Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Heartwarming, Witty, Romantic, Humorous
- Read it if
- You enjoy contemporary office romances with a fake dating trope, witty banter, and emotional depth.
- Skip it if
- You dislike slow-burn romances or stories that heavily feature workplace drama and social media elements.
If I Never Met You Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
The Shocking Breakup
Laurie Watkinson, a successful lawyer in her late thirties, is surprised when her partner of eighteen years, Dan, ends their relationship. The breakup happens just as they are about to see a house, a symbol of their future. Laurie is devastated, not only by losing Dan but also by her life falling apart. The situation is harder because they both work at the same law firm, meaning Laurie sees Dan daily, a constant reminder of her pain and embarrassment. Her friends, Emily and Jo, support her, but Laurie struggles with the emotional aftermath.
Office Humiliation and a New Revelation
Office gossip quickly spreads about Dan's new girlfriend, a younger woman named Emma. Laurie tries to stay composed, but the whispers and pitying looks are unbearable. The final blow comes when it's revealed that Emma is pregnant, a detail Dan had hidden from Laurie for months, even when they were still together. This public humiliation, combined with Dan always saying he didn't want children, sends Laurie into deeper despair. She feels betrayed and foolish, desperate to regain control and dignity in her professional and personal life.
The Elevator Encounter
During a low point, Laurie gets stuck in a broken office elevator with Jamie Carter, the firm's charming and non-committal 'playboy.' Their first interaction is awkward, but as they wait, they develop a surprising connection. Jamie, known for his casual view on relationships, reveals he wants to be taken more seriously by senior partners for an upcoming promotion. This chance meeting sparks an idea for a solution to both their problems.
The Fauxmance Proposition
Jamie suggests a bold idea to Laurie: a fake relationship. He needs a 'respectable, steady girlfriend' to appear more mature to the firm's partners, especially for a big promotion. Laurie, still hurt by Dan's betrayal and wanting to save face, sees a chance to make Dan jealous and stop office gossip. They set terms: a public, social-media-friendly fake romance with a clear end date, designed to convince everyone they are a real couple. The plan is to create a believable story of their growing romance.
Staged Dates and Social Media Blitz
Laurie and Jamie begin their fake relationship with careful planning. They stage elaborate 'dates'—from romantic dinners to weekend trips—documenting everything with posed photos for social media. Their posts are meant to look spontaneous and loving, hinting at a deep connection. Colleagues and friends are first surprised, then curious, and finally convinced by their seemingly perfect romance. Dan, in particular, shows signs of discomfort and jealousy, which Laurie finds satisfying, feeling a sense of justice she hadn't expected.
Cracks in the Façade
Despite the pretense, Laurie and Jamie spend a lot of time together, getting to know each other beyond their work personas. They share vulnerabilities, personal stories, and genuine laughter. Laurie discovers Jamie is more complex and caring than his playboy image suggests, while Jamie sees Laurie's strength and humor beneath her heartbreak. The line between their fake affection and real connection begins to blur, and both start to question their agreement's limits, feeling a strong pull toward each other.
The Truth About Jamie
As their bond grows, Laurie learns the truth behind Jamie's avoidance of commitment. She hears about his difficult childhood, marked by an absent father and a struggling mother, which made him fear emotional ties and believe relationships lead to pain. This helps Laurie understand Jamie's emotional walls and his need for control. She also realizes his 'playboy' image is a shield, not his true self, deepening her real feelings for him.
The Promotion and the End Date
Jamie gets the promotion he wanted, partly due to his new 'respectable' image. This achievement brings their fake relationship to its planned end. However, the thought of ending their act makes both Laurie and Jamie uneasy. The initial relief of reaching their goals is overshadowed by sadness and a reluctance to let go of the real connection they've made. They both struggle with the unspoken question of whether their feelings are real enough to go beyond the initial agreement.
A Confession and a Retreat
Unable to deny her feelings, Laurie tells Jamie she has fallen for him, admitting their 'fauxmance' became real for her. Jamie, despite clearly feeling the same, is overwhelmed by his deep fear of commitment and painful past memories. He pulls back, unable to fully embrace the vulnerability a real relationship with Laurie would require. This rejection leaves Laurie heartbroken, feeling as though she's relived the pain of Dan's departure, but with a deeper sense of loss.
Life After the Fauxmance
After the fake romance ends and Jamie pulls away, Laurie is left to cope again. The heartbreak is deep because she had hoped for a real future with Jamie. She focuses on her career, finding new purpose and confidence in her legal work. She also relies on her friends, Emily and Jo, processing her emotions and thinking about her past relationship with Dan, realizing she had settled for less than she deserved. This time of reflection helps her grow independently, no longer defined by her past relationships.
Jamie's Regret and Reconsideration
After pushing Laurie away, Jamie is filled with regret. He struggles with the emptiness her absence leaves and the realization that he truly loves her. The promotion he wanted so much feels empty without Laurie. He faces his fears and the reasons for his commitment issues, realizing his past shouldn't control his future happiness. He begins to understand that the risk of heartbreak is worth taking for a love as strong as what he feels for Laurie.
A Second Chance
Jamie, having faced his past, returns to Laurie, ready to fight for their relationship. He expresses his genuine love for her, admitting his fear and past mistakes, and promises to work through his issues. Laurie, though wary of being hurt again, sees the sincerity in his eyes and the depth of his feelings. Stronger and more confident from her own journey, she decides to give Jamie and their real love a chance, understanding that true love involves vulnerability and courage. They begin a genuine relationship, built on honesty and mutual respect.
If I Never Met You Characters
Laurie Watkinson
Protagonist
A pragmatic lawyer recovering from a devastating breakup.
Laurie is a sharp, intelligent, and initially somewhat conventional lawyer in her late thirties. She values stability and had meticulously planned her life with Dan, only for it to be shattered. She possesses a dry wit and a strong sense of loyalty, but also a deep-seated insecurity stemming from her past and Dan's betrayal. Her initial motivation is driven by a desire for revenge and to save face, but she gradually discovers her own strength and capacity for genuine love. She's relatable in her struggle to navigate modern dating and heal from heartbreak.
Relationships: Dan (Ex-partner of 18 years, betrayed her, colleague); Jamie Carter (Fake boyfriend turned real love interest, colleague); Emily (Close friend); Jo (Close friend)
Jamie Carter
Love Interest / Supporting Protagonist
The charming, commitment-phobic office playboy with a hidden past.
Jamie is outwardly confident, charismatic, and known for his casual approach to relationships. He's a successful lawyer with ambition, but beneath his charming exterior lies a deep-seated fear of commitment, rooted in a difficult childhood and emotional trauma. He uses humor and a devil-may-care attitude as a shield. His initial motivation for the fake relationship is career advancement, but he unexpectedly finds himself falling for Laurie, forcing him to confront his emotional barriers and past wounds. He is genuinely kind and supportive, once he lets his guard down.
Relationships: Laurie Watkinson (Fake girlfriend turned real love interest, colleague)
Dan
Antagonist / Ex-Partner
Laurie's former partner who betrays her and moves on quickly.
Dan is Laurie's ex-partner of eighteen years and a colleague at the same law firm. He is portrayed as somewhat self-centered and emotionally evasive, especially regarding his desire for children. He ends his long-term relationship with Laurie abruptly and quickly moves on to a younger woman, Emma, with whom he has a child. His actions cause Laurie immense pain and humiliation, serving as the catalyst for her journey of self-discovery and the fake relationship with Jamie. He represents the past Laurie needs to overcome.
Relationships: Laurie Watkinson (Ex-partner); Emma (New girlfriend, mother of his child)
Emily
Supporting
Laurie's loyal and supportive best friend.
Emily is one of Laurie's closest friends, offering unwavering support, practical advice, and a much-needed dose of reality throughout Laurie's breakup and subsequent fauxmance. She is observant and often sees through Laurie's pretenses, encouraging her to be honest with herself. Emily provides comic relief and emotional grounding, acting as a sounding board for Laurie's woes and triumphs. Her friendship is a consistent source of strength for Laurie.
Relationships: Laurie Watkinson (Close friend); Jo (Friend)
Jo
Supporting
Laurie's other close friend, a voice of reason.
Jo is another of Laurie's best friends, often providing a more cynical or realistic perspective compared to Emily. She is equally supportive but might challenge Laurie more directly when needed. Jo represents another pillar of Laurie's support system, helping her navigate the emotional turmoil and offering a different viewpoint. She is fiercely protective of Laurie and wants to see her happy and empowered.
Relationships: Laurie Watkinson (Close friend); Emily (Friend)
Emma
Mentioned
Dan's new, pregnant girlfriend.
Emma is Dan's younger girlfriend who becomes pregnant shortly after he leaves Laurie. She serves as a direct contrast to Laurie and a physical manifestation of Dan's quick progression into a new life. While not a fully developed character, her existence and pregnancy are crucial plot points that fuel Laurie's desire for revenge and the subsequent fake relationship with Jamie. She is the 'other woman' who inadvertently pushes Laurie onto a new path.
Relationships: Dan (Girlfriend, mother of his child)
Mr. Davies
Supporting
Senior partner at the law firm.
Mr. Davies is one of the senior partners at the law firm where Laurie, Dan, and Jamie work. He represents the corporate structure and the professional scrutiny under which the characters operate. Jamie's desire to impress Mr. Davies and the other partners for a promotion is a key motivator for the fake relationship. He embodies the expectations of professionalism and stability that Jamie feels he needs to project.
Relationships: Jamie Carter (Colleague/Superior); Laurie Watkinson (Colleague/Superior)
If I Never Met You Themes
The Nature of Love and Authenticity
The novel explores the unclear boundaries between fake and real emotions, asking what makes love genuine. Laurie and Jamie's fake romance, built on lies, slowly becomes something truly authentic. This theme appears as they navigate their staged dates, finding real connection and vulnerability beneath the pretense. It makes them, and the reader, consider if a relationship's start defines its truth, or if real feelings can come from unusual beginnings. The story suggests that love is not always simple or predictable.
“Maybe it’s not about finding the perfect person, but about finding someone who makes you realize you were never really looking for perfection in the first place.”
Healing and Self-Discovery After Heartbreak
Laurie's story is about healing and finding her identity again after her long relationship ends. Dan's betrayal shatters her sense of self and future, forcing her to discover who she is without him. The fake relationship, ironically, gives her a safe place to explore new parts of herself, regain confidence, and eventually understand what she truly wants in a partner. This theme is clear in her growing independence and her ability to choose real love, rather than settling out of fear or habit, as she might have done before.
“Sometimes you have to lose everything to find out what you actually need.”
The Impact of Past Trauma on Relationships
Jamie's character arc is tied to this theme. His commitment issues and 'playboy' image are revealed as defenses from a difficult childhood and an absent father. His past experiences made him fear vulnerability and believe emotional attachments lead to pain. The novel shows how old trauma can stop people from forming healthy, lasting relationships, even with real feelings. It highlights the need to face past wounds to allow for future happiness and connection, as Jamie eventually does for Laurie.
“He built walls so high, no one could get in. Not even him.”
Social Perception vs. Reality
The fake romance relies on creating a believable public image that differs from the private reality. Laurie and Jamie carefully craft their social media presence and public interactions to project an image of a loving, stable couple. This theme looks at the pressure to meet expectations, especially at work, and how modern relationships are performed, particularly with social media. It shows the difference between what people present to the world and their true, often more complex, inner lives. Office gossip and Dan's reaction highlight the power of appearances.
“We were performing a relationship, and the audience was everyone we knew.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Fauxmance (Fake Relationship)
A central romantic trope where two characters pretend to be in a relationship.
The fauxmance is the primary plot device, driving the entire narrative. It serves multiple functions: as a catalyst for Laurie's healing and revenge, and for Jamie's career advancement. Crucially, it forces Laurie and Jamie into close proximity, creating opportunities for them to genuinely connect and fall in love despite their initial intentions. The artificiality of the relationship highlights the journey towards authenticity, as the characters must navigate the performative aspects while developing real feelings. It creates comedic situations and dramatic tension, particularly as the lines between fake and real blur.
Social Media as a Narrative Tool
Social media posts are used to advance the plot and create public perception.
Social media, particularly platforms like Instagram, acts as a crucial narrative device to depict the public performance of Laurie and Jamie's fake relationship. Their carefully curated posts, staged photographs, and strategic captions are presented as evidence of their 'love,' influencing the perceptions of their colleagues and friends. This device not only drives the plot by creating the desired illusion but also comments on contemporary society's reliance on digital presentation and how it can both obscure and reveal truth. It allows the author to show, rather than just tell, the impact of their charade on their social circle.
Workplace Setting
The shared office environment creates constant tension and motivation.
The law firm setting is more than just a backdrop; it's an integral plot device that fuels the conflict and motivations. Laurie's humiliation is intensified by having to see Dan daily, and Jamie's career aspirations are directly tied to his image within the firm. The office grapevine acts as a constant source of pressure and gossip, making the fauxmance a public spectacle. It ensures that the characters' personal lives are always intertwined with their professional ones, raising the stakes for their deception and eventual emotional fallout. The professional context provides a constant external pressure for their internal struggles.
Flashbacks and Internal Monologue
Used to reveal character backstory and emotional depth.
The novel utilizes Laurie's internal monologues and occasional flashbacks to provide insight into her past relationship with Dan, her lingering heartbreak, and her evolving feelings for Jamie. Similarly, Jamie's backstory regarding his childhood is revealed through dialogue and his actions, rather than direct flashbacks, but it serves the same purpose of adding depth. These devices allow the reader to understand the characters' motivations, fears, and emotional complexities, particularly Laurie's journey of healing and Jamie's struggle with commitment, enriching their respective arcs and making their eventual connection more meaningful.
If I Never Met You Quotes
“I’d always thought that love was a feeling, but I was wrong. It’s a choice. A choice you make every day, sometimes every hour, to keep showing up.”
“The thing about being an adult, I was slowly learning, was that sometimes you just had to make a decision, even if you weren’t entirely sure it was the right one.”
“It was funny how you could know someone for years, think you knew everything about them, and then one day they’d do something that completely redefined them.”
“Sometimes the best way to move on was to just keep going, even when you felt like you couldn’t. One foot in front of the other.”
“He had that rare quality of being completely comfortable in his own skin, which made everyone else around him feel comfortable too.”
“Maybe the problem wasn’t that I kept picking the wrong men, but that I kept picking the wrong version of myself to be with them.”
“There’s a difference between being alone and being lonely. I was often alone, but rarely lonely.”
“Some people come into your life and you just know, instantly, that they’re going to be important.”
“It was a weird kind of freedom, being with someone who didn’t expect you to be anything other than exactly who you were.”
“You can’t control what other people do, or how they react. You can only control your own actions and your own heart.”
“Hearts don't break; they just rearrange themselves, sometimes into something stronger.”
“The quiet moments, the ordinary ones, those were the ones that truly built a life together.”
“Life was messy, complicated, and rarely went according to plan. But sometimes, in the midst of all that chaos, you found exactly what you needed.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is the primary reason Laurie's partner of over a decade ends their relationship?
- He wants to travel the world alone.
- He has met someone else and she is pregnant.
- He decides to leave the law firm and move to a different city.
- Laurie refused to marry him after repeated proposals.
Show answer
B. He has met someone else and she is pregnant. Laurie's partner ends their relationship because he got another woman pregnant, which becomes a key plot point driving Laurie's actions.
Question 2
How do Laurie and Jamie initially meet to discuss their fauxmance idea?
- At a company happy hour.
- During a chance encounter in a broken-down elevator.
- They are assigned to work on a major case together.
- Through a mutual friend who sets them up.
Show answer
B. During a chance encounter in a broken-down elevator. Their initial encounter and the spark for their plan occurs when they are stuck together in a broken-down elevator.
Question 3
What is Jamie Carter's primary motivation for wanting a 'respectable, steady girlfriend'?
- He wants to make his ex-girlfriend jealous.
- He needs to impress their bosses at the law firm.
- His family is pressuring him to settle down.
- He genuinely wants to start a serious relationship.
Show answer
B. He needs to impress their bosses at the law firm. Jamie needs a steady girlfriend to improve his image at work and impress their bosses, which aligns with Laurie's need for a distraction.
Question 4
What is the agreed-upon method for Laurie and Jamie to publicly display their fake relationship?
- Regularly attending social events together.
- Posting strategically staged photographs on social media.
- Telling all their colleagues directly about their new relationship.
- Wearing matching outfits to the office.
Show answer
B. Posting strategically staged photographs on social media. Their plan involves using social media and staged photos to create the illusion of a real relationship, generating buzz among their colleagues.
Question 5
What is Laurie's initial feeling about dating again after her breakup?
- Excited and eager to meet new people.
- Confident she'll find someone quickly.
- Horrified by the prospect, especially with modern dating apps.
- Indifferent, as she plans to focus solely on her career.
Show answer
C. Horrified by the prospect, especially with modern dating apps. The description explicitly states that 'the thought of dating again in the age of Tinder is nothing short of horrifying' for Laurie.
Question 6
What key theme does the novel explore regarding the nature of relationships?
- The importance of financial stability in a partnership.
- The challenges of maintaining a long-distance relationship.
- The blurred line between pretending to be in love and actually falling for someone.
- The inevitable failure of office romances.
Show answer
C. The blurred line between pretending to be in love and actually falling for someone. The central premise of the story is the 'fauxmance' and the exploration of whether fake feelings can turn into real ones, as stated in the synopsis: 'there’s a fine line between pretending to be in love and actually falling for your charming, handsome fake boyfriend...'
Question 7
What is the specific 'end date' mentioned in the agreement between Laurie and Jamie?
- After their firm's annual Christmas party.
- When one of them finds a real partner.
- The synopsis mentions a 'specific end date in mind' but does not detail what it is.
- After Laurie's ex's baby is born.
Show answer
C. The synopsis mentions a 'specific end date in mind' but does not detail what it is. The synopsis states 'a specific end date in mind' but does not reveal the actual date, only that one exists.
Question 8
Beyond the humiliation of her ex's pregnant girlfriend, what other factor makes Laurie's breakup particularly difficult?
- They owned a house together that now needs to be sold.
- They work at the same law firm, forcing her to see him every day.
- Her ex was also her best friend, leaving her isolated.
- She was financially dependent on him.
Show answer
B. They work at the same law firm, forcing her to see him every day. The synopsis highlights that 'not only because they work at the same law firm and she has to see him every day' as a major difficulty for Laurie.
Question 9
What term is used in the synopsis to describe Laurie and Jamie's fake relationship?
- A 'convenience coupling'.
- A 'strategic alliance'.
- A 'fauxmance'.
- A 'professional partnership'.
Show answer
C. A 'fauxmance'. The synopsis explicitly uses the term 'fauxmance' to describe their arrangement, which is a portmanteau of 'fake romance'.
Question 10
What is the underlying motivation for Laurie to agree to the fauxmance, beyond making her ex jealous?
- She wants to secure a promotion at the law firm.
- She needs a hot new man to give the rumor mill something else to talk about.
- She secretly hopes to start a real relationship with Jamie from the beginning.
- She wants to prove to her family that she is moving on.
Show answer
B. She needs a hot new man to give the rumor mill something else to talk about. Laurie's immediate goal is to divert attention from her ex's news: 'Laurie wants a hot new man to give the rumor mill something else to talk about.'
If I Never Met You FAQ
What is the central premise of 'If I Never Met You'?
The book centers on Laurie, who, after her long-term partner Dan leaves her for a pregnant colleague, enters a fake relationship with office playboy Jamie. Their 'fauxmance' is designed to improve Jamie's professional image and make Laurie's ex jealous, but they soon find their carefully constructed charade blurring with genuine feelings.
Who are the main characters involved in the fake relationship?
The two main characters are Laurie, a lawyer reeling from a devastating breakup, and Jamie Carter, a charismatic but commitment-phobic colleague known for his casual dating. They initially form their alliance for strategic reasons within their shared law firm.
What motivates Laurie to enter a fake relationship with Jamie?
Laurie is motivated by a desire to regain control and self-respect after Dan's sudden departure and the humiliating news of his new pregnant girlfriend. She wants to project an image of moving on successfully and make Dan regret his decision, while also avoiding the daunting prospect of real dating.
What does Jamie hope to gain from the fauxmance with Laurie?
Jamie needs to project an image of stability and maturity to impress the senior partners at their law firm, particularly in light of a potential promotion. He believes a 'respectable, steady girlfriend' like Laurie will help him shed his playboy reputation and advance his career.
How do Laurie and Jamie initially present their relationship to colleagues and friends?
They meticulously stage their relationship for public consumption, utilizing social media with carefully curated photos and public displays of affection. Their goal is to create a believable illusion of a passionate, committed romance to the astonishment and jealousy of their office, especially Dan.
Is there a specific incident that sparks Laurie and Jamie's initial agreement?
Their agreement is serendipitously sparked by a chance encounter in a broken-down elevator. This confined space allows them to have an honest, private conversation about their respective predicaments and realize their mutual needs for a public facade.
How does Laurie's previous relationship with Dan influence her approach to the fauxmance?
Laurie's decade-long relationship with Dan, characterized by complacency and a lack of overt passion, makes her both cautious and open to the theatricality of the fauxmance. She initially embraces the performative aspects as a contrast to her previous quiet life and as a way to avoid genuine vulnerability.
What subtle clues suggest Jamie's feelings for Laurie are becoming genuine before he admits them?
Jamie's genuine feelings are hinted at through his increasing protectiveness of Laurie, his willingness to listen and offer emotional support beyond the 'contract,' and his discomfort when the fauxmance is treated purely as a game. His actions begin to consistently contradict his stated disinterest in commitment.
How does the office environment and gossip mill impact Laurie and Jamie's developing relationship?
The pervasive office gossip acts as both a catalyst and an obstacle. Initially, it fuels their need for the fauxmance, but as their feelings deepen, the constant scrutiny and commentary make it harder for them to discern their own emotions from the performance expected of them.
What internal conflict does Laurie face as her feelings for Jamie grow?
Laurie struggles with differentiating between the manufactured intimacy of the fake relationship and genuine affection. She fears falling for another person after Dan's betrayal and questions if Jamie's charm is just part of his playboy persona or if he truly cares for her, making her vulnerable to further heartbreak.
How does Jamie's past influence his reluctance to believe in love or commitment?
Jamie's past experiences, though not explicitly detailed, likely involved witnessing or experiencing relationships that reinforced his skepticism about lasting love. His 'playboy' persona is a defense mechanism, allowing him to maintain emotional distance and avoid potential pain, making his eventual commitment to Laurie a significant personal growth.
In what ways does Laurie's self-perception evolve throughout the story?
Laurie initially sees herself as a victim of circumstance, defined by her breakup. Through the fauxmance, she slowly reclaims her confidence, discovers a more adventurous side, and learns to trust her own judgment and feelings, ultimately realizing her worth beyond any romantic relationship.
Is Dan portrayed as a purely villainous character, or is there nuance to his actions?
While Dan's actions cause Laurie significant pain, the narrative offers some nuance. His decision, while selfish, might stem from his own unhappiness or a desire for a different life, rather than pure malice. The focus is more on Laurie's reaction and recovery than on demonizing Dan.
How does the novel explore the theme of authenticity in relationships, both real and fake?
The novel deeply explores authenticity by juxtaposing the 'fake' relationship with the genuine emotions that emerge. It questions whether initial deception can lead to real connection, and highlights that even 'real' relationships can lack authenticity if partners aren't truly honest with each other or themselves.
What message does the book convey about societal expectations of women after a breakup?
The book subtly critiques societal pressure on women to quickly 'bounce back' or appear unaffected after a breakup, especially when an ex moves on publicly. Laurie's initial need for the fauxmance is partly driven by these external expectations, highlighting the struggle to heal authentically under scrutiny.
How does the use of social media in the fauxmance contribute to the story's themes?
Social media serves as a crucial tool for performance and public perception, amplifying the 'fake' aspect of their relationship. It also highlights the curated nature of modern relationships and the pressure to present a perfect image, contrasting with the messy reality of their developing feelings.
Could Laurie and Jamie's relationship have developed without the initial 'fake' premise?
It's debatable, but unlikely. The 'fake' premise provided a low-stakes environment for them to spend time together, break down their initial defenses, and discover mutual attraction without the immediate pressure of a 'real' relationship. It was a necessary catalyst for their unique dynamic.
What is the significance of the title 'If I Never Met You'?
The title reflects the 'what if' scenario inherent in the fauxmance. It alludes to the idea that if Laurie and Jamie had never 'met' under these specific, unusual circumstances, their paths might not have genuinely crossed, or they might never have allowed themselves to fall in love, emphasizing the serendipitous nature of their connection.
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