Chapter 12
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Tiana heard Arabella next to her, swallowing hard. “I could really go for some of that, Arabella said, her eyes glued to the video where a guy was cooking up a storm, ribs and seafood sizzling away.
Tiana glanced over, a bit confused, but then she did a double–take. There was a tall, commanding figure in the kitchen, all in black. From behind, he exuded an aloof vibe.
As the camera closed in, his hand with the spatula took center stage. Pale wrist, long, graceful fingers–his hands were a sight to behold, the way he handled the food with such finesse, it was hypnotic.
The camera kept him from the neck down, but that prominent Adam’s apple, the tight collar around it, screamed discipline.
Tiana’s brows knitted. There was something oddly familiar about him, a striking resemblance to her bodyguard husband. Her heart thumped away, hitting 95 beats per minute, just like when she’d seen Simon with her headband.
But she shook her head. “No way,” she muttered. Tristan’s guests were all big shots from the entertainment world. No
dead on a dating show.
dinary Joe would be there. And Enoch, with his serious, icy demeanor, wouldn’t be r
Her heart rate settled as she convinced herself it wasn’t him.
Jocelyn, on the other hand, was having a hard time keeping her cool. Seeing the guy in the kitchen had her heart pounding at 110, nearly breaking her record from when Simon had stepped out of the car.
But she managed to steady herself. Like Tiana, she’d thought of Enoch too, but once she got a grip, it seemed far–fetched. She mused, ‘Enoch on a dating show? No way. And as a mere bodyguard, Tristan would never give him the time of day, right?
The ladies were all over the map, and the live chat was buzzing.
[Any guesses on the third mystery man?]
[He’s out of this world. I could stare at that physique all day]
[His shirt can barely handle those muscles. Simon, show those abs!]
[I’m all in for him!]
[Hey, simmer down, people.]
us the goods! Why’s he so buttoned up? It’s killing me, I wanna see
[The internet detectives are slacking. No one’s ID’d him yet?]
[Who cares who he is? I just need to know how to get on this show, stat.]
Once the clips of the three guys wrapped, Tristan switched to the feed of the fourth, who was about to touch down by chopper. The contestants gathered outside, already clued in on each other’s heart rates from earlier.
Simon was stewing over Tiana’s heart rate for him–just 95, Annoyance mixed with anger. What ticked him off more was that she’d given the same reading for the third guy. ‘Did she not recognize me? If she had, her heart would’ve been racing!” That thought eased him a bit.
As they reached the meeting spot, Simon glanced over at the third guy. His jaw almost hit the floor when he realized who it was. That’s Enoch, Tiana’s bodyguard! What’s he doing here? Has he lost it?”
16:26 Fri, 14 Feb
Chapter 12
A photographer was at the entrance, ready to snap away. First up was Gideon.
[No way, it’s really Gideon!]
[Gideon’s still as hot as ever. At nineteen, he’s totally dating material. Love ya, man.]
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Gideon strolled out, guitar in tow, clad in a white shirt, light blue faded jeans, and canvas shoes. His hair was a bit messy, framing his piercing eyes. With a jawline that could cut glass and skin so fair it was almost see–through, he looked like he’d just stepped out of a comic–a delicate prince with a touch of sadness.
Gideon had his usual cool vibe. When he spotted the cameras, he just gave a nod before hopping into the shuttle to the helipad.
Next up was Simon, who flashed a quick look at Enoch trailing behind before strutting out of the hall with a swagger.
[Wow, Simon’s here!]
[Tristan knows how to build the hype. I’ve seen all of Simon’s movies, and it’s bringing back memories.]
[Simon’s back in the game! He’s even hotter as a CEO, more charming than ever.]
[No wonder Jocelyn’s heart rate hit 120. I’d be a goner too.]
Simon was decked out in a sleek, custom–tailored gray suit. His hair was slicked back, showcasing his strong forehead and striking features. The suave confidence of a wealthy scion was on full display. He waved at the camera, grinning. “Long time no see, folks.”
[Babel]
[I can’t believe he’s back in the entertainment world, on a dating show no less.]
[Ah! I’m freaking out on my e
My youth is flashing before my eyes.]
[I’ve aged, but he’s still the ultimate heartthrob.]
In no time, Simon’s fans took over the chat, and the live stream numbers soared past ten million. With three top Actor awards, Simon was a powerhouse in the entertainment industry.
and 1 Seeming to relish the fan frenzy, Simon gave a slight smirk and said in a smooth, self–assured tone. “I made a mistake and hurt the girl I care about, so here I am to make amends.” He paused, then added, “She’s been a fan of mine for years, believe if I’m genuine, she’ll forgive me.”
With that, he headed for the car. Right before getting in, he glanced at a man with deep brown eyes exiting the hall, sending the fans into a tizzy.
He’s here for a girl? Who is she, and why doesn’t she know she’s hit the jackpot? Simon’s one of a kind, and she’s clueless]
[Simon’s so daring. That girl is lucky to have him.]
[Jocelyn, Tiana, Arabella–who do you think it is?]
[We Simon stans won’t stand for Tiana. Let’s count her out!]
[Probably Jocelyn; her heart rate was through the roof at 120 watching Simon’s video.]
[Isn’t Jocelyn signed with Starlight Entertainment? She could be the future Mrs. Boss.
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Chapter 12
[Ship Simon and Jocelyn! Let’s make it official, Simcelyn!]
[As long as it’s not Tiana, we’re good with either of the other two.
[Wow, the first two male guests were already a smash. I wonder how amazing the last guest will be?
Can’t wait! It’s gotta be someone with top–shelf looks.
Enoch was the last to make his entrance, and despite the stall’s concerns that he might be jittery being the final reveal, he exuded calm, his face a mask of composure.
Dressed in a sharp black shirt and tailored pants–though the brand was a mystery, the quality was top–notch, likely bespoke -he casually slipped a hand into his pocket. His stride was confident, exuding an air of authority, like a leader ready to take the helm.
The cameraman trailing him was on tenterhooks, doubting if Enoch was just a bodyguard. There was something about him that seemed too commanding for that role.
As Enoch approached the camera, the live stream viewers got their first look at the third bachelor. His black pants showcased his long, powerful legs. Even with his face partially obscured, the commanding aura he carried was palpable.
[Wow, he’s got that boss energyl
The way he carries himself, it’s like he’s ex–military. At his age? No one in the entertainment industry has this kind of presence!!
One look at his silhouette, and I’m sold. He’s got this charisma that resonates with me on a deep level.]
Who is this mystery guy?]
Just as the man was about to step into the frame, the live stream crashed.
What the-
[Tristan, what’s going on? How could you let this happen at the most critical moment?]
[Mayday! We need a tech rescue, the stream’s down!]
Tristan, back on the island, was taken aback when the server went down right as the third bachelor was making his entrance. He thought to himself. The viewership just spiked to thirty million out of nowhere, even more than when Simon showed up:
Wiping the sweat from his brow, Tristan worried about the audience’s reaction if the mystery guest turned out to be a nobody. Regardless, they had to get the server back online.
Soon enough, the server was back up
The cameraman with Enoch got the all–clear and refocused on him.
Viewers could now see a man in his mid–twenties standing a short distance away. His cool buzz cut framed a face so chiseled it seemed otherworldly. His eyes were deep–set, accentuated by sharp eyebrows. He had a strong nose, thin, enticing lips and a jawline that exuded confidence.
He glanced at the camera, a fierce coldness emanating from him that sent shivers down the viewers‘ spines. It was both daunting and incredibly appealing. His mere presence made it clear he was someone who demanded respect and admiration.
Is that face even real?
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Chapter 12
No way! Where did Tristan dig him
Il need his deets, stat.)
JOMC, he’s like a real–life Prince Charming!)
Ahhh! He’s so hot it makes me want to scream!
One glance from him could outshine all the young bucks in the industry.
I can’t handle this. My heart’s been stolen.]
[Guess I just set my dating bar pretty high.]
[Looking for guys like that? Good luck ever getting hitched. There’s probably only one like him in the whole entertainment world with that charisma.]
Twitter went wild with trending topics like “The Sweetest Match male guest No. 3 is amazing,” “Crazy fan girl moments,” “Tristan is good,” and “How to land a spot as a female guest on The Sweetest Match.”
Back on the island, in the recording studio, the three female contestants were huddled around a screen, watching the live stream of the male guest. Tiana nearly choked on her drink when she saw the third contestant’s face.
“What the…? Am I hallucinating? There’s no way I’m looking at my bodyguard husband, Enoch Tiana thought to herself, her eyes wide with disbelief.
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