Romantic Rewrite | Their Fake Romance Was Never Part of the Story ❤️

Phoebe's family arrives early, catching Phoebe and Reed by surprise. Reed smoothly introduces himself as Phoebe's 'wedding date' to her family, who are impressed by his literary status. Phoebe is concerned about her family grilling Reed, who expertly crafts a romantic story about their first date, including a shared dessert preference (unaware of Phoebe's coconut allergy). Phoebe apologizes for not preparing Reed more thoroughly, realizing the extent of her family's intrigue.

Phoebe and Harper discuss their strategy to sign renowned mystery author Reed Shepherd. Harper tasks Phoebe with offering a contract to a new author, highlighting Phoebe's talent for finding 'diamonds in the rough'. Elsewhere, during an elevator encounter, Phoebe's colleague expresses excitement about Reed Shepherd's good looks, hinting at a potential romantic subplot. Phoebe, initially a workaholic, is eventually convinced by her sister to take a much-needed vacation before her sister's wedding.

At Harper's office, Reed Shepherd is presented with critical notes from Phoebe on his latest book. Reed, initially dismissive and confident due to his past success, asserts his status as a free agent and his reluctance to rewrite his work, especially with romantic elements. Phoebe, who steps in to defend her notes to Reed, bluntly explains that his romantic subplots are undermining his mystery, causing his recent books to 'bomb'. She suggests he read her page notes for more specifics on how to fix his work.

Phoebe's sister, Clarissa, tries to understand why Phoebe is at the office instead of preparing for her vacation. Zach, Phoebe's ex-boyfriend, interrupts with news of an article profiling him as a 'master renegotiator' and reveals he has a date for the wedding. Phoebe, annoyed by Zach's presence and concerned about her family's questions, contemplates finding a fake date. Phoebe arrives at the beach house, feeling the pressure of her editor notes on her draft.

Phoebe arrives at the beach house, enjoying the sunset. At a local clam shack, she encounters Reed Shepherd after accidentally taking his lobster roll. Their encounter is tense, as Reed wonders if Phoebe is 'stalking' him, while Phoebe clarifies she is there for a wedding. Reed questions Phoebe's notes on his book, arguing that romance doesn't work with mystery. Phoebe counters that his characters lack depth and that he needs to properly develop the romantic aspects. When Zach appears, Phoebe pretends Reed is her date for the wedding.

Phoebe's sister suggests a 'fake date' to avoid family questions about Zach. Phoebe declines, but Zach's unexpected visit prompts Phoebe to involve Reed in their charade. Reed plays along, suggesting they are 'dating and working together' and engaging in a 'mutually beneficial arrangement.' Phoebe, hesitant about the extent of the commitment, is reminded by Reed that if they're going to do this, they need to embrace the cover story with conviction.

Phoebe and Reed continue to work on his manuscript and their fake relationship. Phoebe explains the importance of conflict in romance, while Reed struggles with the concept. During a snow cone break, Phoebe accidentally spills on Reed. Zach observes their interaction and comments on Reed's 'unromantic vibe'. Phoebe and Reed decide to fully embrace their cover story, with Reed promising to wash his stained shirt, signifying his commitment to their fake romance.

Phoebe and Reed join the family for a bocce ball game. Reed notes Zach's overly competitive nature, while Phoebe explains Zach's attraction for his passion for literature and shared career interests. Reed's interaction with Phoebe's father during an ice cream social further emphasizes the family's 'grilling' nature. Phoebe and Reed discover a shared alma mater and a love for a cinnamon donut place, leading to a deeper personal connection amidst their fake relationship.

Phoebe discusses book trailers to Reed, sparking an idea in Reed for his novel. He realizes his detective's heart is in danger by putting his fictional love interest's life at risk. Reed prepares grilled pineapple for Phoebe, sharing a story about his late father's kindness towards his mother, which Phoebe interprets as deeply romantic. Reed, however, views romance as 'inherently flawed,' while Phoebe argues it's about being oneself with someone who brings out the best in you. Zach and his date observe their growing connection.

Phoebe's sister and aunt tease her about her seemingly serious relationship with Reed, noting their palpable chemistry. Phoebe, feeling the pressure, confesses her anxieties about the fake relationship and her fear of disappointing her family. She also confides her struggles with her presentation for a promotion, revealing her desire to find new, talented writers. Phoebe acknowledges her developing interest in Reed's writing, and her sister suggests she might be afraid of romance due to her past with Zach.

Reed calls his sister, discussing his new manuscript and his growing feelings for Phoebe. He explains his hero is 'scared to admit how he feels' due to the complications of his case, drawing parallels to his own situation with Phoebe. Phoebe admits to her sister that her initial fake date plan is unraveling and that she is starting to have real feelings for Reed. Their conversation leads Phoebe to a realization about love and kindness, encouraging her to consider a real happily ever after.

Zach approaches Phoebe, confessing his past mistakes and his lingering feelings for her. He expresses concern about Reed potentially using Phoebe for her editing skills. Phoebe firmly tells him that their relationship is over and that Reed is 'none of your concern'. Clarissa later confirms that Zach's date is from a 'wedding date app' and that Zach's attempts to make Phoebe jealous were ineffective.

Phoebe's friend Sarah asks Reed for help with her wedding vows. Reed, still cynical about romance, unintentionally distresses Sarah, who questions her impending marriage. Phoebe defends Reed and helps Sarah understand Alberto's good qualities. Reed apologizes and presents Phoebe with his rewritten pages, and Phoebe proposes a cross-genre subdivision at the publishing house, leveraging Reed's reworked manuscript. They both agree to the partnership, with a new respect for romance.

Phoebe confesses to her family that Zach cheated on her, acknowledging her embarrassment but finding support from her loved ones. The family, now aware of Zach's true character, offers to replace him as best man, but Phoebe declines, stating she's at peace with it. Zach's date is revealed to be from an app, and he tried to make Phoebe jealous. Phoebe admits developing an interest in Reed, but struggles to believe he feels the same. Reed is unexpectedly called away, leading Phoebe to believe he signed a deal with a rival publisher, causing her immense disappointment. Reed, however, surprising everyone, reveals he signed with Triple H, under the condition that Phoebe would be his editor. Their deal stands, and Reed declares his genuine feelings for her, expressing his desire for a real-life romance.