Not just for me. For Emily’s shattered glass. For Renee’s tight smile. For Sean’s haunted face. For the way the air feels like a trap.
Miranda corrals all twelve of us into a loose circle. Cameras shift. Boom mics dip closer.
“Now that we’re all here,” she begins, “I have something to confess.”
No shit.
“When you applied for Paradise Found, we told you that you were signing up for a tropical singles dating show.” She pauses like she’s savoring her confession. “Well…we weren’t entirely honest.”
Around me, voices rise—cursing, protesting, demanding contracts and lawyers.
Miranda lifts a hand, still smiling. “Paradise Found never existed. It was a cover.”
My stomach drops lower.
“Welcome,” she says brightly, “to The One That Got Away—the show that reunites you with your most significant lost love.”
The terrace erupts.
Trevor starts swearing. Renee looks like she might punch someone. Sean goes stiff. Kylie laughs like it’s a gift from the universe.
And Scott—He doesn’t move. His gaze stays on me like the rest of the world is background noise.
My anger turns cold.
“This is insane,” I say, stepping forward. “I’m leaving. Now.”
It’s not a negotiation as I choose to act on instinct.
Scott lifts his hand like he’s going to stop me. Then he catches himself and drops it to his side.
“Lyla—”
“Don’t,” I warn, not looking at him. “Don’t say my name.”
I scan for the nearest producer, the nearest exit, any sign of control.
Miranda appears at my side like she’s been waiting. “I’m afraid leaving isn’t an option, sweetie.”
I turn on her, fury sharp. “I hate to break it to you, sweetie, but I can and I will. Watch me.”
I start to move past her.
“Leave now,” she says, voice still syrupy, “and you’ll have to pay the penalty clause in your contract.”
I roll my eyes. “Send me a bill.”
“All two hundred fifty thousand or in increments?”
I stop cold.
The number doesn’t compute at first. It’s too ridiculous—until it does sink in.
My throat goes dry.
“What did you just say?”
“Your contract includes a penalty clause for an unexpected but voluntary departure.” Miranda repeats, like she’s explaining a return policy.
