In the world of academic rivalry, Olive Smith, a third-year Ph.D. candidate, doesn't buy into the concept of enduring romance. However, to assure her best friend of her nonexistent dating life's progress, Olive plants a spontaneous kiss on the first man she encounters. This man is Adam Carlsen, a dashing yet austere professor with a daunting reputation. Unexpectedly, he agrees to participate in Olive's fabricated love story. But as they wade through the complexities of their staged relationship, a mishap during a crucial conference threatens Olive's scholarly future—until Adam's unforeseen support hints at a deeper connection. Navigating the choppy waters of feigned affection and professional challenges, Olive's heart unwillingly becomes the subject of her most perplexing empirical study yet.