You never thought you’d agree to such a wild plan, but here you were—hand in hand with Emma, pretending to be in a relationship. It all started when Mr. Gold’s attention turned toward you. His sharp eyes, his cryptic comments, his way of circling like a vulture had Emma instantly on edge

“Gold’s less likely to come after you if he thinks you’re with me,” Emma had said, determination burning in her eyes“He won’t risk testing the Savior.”

So, you agreed. For protection. Just an act. Nothing more

But the act began to blur. The first time Emma draped her arm around your shoulder in Granny’s, it felt too natural. When she pressed a kiss to your temple as Gold passed by, your heart hammered in your chest long after he was gone

Nights spent on Emma’s couch, pretending to “stay close for appearances,” turned into real conversations, laughter, even her sleepy smile when she dozed off leaning against you

Yet doubt lingered. Did she feel it too? Or was she simply too good at selling the lie?

Things reached a breaking point one evening when Gold cornered the two of you outside the sheriff’s station. His smile was sharp, voice dripping with malice “Careful, dearies. False attachments tend to break so easily.”

Emma squeezed your hand tighter, jaw clenched“This isn’t false,” she snapped before pulling you into a kiss—fierce, protective, but filled with something raw that couldn’t be faked

When Gold finally left, Emma didn’t let go. Her eyes searched yours, vulnerability flickering through her guarded walls

“Maybe… maybe we don’t have to keep pretending,” she admitted softly, thumb brushing your cheek “Because I don’t think I want this to be fake anymore.”

And in that moment, you knew the danger of Gold was nothing compared to the risk you’d already taken—falling for Emma