I'm back my sweet loving readers & writers.

Prompt:

Title: Vow of Deceit

Pearl White believes love is nothing more than an illusion—a trick of the mind, woven into existence by a brain desperate for meaning. To her, emotions are nothing but frauds, and love? The grandest lie of them all. Victims of this deception are left broken, convinced they've experienced something profound. But it’s not love—just primal attraction, an instinct engineered by evolution to secure a mate and perpetuate the species. Love, Pearl asserts, is merely a delusion we tell ourselves to make sense of it all.

Pearl's POV:

"Humans have always feared the unknown. That's why I believe love was invented by someone afraid of their feelings—someone who couldn't explain the strange pull they felt and decided to label it 'love.' If emotions were real, they'd be spontaneous, but they're not. Every action has a reaction.

Emotions are just chemical responses triggered in the brain. And let's not pretend we need a science lesson here—we all know the basics.

So, ladies and gentlemen, my thesis is simple: emotions are a man-made construct designed to cope with fear, and love is the most elaborate lie of them all."

I grinned at my two best friends, seeking their thoughts on my thesis.

My first best friend Aileen, an aspiring psychiatrist, hesitated. "I don't know, Pearl. Love… a human construct? Are you really sure about that?"

Before I could respond, my ringtone cut through the conversation. Sighing, I answered. "Hey, Grandma."

"I've found your perfect match, sweetie," she announced gleefully.

I groaned, rubbing my temples. Not this again.

After a bit of back-and-forth—with Grandma singing his praises and insisting I meet him immediately—I found myself walking into a fancy café, setting my bag down at a corner table. I was early, as usual.

The café hummed with light chatter and the clinking of ceramic cups. I scrolled idly on my phone, half-hoping he wouldn't show up. But then, the soft chime of the entrance bell caught my attention.

Moments later, a tall man entered, his dark hair slightly tousled yet perfectly styled. His sharp suit and confident gait commanded attention, drawing every eye in the room. Despite the magnetic pull of his presence, I remained unimpressed. People like him were common in my world—polished, self-assured, and often full of hot air.

He spotted me, his lips quirking into a polite smile as he approached.

"Pearl White?" His voice was smooth, low, yet businesslike.

"That’s me," I said, offering a nod but no smile. "You must be Grandma’s latest project."

His brow arched slightly, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Project? I prefer 'potential candidate.' It sounds less… experimental."

"Well, considering I had no input on this arrangement, I think 'project' fits."

He chuckled, unbuttoning his jacket as he sat across from me. "Fair enough. I'm Theodore Black, but most people call me Theo."

"Pearl," I replied flatly. "But you already knew that.”)"

A waiter appeared, taking Theodore's order, I had no reason to call a stranger by his nickname. When he turned back to me, his gaze was curious but calm. "So, what do you think about this whole 'perfect match' thing your grandmother believes in?"

"I think it’s absurd," I said bluntly. "People aren't puzzles to be perfectly aligned. We're just a mess of instincts pretending to be civilized."

He leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips. "Interesting perspective. Let me guess—you're not a fan of love either?”

That would be an understatement. "Love is a convenient myth," I replied. "A trick of biology dressed up with poetry and grand gestures."

"Fascinating." He tapped a finger thoughtfully on the table. "And yet, here we are. Two people sitting in a café because someone believed we might be compatible. Kind of ironic, don't you think?"

"Not ironic—just proof that societal expectations are alive and well." As a philosophy student I know that well.

Theo laughed softly. "I think I like you already."

"I'm not here to be liked," I retorted though I felt a tinge in my stomach

"And I'm not here to fall in love," he countered smoothly.

For a moment, silence settled between us—a strange but comfortable understanding.

"Maybe this won't be so bad," I admitted. "As long as we keep things honest."

"Honest works for me," Theo agreed, extending a hand across the table. "Partners in practicality?"

I shook his hand, a small grin tugging at my lips. "Partners in practicality." I think he might grow on me.

Perhaps this meeting wouldn't be a complete waste of time after all.

Two people who don't believe in love, enthusiastic guardians, skeptical friends and a wedding in Vegas with more secrets, lies and drama than any reality show could ever give you.

Future POV:

"A wedding? Seems like we are gonna need to be partners again."

"Remember the vow?"

"I'd never forget."

Cover:

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Halva is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made from tahini (sesame paste) or semolina, mixed with sugar or honey and often flavored with ingredients like pistachios, almonds, or rosewater.

Dense, nutty, and sweet, embodying both tradition and complexity—reflecting Pearl’s blend of reason and growing emotional depth.

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If any body would like to use the cover or prompt or both, comment the password down below.

I operate on first come, first serve.

I'll change the cover to your pen name or the title if you'd like to use it for a different book.

Don't forget to give a little credit if you decide to use either.

Password: A traditional dessert

Thanks Yuma