Rented a Man to Make My Friend Jealous—Then Fell Hopelessly in Love With Him

**Diary Entry A Rented Husband and the Best Prank Ever**

I never thought Id be the type to rent a husband, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

“Emma, did you get the invitation from Sophie?” I muttered into the phone.

“I did. But Im not going,” I sighed.

“Not going? Shes our friend! Besides, its a posh weddingshes marrying some foreign bloke. Fancy restaurant and all!” Lucy protested.

“Look, Ive got no one to go with. You know how things ended with Daniel. I wont show up aloneSophie would *love* that, you know how she is!”

“Right, Ill pop round tonight. Well figure something out,” Lucy said before hanging up.

Sophie, Lucy, and I had been friends since uni. Lucy and I were still close, but Sophie? Not so much. Shed moved abroad years ago and now, out of the blue, announced her weddingcomplete with a demand that we all bring plus-ones.

Sophie had always been smug. Even now, she wanted us there with partners, rubbing it in my face that I was single. No way was I giving her the satisfaction.

That evening, Lucy barged in, grinning. “Emma, Ive got it! Well find you a boyfriend. Or a husband, if you prefer.”

“What? Have you lost the plot?”

“Relax, there are agencies for this! You rent a bloke for the evening. Perfect, right?”

“Absolutely not! Im not ordering a man like takeaway!”

“Not a mana *gentleman*. Fake, but who cares? The point is to wipe that smirk off Sophies face, yeah? Done! Ive already called thembooked you someone handsome, charming, with a proper car. Youll meet him tomorrow at the cinema at seven.”

I groaned. “How do I even recognise him? And how much is this costing?”

“Dont worry, its sorted. Hell find *you*. I sent your photo. Now, lets pick your outfit!”

The next evening, I loitered outside the cinema until a man approached. “Good evening, Emma?” he said smoothly. “Im William.”

I sized him uptall, well-dressed, with a confident smile. Bloody hell, Lucy had outdone herself.

“Your friend explained everything,” William said, handing me roses. “Dont worry, Ill play the doting fiancé perfectly.”

We strolled through London, chatting so hed know enough about me to be convincing. By the end, I was half-wishing he *wasnt* hired.

On the wedding day, William arrived in a sleek Aston Martin, looking like something out of a Bond film. Sophies face when she saw him? Priceless. Her foreign groom was twice her age, bald, and built like a pudding.

William didnt leave my side all evening. Not a single glance at other women. Lucy nudged me. “Well? Happy?”

“Ecstatic. But its just an act. Tomorrow, hell forget me.”

William leaned in. “Ever seen London at night? Lets sneak out.”

We ditched the reception, driving past lit-up landmarks while he told stories like a seasoned tour guide. By dawn, I was smitten.

Back at my flat, I choked up. “How much do I owe you?”

“Nothing. Lucy covered it.”

I cried after he left. Stupid, reallyfalling for a rented stranger.

Later, Lucy called. “Rough day?”

“Worse. He was perfect. But whats the point? I cant *keep* him.”

“Cheer up. Im coming over tonight.”

When the doorbell rang, there stood Lucyand William.

“Surprise!” Lucy cackled. “Meet my brother, William. The one Ive been trying to set you up with for *years*!”

“You *pranked* me?!”

“Had to! Youre stubborn as a mule. Now, are you letting us in? Weve got cake and champagne.”

William grinned. “Hi, Emma.” He pulled me into a hug.

Fifteen years on, were married with two kids. When they ask how we met, William winks. “At your mums friends wedding.”

**Lesson learned: Sometimes the best things come disguised as terrible ideas.**