The Noel Effect: A Romantic Holiday Short Story

The Noel Effect: A Romantic Holiday Short StoryA digital boyfriend. A real-life volunteer Santa. One unforgettable gift.

Riley thought downloading an AI boyfriend was harmless—just something to help her survive seeing her ex parading his new girlfriend around the office. Noel, the perfectly programmed digital boyfriend, sends encouraging texts and fake phone calls whenever panic hits. It’s all pretend… until the office holiday party, where everyone expects to meet him.

With pressure building and no believable excuse left, Riley knows the charade has gone too far. After a chance encounter at the mall with Max—the sweet Secret Santa volunteer who listens without judgment and sends her off with a handwritten note of encouragement—Riley deletes the AI app and decides it’s time to tell the truth. No more pretending. No more fake calls. No more Noel.

But just as she’s about to face her ex and confess everything, the night takes a surprising turn. A familiar Santa hat and a warm smile appear through the crowd, and suddenly Riley isn’t standing alone. The Secret Santa from the mall has arrived—and his unexpected entrance might just change everything.

Funny, heartwarming, and wrapped in peppermint, twinkle lights, and unexpected courage, The Noel Effect is a clean holiday rom-com that proves real magic doesn’t come from perfect programming—it comes from people who show up when it matters.

Perfect for fans of wholesome Christmas romance, awkwardly adorable moments, and love that feels honest and kind.