Had he known all along that Roman and I were meant to be together? If so, he could’ve sent a memo instead of orchestrating this nonsense.
Honestly, what was the point of it?
Unless, of course, he knew that sending us here is what it would take for us to lay our hearts on the line.
Ugh. Maybe my father knew what he was doing after all.
“You must be really close to him.”
Uh . . . “Yeah,” I lied. I bore some of the blame. And I wondered if I would ever get the chance to truly know my father. I had so many questions for him.
“What would he think about you reconciling with Jonas?”
Holy Hera. I’d figured my fellow castmates would probably all think that was a possibility. Well, until . . .
Brinley burst through the door with Liam trailing behind her before I had to answer. And I knew just from looking at Brinley and her wide eyes and flushed face that she’d seen what I hoped was the beginning of a beautiful relationship between my ex and Cassie. Even if they didn’t know it yet.But Jonas knew how to administer a kiss, and I had to think that not even Cassie could be immune to it.
After all, they’d helped me craft this plan. The idea was simple: someone catching Cassie and Jonas mid-kiss would stir delicious drama—perfect for ratings—and, more importantly, prove to Roman that Jonas was never my soulmate.
It was bad enough he was “interviewing” men every day in the forest. Oh yes, I knew all about that, courtesy of Cassie.
And I couldn’t keep going on dates with Jonas. Every moment with him was awkward, and I could see it wasn’t easy for him either. I didn’t want to hurt him more than I already had. And Titans help me, I couldn’t survive another round of his screeching—sorry, singing.
Brinley barreled toward me in a cute little white tennis outfit, clutching her side like she’d sprinted the whole way, breath uneven.
“I’m so sorry to interrupt,” she gasped, “but I really need to talk to you, Demi.”
My pulse jumped, though not from surprise. I already knew what she’d seen. It was part of the plan. I just had to pretend it wasn’t—and try to look like an award-winning actress while doing it.
So I widened my eyes, forced a startled smile, and said, “Oh. Okay.”
Inside, I was already savoring the chaos to come. We were about to give Tasha, the semi-evil media specialist, the best day of her life. At least for this season. She and Jazzy were probably still sulking that no one had slapped anyone yet.
Brinley pulled me aside, wrapping me in a hug so tight it felt staged for the cameras. Her breath tickled my ear as she whispered, low and urgent.
“Oh my gosh, I am so sorry to tell you this, but I feel in good conscience I have to. Liam and I were just playing pickleball, and we heard some, uh . . . well . . . groaning from the pool area. You know, the pleasurable kind.”
I had to bite back a giggle. Wow. Jonas and Cassie had really gone for it. This could be good.
“Anyway, we got curious because . . . well . . . it was very . . . intense. And I thought maybe we should remind them they were on camera. But . . .”
I widened my eyes, all innocence. “What is it?”
“Oh, Demi, I’m so sorry. It was Jonas and Cassie.”
“Jonas and Cassie were making out?” I pitched my voice just loud enough for the cameras and mics to catch every syllable.
Brinley hugged me tighter, practically squeezing the air out of me.
“You poor thing, you must be in shock.”
Shocked, yes—but not for the reason she thought. I was shocked by how desperate I’d become to prove to my soulmate that I was willing to lay everything on the line. Shocked by how far I’d go to bring two people I cared about together before I lost the chance.
I might have been the worst goddess of love ever, but I was going out with my boots on.
“I just don’t know what to say.” I cracked my voice unnaturally, like a bad actress in a soap opera. “He was just singing me love songs.”
Brinley patted my back, her pity dripping like honey.
