Conquering Fears in Love

[Damn, this is a dating show. Lucia has skin thicker than a city wall. Owen is so unlucky to be stuck with her, can't shake her off.]

[If I were Renee, I'd slap Lucia hard.]

[The production team is stirring things up, putting these three in a dating show. Just thinking about it is exciting.]

[Renee and Owen are true loves! Everyone agrees. Kick Lucia out.]

Owen called, his voice urgent, "Lucia, this dating show is tailor-made for me and Renee. It's best if you don't participate. It won't be good for you."

But I loved causing trouble.

Calmly, I said, "What can I do? I've already signed the contract."

His tone immediately sharpened, "What? Why didn't you discuss it with me first?"

"You didn't notify me when you started a fake romance."

His voice softened a bit, "Lucia, you're still mad, right? Listen, quit the dating show. When I become famous, I'll take care of you. You can be a rich housewife and never have to audition again."

A female voice interrupted. Renee was calling him, her voice sweet, "Owen, could you grab my bathrobe?"

Owen panicked. "Lucia, I can explain."

I hung up, severing the last thread of hope in my heart.

I wanted them to pay the price.

The recording day arrived quickly.

Renee wore a white dress, and Owen a black suit.

They looked like the perfect couple.

They exchanged frequent glances, eyes filled with shy affection.

The comments went wild.

[Ahhh, kill me now, this is too sweet.]

[I declare them husband and wife, right here, right now!]

[I don't care. This couple is the sweetest in the entertainment world.]

[Help, they only have eyes for each other. Real couples are the best.]

When I appeared, the comments changed drastically.

There were all sorts of insults.

I couldn't care less.

Owen's face darkened, a warning in his eyes.

I ignored him, sitting far away.

The show invited three men and three women, drawing lots to form couples.

As expected, Owen and Renee were paired.

I looked at the green lot in my hand. What bad luck!

I was paired with the second lead, Adrian Simon.

In the original script, he went through hell and high water for Renee.

I had nailed an audition for my first major role. To vent for Renee, he had used his connections to replace me.

After pairing up, the show gave everyone a love handbook, asking us to complete the tasks inside.

The first page of mine read.

[Under the moonlight, listen to the sound of waves and whispers of love. You receive a bouquet of roses from a boy.]

The comments buzzed.

[Damn, this is intense. Lucia and Adrian, two people who can't get what they want.]

[Ugh, does Lucia deserve to be mentioned with Adrian? Adrian openly pursued Renee. Lucia is just a shameless homewrecker.]

[Adrian would never give roses to Lucia. She can wait for her punishment, haha.]

The date location was by the sea, with roses, wine, and a candlelit dinner. The romantic vibe was full-on. I wolfed down three bowls of rice.

Delicious.

Even though it was a live show, Adrian's gaze at me was filled with undisguised disdain.