Chapter 19
The live camera was still rolling, and Tiana forced herself to stay calm. Biting her lip, she managed a smile. I’m full,” she said, hinting that it was time to let her go.
But Enoch, grasping her ankle with his hand, didn’t budge. His rough fingertips brushed against her skin, sending an unexpected shiver through her.
Tiana felt an overwhelming ticklish sensation. She wanted to laugh but couldn’t risk it. “Mr. Gaston, can we go now?”
He didn’t answer her. Instead, he stared at her for a moment before murmuring, “I have a question for you, Miss.”
[OMG, he actually called her Miss!]
[The bodyguard and his female boss–this is too sweet!]
Tiana’s heart raced at his words. The restaurant was live–streaming their show, and as Tiana glanced at it, she saw comments flooding in–everyone praised him. She sighed with relief and asked, “What do you want to ask?”
“Why did you choose to pair up with me?”
Tiana bit her lip, thinking, ‘Does he really not know? He’s my husband, isn’t he? If I didn’t choose him, how embarrassing would that be?”
While she hesitated, Enoch caught sight of the screen. The comments kept coming: [You’re good in bed.] [You’re good in bed.] [You’re good in bed.]
Enoch quirked an eyebrow. “I’m good in bed?”
Tiana’s eyes widened in surprise, and she choked on her drink, coughing violently.
Seeing her struggle, he released her ankle and hurriedly poured her a glass of water.
After a moment, she managed to catch her breath but Enoch added, “How do you know?”
His words made the viewers laugh.
[Hahaha, I can’t breathe!]
[She once said she guessed it because you’re good–looking and charming.]
Tiana saw the comment explanations pop up and quickly stepped in front of Enoch. But it was too late–he had already read them. Narrowing his deep–set eyes, he replied, “I see.”
Tiana pointed at the camera. “You people just love stirring the pot, huh?”
[The tigress is angry! Tiana is so cute!]
(Even her anger is beautiful.]
Turning back to the man at the table, she said, “Let’s go!”
But he didn’t move. His neat short hair framed a chiseled face as he replied, “You haven’t answered my question yet.”
If it weren’t for the camera, Tiana would have kicked him right then. She was too embarrassed.
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Chapter 19
She shot him an annoyed glare, and he raised an eyebrow playfully. “Answer me.
[His eyebrow raises, and my heart skips.].
This tension is so sweet.]
[He must be a flirt.]
All the while, Tiana felt the heat rising in her cheeks. “I had a good first impression of you. Is that okay?”
He nodded, deep in thought. “But your heart rate was only 95.
She blurted out, “What was yours?”
120
*56%
Tiana was taken aback, surprised by his answer. The heart rate of male contestants wasn’t usually shared, and hearing he had a heartbeat of 120 for her left her speechless.
Are you satisfied?”
“What do you mean by satisfied?”
He smirked. “Satisfied with my capability in bed or the heart rate of 120?”
Tiana thought, ‘Can I just slap him to make him shut up?
[I don’t want a slow ride. Someone take me to the fast lane.]
[Her face is all red!]
[This is so thrilling! Enoch is intriguing.]
Tiana was done with the conversation. She waved over the waiter. “Can you please pack this caramel pudding?”
The photographer quickly chimed in, “Sorry, but the rules say we can’t pack food.”
“The rules can be broken for a good reason. It’s not illegal for me to take home a piece of cake for Arabella if she hasn’t eaten anything, right?”
[I love Tiarabella.]
[The lilies in my hometown are blooming again.]
[Tia’s so thoughtful and caring.]1
The haters commented too.
[Does Tiana the Plotter still have fans? Is she trying to redeem herself on this love show?]
[She can’t finish her food, and now she’s packing it for someone else? That scheming woman should just go.]
[The standards are high! Haters, just leave already!!
[Packing leftovers? Are the haters blind? Tiana didn’t even touch it; she’s saving it for Arabella.
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Chapter 19
[Don’t feed the trolls, Tiana stans; they’re just keyboard warriors.]
Back at Love Nest Villa, Tiana decided to share a room with Arabella while Jocelyn took the other room alone.
Tiana handed the packed dessert to Arabella, who looked teary–eyed. “Tiana, you’re so sweet! But I can’t eat any right now. I’ll give it to Gideon later.”
Noticing Arabella’s pale face, Tiana softly asked. “Are you feeling okay!
“I think it might be the heat. I’m a bit dizzy and weak.”
Tiana sat down next to Arabella, held her hand, and checked her pulse.
What’s Tiana up to? Checking Arabella’s pulse?]
I thought Tiana was sweet, but she’s kind of acting conceited now.
[With that look, she could just stick to being pretty instead of pretending to be a doctor.]
[Tiana the Plotter is just trying to grab attention by playing doctor. What’s wrong with her?]
After checking the pulse, Tiana pulled out a pill bottle from her bag, poured out a black pill, and handed it to Arabella. “This is a heat–relief pill. Take it, and you’ll feel better soon.”
Arabella’s face brightened. “Thank you, Tiana!”
[Babygirl, how can you just take an unpackaged pill?
[Tiana, if anything happens to our babygirl, you better watch out!]
Less than twenty minutes later, Arabella was already feeling much better.
After taking a quick shower and putting on a facial mask, Tiana stepped out of the bathroom. “Feeling any better?”
“Much better!” Arabella squeezed Tiana’s hand. “That heat–relief pill really worked. Where did you get it?”
Tiana just smiled, not saying anything.
[Wow, Tiana sure knows how to impress.]
[Arabella’s face is looking so much healthier now.]
Tiana’s image can’t stay flawless forever.]
Once Arabella felt good, she grabbed the dessert Tiana packed and went to find Gideon.
Meanwhile, Tiana sat at her desk reading a medical book. The comments on the live feed were all calling her pretentious. Even some viewers who had liked her before found her a bit over–the–top.
She hadn’t been reading long when there was a knock at the door. “It’s unlocked, come in.”
The door opened, revealing a slender figure. Tiana glanced up and instantly frowned. It was Jocelyn.
Jocelyn had just showered and was wearing a loose white nightgown that showed off her thin arms. She looked fragile and delicate.
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Chapter 19
Her long hair was pulled into a low ponytail with a light green headband, which drew attention to its simplicity:
56%
Tiana frowned slightly at the sight and couldn’t help but give Jocelyn a second look. Her hold on the medical book tightened
a bit.
Jocelyn caught the look. Although Tiana kept her face neutral, the slight stiffness in her expression showed she felt something.
“Mr. Fletcher tied the headband for me when I was eating noodles. My hair was about to fall into the bowl, and he tied it up
so well
Tiana lowered her eyelashes, trying not to let her discomfort show, but the sting in her heart was still there. She let out a sneer at the corner of her lips.
She thought. Why should I care? I’ll never be with Simon again. I don’t want that headband anyway. It’s just a little nauseating to see it back in use. After all, it used to belong to me, and now it’s on that pretentious girl
“Look at you, all smiles while picking up someone else’s trash.”
Jocelyn’s face went pale immediately.
[What’s wrong with Tiana the Schemer? Is she calling Simon trash or the headband?]
[Sarcastic as always, Tiana knows how to stir the pot.]
[Jocelyn looks like she might cry. Tiana, you’re going too far!]
Tiana glanced back at her book but noticed Jocelyn still standing there. She frowned, “Is there something else you need?”
Jocelyn bit her lip. “I came to apologize for what happened last time. It was my fault.”
Tiana raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Then tell me, why did you frame me? Did you do something shady?”
[Wow, this is getting juicy.)
Exactly! Why did Jocelyn feel the need to secretly film herself kneeling in front of Tiana? What’s the story here?]
[Tiana’s words make it sound like Jocelyn did something really wrong.]
[Honestly, Jocelyn is such a drama queen. Just one comment from Tiana and she looks like she’s about to burst into tears.]
“I, uh…” Jocelyn stammered, struggling to find the words. Finally, she bowed her head and said, “Anyway, I’m sorry. I hope you can forgive me, and we can get along better moving forward,”
Tiana just stared at her, taken aback. She thought, Does Jocelyn really think we can get along well? This isn’t some bygone era where several women shared one husband and lived happily ever atter
Tiana raised an eyebrow and smirked at Jocelyn. “Wow, it’s like I’m talking to someone from some bygone era.”
Jocelyn recognized the jab and forced a smile. Clearly changing the subject, she said. “Tiana, you always look so perfect on camera. I bet you look even more stunning without makeup
As soon as she said that, the comments flooded the screen
(Jocelyn has a point! Tiana has never shown her bare face since she started
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Chapter 19
[She’s still wearing that facial mask? Fifteen minutes in–does she really not want to take it off?
[Maybe her bare face isn’t that great.]
[Jocelyn’s bare face is actually pretty nice.]
