I hired a fake boyfriend for a Fourth of July party to face my ex—but what he did next shocked everyone and changed everything

out a small, embarrassed laugh.

“I didn’t realize, Dan… I…”

My eyes burned.

Daniel’s face softened.

“I know.”

That was the part that hurt.

Not because it was cruel.

Because it wasn’t.

Daniel glanced around the family, then back at me.

“One of the first things actors learn is how to occupy space without apologizing for it,” he said. “A stage looks empty until continue reading …