A December Bride

The film opens with Layla O'Reilly, an interior design assistant, facing the ultimate social nightmare: her cousin Jessica is marrying Layla's ex-fiancé, Jack. The couple met through Seth Murphy, an investment banker who feels responsible for the heartbreak. When Layla's original date falls ill, Seth offers to accompany her to the wedding. During the reception, to shield Layla from the pity of her family and the smugness of her ex, Seth announces that he and Layla are also engaged. This lie quickly spirals out of control when Stanley Malcolm, a powerful real estate mogul Layla hopes to work for, expresses interest in hiring her based on Seth's endorsement and their 'happy' news. Layla and Seth strike a deal to maintain the fake engagement for three weeks until the 'Holiday Tour of Homes' event. Layla agrees to decorate Seth's bachelor pad to impress his boss's wife, while Seth helps Layla secure a career-making contract with Malcolm. As they spend time together stringing popcorn, choosing trees, and navigating awkward family dinners, they discover a deep connection. Layla is fired by her demanding boss, Darcy, who views Layla as competition, making the Malcolm contract even more vital. Seth, influenced by Layla's Christmas spirit, begins to reconcile with his emotionally distant father, who eventually helps them find a vintage sleigh for the house tour. The tension peaks when they plan a 'fake fight' to end the engagement after the tour. However, during the planned breakup at a family gathering, Seth realizes his feelings are real. He abandons the script and delivers a heartfelt confession of love, proposing for real. Layla accepts, and the film concludes with Layla finally achieving her dream of being a December bride in a beautiful winter ceremony.