep now.
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Chapter 4: The Champagne Disaster
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Everything was going smoothly until Zara attempted to juggle a glass of champagne and her purse while gesturing about “her wedding plans.”
The champagne tipped, spilling all over the bride’s custom gown.
A collective gasp filled the room.
“I am so sorry!” Zara blurted, grabbing napkins and dabbing at the stain.
The bride’s face turned crimson. “WHO IS THIS PERSON?”
Thinking fast, Zara raised her hands. “Okay, everyone, calm down! This is all part of the entertainment!”
“What?” the bride snapped, glaring.
Alex chimed in. “Yeah! We’re actors. Hired to make your wedding unforgettable—like a hidden-camera prank show.”
The bride blinked, furious but momentarily confused.
Grandpa Bernie clapped his hands. “Brilliant! I love this kind of thing!”
The murmurs grew, and some guests started laughing. But just as their bluff was taking hold, the actual entertainment—a mariachi band—walked in, ruining everything.
“That’s it!” the bride shrieked. “Security!”
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Chapter 5: The Great Escape
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Alex grabbed Zara’s hand. “Run!”
They bolted, dodging security guards as Alex accidentally knocked over the chocolate fountain. Zara narrowly avoided tripping over a floral centerpiece.
Bursting out of the hotel, they collapsed in laughter on the sidewalk.
“We’re never doing that again!” Alex wheezed.
“Agreed. But admit it—it was kind of fun,” Zara said, pulling a stolen macaron from her purse.
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Chapter 6: A Twist of Fate
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As they caught their breath, a black limousine pulled up beside them.
A man in a sharp suit stepped out. “Miss Zara? Mr. Alex?”
They exchanged nervous glances. “Uh...yes?” Zara said cautiously.
The man handed them an envelope and left without another word.
Inside was a handwritten note:
“Thank you for the best wedding entertainment we’ve ever had. P.S. You’re invited to the after-party. Don’t worry about crashing—we’ve added you to the guest list. :) —Hamilton Family”
Attached was a check for $5,000.
Alex stared, speechless.
“Looks like Grandpa Bernie liked us,” Zara said with a grin.
“So,” Alex asked, “what’s the next wedding?”