Chapter 11
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Tiana wasn’t showing off skin or anything; instead, she wore a black puff–sleeve top and a matching long skirt with irises along the edges. A belt accentuated her tiny waist, giving her an elegant silhouette.
Her long hair was loosely pinned up, showcasing a delicate, heart–shaped face. Every angle and curve was exquisitely crafted, like a fine piece of art. She wore oversized black sunglasses that perched on her perfectly shaped nose.
Tiana emerged from the helicopter, her smooth skin, rosy lips, and sleek hair grabbing everyone’s attention. Dressed in an elegant black top with puff sleeves and a flowing skirt decorated with irises, she was a picture–perfect sight..
[Bam! My heart just got hit by Cupid’s arrow!]
[Honestly, Tiana is drop–dead gorgeous. She really is like a stunning rose.]
[LOL! Tiana’s looking all fresh–faced, but I’m guessing she had some work done.]
[Come on, can we just give credit where it’s due? She’s looking good.]
[No kidding, I’m just tuning in for the show, but Tiana’s entrance was something else.]
[Forget it, I’m heading over to shop for Tiana’s skirt.]
With a flourish, Tiana pushed her sunglasses up into her hair, revealing her captivating eyes. She smiled and waved at the camera, “Hey there, viewers and my haters too! How’s everyone doing?”
Her smile lit up her face, the little beauty mark at the corner of her eye adding a playful touch.
[Oh my gosh, she’s stunning!]
[I love her so much!]
[Wow, who knew Tiana had this sense of humor? She knows her haters are outnumbering her fans.]
[Looks like this seducer is trying to charm someone.]
[What’s the point of looking good if you act desperate? Probably already had her share of nights with the guys.)
Meanwhile, back at Marinea, the male guests were set up in separate rooms to watch the live stream of the female guests arrivals.
In one of those rooms, a handsome but cold man noticed the nasty comments flashing across the screen. His brows furrowed slightly, a sharp glint flickered in his dark eyes. He took out his phone, calmly scrolling through it with a serious expression.
The trolls found their accounts suddenly muted. They scrambled to log back in under new aliases.
[Looks like Tiana’s got some serious supporters. They know how to shut down the haters.]
[Tiana, if you’ve got the nerve, face us in real life.]
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But these snarky remarks were no match for the flood of praise for Tiana’s stunning appearance. The trolls were left speechless, their IP addresses blocked by NexGen TV. Frustrated, they regrouped, determined to take Tiana down a peg.
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Chapter 11
On the island, once all the female guests had touched down. Tristan kicked off with some quick interviews. “Ladies, let’s talk about your ideal guy. Jocelyn, start us ofl”
Jocelyn batted her eyelashes, a shy smile gracing her features. “Someone who’s thoughtful and can be there for me at the drop of a hat.” She shot a pointed look at Tiana, who remained unfazed.
Tristan shifted his attention to Tiana. “Tiana, what about you?”
Tiana’s response was icy. “Men aren’t on my mind, just my goals and ambitions.
I can’t stop laughing. Tiana looks totally over men! Despair much?]
[What’s the act? If she doesn’t like guys, why’s she on a dating show? She’s totally faking it.]
Tristan then turned to Arabella. “And you, Arabella?”
Arabella’s bright eyes twinkled as she spoke, “Someone who can make my heart race from the get–go.”
[Love at first sight is just a fancy way of saying I’m shallow.“]
[Dimplebella’s definitely all about the looks.]
[She’s so sweet when she smiles. It’s heart–melting.]
After the interviews, Tristan had the staff equip the women with heart rate monitors.
Tristan explained. The guys have seen your intros, but we’re keeping their interest levels under wraps for now. I’ll show you three clips of the men–no faces, just glimpses of their lives. Based on your heart rates, I’ll set up the first round of dates.”
[Tristan’s really got us on the edge of our seats. He’s showing the girls‘ heart rates instead of the guys! What’s the deal?]
[Whoa, why all the secrecy around the male guests? Are they that big of a deal?]
[Bet Tiana’s heart is racing for all three guys.]
Tiana, Arabella, and Jocelyn got cozy in front of the big screen. Arabella nudged closer to Tiana and whispered, “Hey, Tiana” Despite being half a year younger, her sweet demeanor and soft voice were a perfect match for her dimples that showed when she smiled.
“Hi there, sweetie, Tiana replied, a playful glint in her eye.
Arabella’s cheeks flushed at the endearment. Up close, Tiana’s beauty was something else. “Tiana, you’re really stunning.” Arabella gushed, her long lashes fluttering.
“You too,” Tiana responded.
The camera caught their exchange, adding a layer of warmth to the show.
Weren’t they saying Tiana is cold and distant? She seems so friendly with Dimplebella.]
[I’m actually feeling emotional. It’s nice to see beautiful girls supporting each other instead of competing.1
[Tiana’s just playing nice to one–up Jocelyn.]
With the trolls on thin ice, the comment section was a mix of amusement and admiration.
16:26 Fri, 14 Feb 05.
Chapter II
Jocelyn tried to join the conversation, leaning in to say hello. But Tiana nonchalantly sipped her coffee and murmured, “Mmm. This is refreshing. Even better without the fake saint around.”
[Pit–I’m laughing so hard I could swing from a tree branch!]
[Tiana definitely knows how to throw shade.]
[Looks like Jocelyn’s trying to play nice after almost starting a cyber–war. Really?]
[Jocelyn: What bad intentions could I possibly have?]
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The viewers were eating it up. Initially, they weren’t too thrilled about the season’s female lineup, but they soon found that beneath Tiana’s glamorous exterior was a fun, unfiltered personality. She was the real deal–straightforward and unapologetically honest about her feelings.
Time for the ladies to size up the guys. Tristan pressed play on the first video.
A lanky guy in a white tee and blue jeans sat on the grass, strumming a melancholic tune on his guitar. His face was hidden. but his lean build and cool vibe gave off a mysterious, captivating charm.
[Could this be Gideon Lancaster, the musical genius who took the world by storm at sixteen?]
[He’s been flying under the radar for the past three years. If he didn’t drop those bangers every year, I’d have forgotten about him.]
[I heard he struggles with depression and social anxiety. Wild that he’s on a dating show.]
[His fans are probably pushing him. They’re always telling him to find a cute girlfriend, step into the light.]
[Gideon’s fanbase is something else. Other celebs would have given up by now.]
[No wonder Tristan said the guys were a big deal. Getting Gideon on the show is a total game–changer.]
In the studio, the ladies watched the distant boy, their heart rate monitors spiking with excitement. Arabella’s checks went rosy, her heart rate spiking to 110.
[Bubbly, energetic girls who can sing and dance against a talented, moody artist–what a combo!]
[Gideon’s been out of the public eye for almost a year. I wonder if he’s still looking good?]
[Our boy will be just fine.]
Jocelyn and Tiana weren’t feeling the brooding vibe, so their heart rates stayed chill
The second video started, and the comments section
went wild.
A Rolls Royce pulled up in front of a swanky building. The chauffeur, all suited up, opened the door for a tall figure in a sharp suit, oozing elegance and charm.
Jocelyn’s heart rate jumped to 120.
Tiana’s started off steady, but when she spotted a light green headband on the man’s wrist, her heart took off, hitting 95.
Tiana thought to herself, ‘Wait, isn’t that my scrunchie? Even with his face hidden, I knew it was Simon the moment he stepped out. Didn’t expect him to wear my headband. What’s he trying to say? Does he not get that I’m over him?‘
16:26 Fri, 14 Feb MD
Chapter 11
[Did anyone guess which big–shot celebrity is this handsome guest?]
[I’ve got a hunch, but it’s got to be a long shot.]
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[No way, right? Tristan couldn’t have really lured an award–winning actor out of retirement, could he? The guy’s loaded!]
[Word on the street is Jocelyn just joined Starlight Entertainment. That’s his company, right?)
[Is he really here for Jocelyn? Look at her heart rate–it’s shooting up to 120!]
[Anyone spot the light green headband on the mystery man? Didn’t Tiana have one just like it?]
[No way, this award–winning actor isn’t going to fall for Tiana the Plotter that easily.]
[Look at that–Tiana’s heart rate just jumped from 60 to 95! She’s definitely got her eyes on him.]
[With the second guest already this impressive, I can’t wait to see who’s next. Tristan couldn’t have scored the industry’s hottest star, could he?]
As the videos of the first two male guests went viral, the hashtags for The Sweetest Match exploded. There was “Gideon the first guest,” “Award winner,” “Tiana’s stunning beauty,” “Jocelyn’s heart at 120, “Arabella’s crush on Gideon,” and “Eager for the third guest.
With bated breath, Tristan finally rolled out the video for the third male guest. He was a mix of thrilled and anxious. Initially, he’d planned for Rowan Dunhill–the superstar who’d serenaded Tiana at midnight–to be part of the show.
If Rowan showed, they’d be golden. The buzz and views would skyrocket. But at the eleventh hour, the show’s biggest investor vetoed Rowan’s appearance.
In a panic, Tristan scrambled to find a replacement. That was when the investor suggested a regular Joe.
At first glance, Tristan was skeptical about the new guy’s photo, but then he did a double–take. The guy was drop–dead gorgeous; even the most straight–laced might have second thoughts,
He had that undeniable charm that could make him a star, exuding a rugged, magnetic appeal that could quicken any woman’s pulse.
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But Tristan had his doubts. With the other male guests being high rollers, this guy probably had the smallest paycheck. He wondered if any of the female guests would be interested. It was a tough world.
Tiana wasn’t really interested in the third male guest. After all, she was just here to make an appearance, as her agent said. So when the video for the third guest started playing, she didn’t even bother to look.
But something unexpected happened.
