Chapter 2
In Chapter 2 of “Dreams Folding Into Broken Time Velvet Shadows,” the protagonist, Savannah, arrives at her friend Roman’s apartment in a state of panic and urgency. She bursts in, only to find Roman in his underwear, which lightens the mood momentarily. Savannah’s distress stems from her sister’s unexpected engagement to Dean Archer, her ex-boyfriend, which she reveals to Roman. The weight of her confession hangs heavily between them, and Roman’s initial teasing demeanor shifts to genuine concern as he processes the situation.
Savannah’s anxiety escalates as she admits to Roman that she lied to her family, claiming they were engaged to outshine her sister. Roman’s disbelief and exasperation provide a mix of humor and tension. Despite his initial reluctance, Roman ultimately agrees to help Savannah maintain her fabricated engagement, leading to a comedic yet heartfelt exchange where they navigate their friendship’s boundaries. Their banter showcases their close bond, as Roman prepares snacks and reassures Savannah, embodying the role of her supportive, albeit reluctant, fake fiancé.
As they settle in for a movie, Savannah’s anxiety about the impending wedding and the lie they must uphold creates a backdrop of both excitement and dread. The mood shifts when Savannah realizes they need to practice their kissing for the charade, leading to a humorous moment that highlights their playful dynamic. However, the chapter takes a turn when Roman receives a message request from Savannah’s ex-boyfriend, hinting at complications that could arise from their scheme. This cliffhanger leaves readers eager to see how Savannah and Roman will navigate the challenges ahead, blending humor with the emotional stakes of their situation.
**TITLE: Dreams Folding Into Broken Time Velvet Shadows by Serene L. Arden p>
**Chapter 2: Let’s Ruin A Wedding p>
I didn’t merely knock on the door; I pounded on it with all the urgency of a storm.
Moments later, Roman’s door swung open, and there he stood, clad only in a pair of dazzlingly white Calvin Klein boxer briefs, his tousled hair a testament to his deep slumber.
I couldn’t help but smirk. This was Roman, after all—he often preferred the freedom of nudity while sleeping.
“Nice boxers. Very… spiritual monk energy you’ve got going on,” I quipped, breezing past him and into the warmth of his apartment.
Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he groaned, “It’s one in the morning. Did you set something on fire again p>
With a swift kick, I shut the door behind me, only to feel the heel of my shoe snap off in the process. “Just my life,” I muttered, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.
Roman sighed, his expression shifting from sleepy annoyance to concern as he knelt down to help me with my shoes, as he always did without a word of complaint.
“Roman, I did something horrible,” I confessed, my voice trembling slightly.
His face transformed, seriousness replacing the casual demeanor. He moved quickly to the windows, peeking out before shutting them tight, as if we were plotting something illicit.
“How bad is it? Do I need to hide a body or bail you out of jail? Be honest,” he urged, his tone both teasing and alarmed.
“My sister’s getting married,” I said, breathless, the weight of my words hanging in the air.
“I’m lost,” he replied, brow furrowing in confusion.
“To Dean Archer,” I added, my heart racing.
Roman’s frown deepened. “Wait, the Dean Archer p>
I nodded, feeling the gravity of the situation settle over us like a heavy blanket.
He paused, his mind racing. “Shit. Can she do that? Isn’t there a code against that p>
“She told me as if she were announcing a partnership at Vogue. In freaking pastel,” I replied, rolling my eyes.
Roman pulled me into a comforting embrace, his warmth wrapping around me like a shield. “I’m so sorry, love. I’ll make popcorn and ice cream. We can watch Scream, and you can call in sick at the office tomorrow,” he suggested, his voice soothing.
I spun around dramatically, feeling a rush of dizziness as Roman instinctively reached out to steady me, his hand resting firmly at my waist.
“Savannah—careful. Vertigo?” he asked, concern lacing his words.
I dropped to my knees in the middle of his kitchen, clasping my hands together as if begging for mercy. “Please don’t kill me. I lied. I did a very, very bad thing p>
Roman squinted, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern. “What did you do p>
“Say you forgive me first,” I insisted, my heart racing.
“Savannah p>
“Say it, Roman. Or I’m never getting up p>
He groaned, exasperated. “Fine. I forgive you. Now stand up before I have to carry you p>
I stood, brushing myself off, and blurted out, “I told Chloe we’re engaged p>
Roman blinked, his eyes wide in disbelief. “You what p>
“She was so smug and shiny, waving her invitation card like it was a disco ball, and I panicked. I told her we’ve been secretly in love this whole time p>
He rubbed a hand down his face, exhaling sharply. “You showed up here at midnight to ask me to be your fake fiancé because you lied to your entire family to one-up your sister p>
“Yes,” I replied, feeling the absurdity of it all wash over me.
He leaned against the counter, shaking his head in disbelief. “I was supposed to be in Tuscany next week. There are hot models, clubs, parties, cocktails, poolside massages… Magnificent D cups… You know what happens in Tuscany p>
I batted my lashes, trying to lighten the mood. “You could still have models. Just… add me to the mix p>
He shot me a look that was both incredulous and amused. “Savannah p>
“Roman p>
“You couldn’t have said… like, Jake from accounting p>
“Everyone knows you. You’re the only one they know p>
“That’s fair,” he conceded, a hint of a smile creeping onto his lips.
“The more I think about this, the more ridiculous it sounds,” he said, finally walking toward the kitchen. “You fake-engaged me to your entire family, to outdo your sister who’s marrying your ex, and now we’re driving to New Hope to pull off this epic lie p>
I nodded, my resolve firm.
“Okay, okay, counteroffer—I give you my next paycheck. Just the one. And maybe my soul,” he said, half-joking, half-serious.
Roman snorted, shaking his head. “Love, your paycheck wouldn’t even cover my shoelaces. I bought you a winter coat last Christmas that cost six times your rent p>
“And I love that coat,” I said sweetly, a grin spreading across my face. “See? I’m grateful. Please, Roman… I can’t survive this sister p>
He watched me, his eyes softening. “You’re lucky you’re my best friend p>
“I love you,” I squealed, feeling a rush of affection.
Roman sighed, running a hand through his messy hair. “When do we leave for New Hope p>
“In two weeks,” I replied, a mix of excitement and dread bubbling inside me.
He shook his head, chuckling softly. “Great. Let’s ruin a wedding p>
In a moment of sheer joy, I practically threw myself into his arms, wrapping my limbs around him like a koala clinging to a tree.
“Thank you! I knew you would agree!” I exclaimed, my heart racing.
“Yeah, don’t get too excited,” he said, rolling his eyes but unable to hide a smile.
I exhaled, finally allowing myself to sink into the comfort of his couch.
Roman glanced at me, then made his way to the kitchen. “I’m still making popcorn p>
“Huh?” I replied, momentarily distracted.
“And ice cream too. You need both. Preferably in the same bowl,” he called back, his voice warm and inviting.
I smiled, my heart swelling with gratitude. “You’re the best fake fiancé a girl could ask for p>
He returned moments later, balancing a giant bowl of buttered popcorn in one hand and another filled with vanilla ice cream topped with rich chocolate sauce and crushed Oreos in the other.
He plopped down beside me, handing me a spoon.
“Come on,” he said, slinging an arm around my shoulders. “You’re not making me cuddle alone p>
I wrinkled my nose, playfully protesting. “You’re in your underwear p>
“And yet, still the more clothed one in this friendship,” he shot back, a teasing grin on his face.
I settled into his side, letting out a contented sigh. “You’re really going to do this for me p>
Roman kissed the top of my head, his affection palpable. “I’ve been doing stuff for you since the day we met. This one’s just got better snacks p>
“Only if you ignore Chloe,” I reminded him, a hint of seriousness creeping back into my tone.
“Do we have to kiss?” Roman asked, his brows raised in mock concern.
The thought hit me like a bolt of lightning, jolting me upright. “Oh shit p>
Roman smirked, clearly enjoying my panic. “You really thought of everything but that p>
“How did I forget that?” I exclaimed, flustered.
“I’m sorry… Did you think engaged people do finger guns and fist bumps at dinner parties?” he joked, laughter dancing in his eyes.
“Well, I didn’t think we’d need a full kissing strategy! But now I’m imagining us standing awkwardly next to the cake like coworkers who accidentally RSVP’d yes to the same wedding.” I cringed at the mental image. “I suggest we practice, Roman p>
He shifted closer, moving with a predatory grace, like a lion circling an unsuspecting antelope.
“Practice?” he echoed, a playful glint in his eyes.
“Yes! This is a tongue-related crisis,” I insisted, my voice rising in urgency.
Roman laughed, clearly entertained by my overzealousness.
“One trial kiss,” I declared. “A simulation. For science p>
“You want to kiss me… for science?” he asked, feigning innocence.
“Don’t make it weird,” I shot back, rolling my eyes.
He stopped just in front of me, closing the distance until there was barely an inch between us. Suddenly, the air around us felt charged, thicker, warmer, and undeniably dangerous.
His gaze flicked down to my mouth, and I felt a flutter of nerves.
“Alright, Hart… Let’s practice,” he said, a grin spreading across his face. “I must warn you, I’m sort of a pro at this p>
My breath caught in my throat as I leaned in, closer, our eyes locked in an unspoken challenge. Roman’s lips parted slightly—
Then I abruptly pressed my index finger and thumb against my nose, as if I’d caught a whiff of something foul.
Roman blinked, confusion and shock mingling on his face. “…Are you okay p>
I gasped dramatically, pinching my nose. “Is my cologne too strong p>
“Your ego. It’s choking me. I needed to make sure I could breathe before I died mid-kiss,” I replied, bursting into laughter.
Roman just stared at me, incredulous.
I released my nose, feeling proud of my antics. “You really thought this was the perfect opportunity for a prank?” he asked, amusement dancing in his eyes.
“I’m legally obligated to humble you once a week. Consider this your dose,” I declared, grinning widely.
He dragged a hand down his face, shaking his head in disbelief. “You’re the most chaotic fake fiancée on the planet p>
“Thank you,” I replied, my tone dripping with sarcasm.
We were halfway through the movie when Roman picked up his phone, absently scrolling through it.
I was mid-rant about how I’d have to sell my kidney and my car just to keep up with Chloe’s extravagant wedding theme when Roman suddenly fell silent.
Too silent.
“What?” I asked, glancing up at him, my curiosity piqued.
His expression was unreadable, and then he turned the screen toward me.
It was Instagram… A DM request to be specific.
“Sav, why is your ex-boyfriend slash brother-in-law sending me a message request p>
In the chaotic aftermath of Savannah’s impulsive decision, the weight of her actions begins to settle. The bond between her and Roman, forged through years of friendship, is tested but ultimately strengthened as they navigate the absurdity of their situation together. With laughter and warmth, they transform what could have been a dire predicament into a shared adventure, showcasing the power of their connection. Roman’s unwavering support becomes a lifeline for Savannah, reminding her that, despite the mess she’s created, she is not alone. As they prepare to face the impending wedding with a mix of dread and excitement, the playful banter between them underscores the deep affection that lies beneath their friendship.
As the chapter closes, Savannah realizes that this journey is not just about outdoing her sister or the impending chaos of a wedding; it’s about embracing the unpredictability of life and the people who stand by you through it all. Roman’s presence is both a comforting constant and a source of unexpected tension, hinting at deeper feelings that linger just beneath the surface. The laughter shared over popcorn and ice cream becomes a backdrop for their evolving relationship, suggesting that perhaps the line between friendship and something more is thinner than they had ever acknowledged. With the impending wedding looming, Savannah’s heart races not just from the anxiety of her lie but from the thrilling possibility of what may lie ahead for them both.
**What to Expect in the Next Chapter p>
As Savannah and Roman prepare to embark on their chaotic journey to New Hope, the stakes are higher than ever. With the revelation that her ex-boyfriend, now her sister’s fiancé, is reaching out to Roman, the tension is palpable. Will Roman be able to navigate this unexpected twist, or will the ghosts of Savannah’s past come back to haunt them both? The impending wedding looms large, and with it, the pressure intensifies. Expect a whirlwind of emotions as Savannah grapples with her tangled feelings for Dean, her commitment to the ruse, and the undeniable chemistry brewing between her and Roman.
In the next chapter, readers can anticipate a mix of humor and heart as Savannah and Roman’s fake engagement takes a turn for the complicated. Will their carefully constructed facade hold up against the prying eyes of family and friends, or will the truth spill out in the most dramatic way possible? As they navigate awkward family dinners, unexpected encounters, and the looming specter of the wedding itself, the line between pretense and reality begins to blur. Get ready for laugh-out-loud moments, heartfelt confessions, and perhaps a few surprises that will leave you questioning the nature of love and friendship. Will they manage to ruin the wedding and come out unscathed, or will the chaos of their charade lead to revelations neither of them anticipated?
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.