June moved swiftly through the set, her sharp eyes scanning every detail. The lights were in place, the decorations perfectly aligned, and the camera crew stood at the ready. Yet, despite the seamless setup, anxiety clawed at her chest.
"Have you set everything? How about the lights? The decorations? The participants, have they all filled in their details?" she asked, her voice slicing through the exhausted air of her team, who had been running on a grueling nine-hour schedule.
"Relax." Jane pressed a cold water bottle into her hand. "Everything is set as planned. In less than a minute, the live dating show will begin. You have nothing to worry about."
June took a long gulp, allowing the cool liquid to soothe her parched throat. She knew the work that had gone into this. Knew how much was riding on tonight's success. If this show flopped, everything she'd built could come crashing down. She needed the audience to fall in love with at least one couple—one pair whose chemistry would set screens on fire and make Bring Love to Life a household name.
"We're on in five," a crew member called, holding up their fingers in a countdown.
June turned her attention to the monitors, watching as the participants made their grand entrances into the outdoor love garden she and her team had meticulously arranged. Each group was paired based on compatibility—some in groups of five men to three women, others an even mix, depending on the forms they'd submitted.
She tapped her earpiece. "Find the most promising couples. Get the cameras on them."
"There," Liam said, pointing to the monitor.
June followed his gaze, her heart slamming into her ribs. The air in her lungs turned stale. Her fingers, once curled around her pen, now dug into her palm.
"What the hell is he doing here?" The words shot out, breathless, disbelieving.
On the screen, Dave sat casually beside a stunning woman, listening intently to whatever she was saying. And smiling.
A real smile.
Not the usual cold, indifferent ones he threw at people when he wasn't interested—but one that reached his eyes.
June's body tensed. "Who signed him in?"
"Who are you talking about?" Jane leaned in, curious—then immediately pulled back when she saw who it was. "Oh."
Her lips pressed into a knowing line. That explained June's sudden shift in mood.
Damn. June definitely still had feelings for him.
"Have him removed from the show," June ordered sharply.
Liam blinked at her. "We can't. He's already in. And, just like you requested, he's a great attraction."
"Then find another couple," she snapped, running a hand down her face. A groan rumbled from her chest, frustration bubbling beneath her skin.
How dare he?
Her feet carried her toward the scene, ignoring the protests behind her.
"What's wrong with her?" Liam asked, watching her storm off.
Jane rolled her eyes. "You wouldn't get it even if I told you. Just let it be."
Liam scoffed. "You love being in the know, don't you?"
"And you love being clueless."
Their ongoing squabble faded into the background as June stepped into the outdoor set, her gaze locked onto Dave.
He felt her presence before she even spoke. His head turned slightly, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his lips as he registered her grumpy stance—arms folded, foot tapping, expression thunderous.
"Huh?" He feigned ignorance, leaning back lazily in his seat. "Oh, June. Didn't see you there."
Her patience snapped like a brittle twig. "Don't play dumb. What are you doing here?"
"Me?" His brows lifted in mock surprise. "I'm here for a date, of course."
Her eyes flickered to the woman beside him, and her stomach twisted. The woman was beautiful—long silky hair, radiant skin, a delicate smile that screamed perfect girlfriend material.
June forced a laugh. "Oh? And what happened to your last relationship?"
Dave tilted his head. "Oh, that? My fake girlfriend broke up with me. So I figured I'd get a real one this time."
Her jaw clenched. He's doing this on purpose.
June wasn't stupid. She knew his game. Knew exactly what he was trying to do, provoke her. And damn it, it was working.
"Really?" Her smile didn't reach her eyes. "Well, good luck with that. I'm sure she'll be thrilled to know you're still technically in another relationship."
Dave chuckled, low and amused. "Technically, we broke up. Privately, of course. But since someone refused to make it public, I suppose that means I'm still available."
Her fingers curled into fists.
She wanted to scream at him. Shake him. Why are you like this? Why are you doing this to me?
Instead, she turned to the camera crew. "Shift the spotlight away from him."
Liam hesitated. "But"
"Do it."
With a sigh, the cameras redirected, but June's eyes remained glued to the screen, watching every smile Dave gave that woman. Every time their arms brushed. Every damn second he spent pretending she didn't exist.
It was infuriating.
And the worst part?
She knew he loved her jealousy.
….
Dora stood near the fiction aisle, her fingers restlessly flipping through a book she had no interest in. Her eyes, however, were glued to Edward across the store. He was smiling—too much, if she was being honest. The woman in front of him was laughing, touching his arm like they were old friends. The worst part? He wasn't pulling away.
Her grip on the book tightened. Oh, so now he enjoys being touched? she fumed internally.
He had been talking to the same woman for over ten minutes, completely ignoring the fact that Dora had arrived. What's so interesting? She tried to subtly wave at him earlier, but he never looked her way.
Her irritation turned into full-blown annoyance when the woman leaned in closer, whispering something to him. He laughed. He laughed! Dora's eyes narrowed dangerously.
Her foot stomped against the wooden floor, and..
"Ow!"
She yelped, stumbling as pain shot up from her little toe. In her frustration, she had slammed it against the leg of a table. Biting her lip to hold back tears, she crouched down, gripping her foot in agony.
"Sorry," a voice startled her.
Her head snapped up, only to find Edward standing there, looking down at her with an amused expression.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, tilting his head slightly as he glanced around. "The documentary section? Since when do you read these?"
Dora straightened up immediately, ignoring the throbbing in her foot. Damn it. Why did he have to catch her here of all places?
"Umm, just wanted to try something new," she blurted out, forcing an innocent smile.
Edward's brow lifted. "Really? Or were you spying on me?"
Dora nearly choked. Her foot wobbled, and before she could fall, Edward's arms wrapped around her waist, steadying her. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver down her spine, but she quickly pushed it aside.
"Why would I spy on you?" she scoffed, trying to sound unaffected.
"Because you were glaring at me from across the store," he smirked, his hands still holding her steady. "And now you just happened to be in the section you never read from?"
"Coincidence," she muttered, but her voice lacked conviction.
Edward exhaled, his grip on her waist loosening, but he didn't move away completely. Instead, he tilted his head slightly, his dark eyes scanning her face.
"Dora, are you insecure?"
Her heart did an embarrassing flip. Her face heated up instantly.
"Of course not!" Dora snapped a little too quickly, her voice betraying the exact insecurity she was trying to deny.
Edward didn't look convinced. If anything, the corner of his lips curled into a knowing smirk that made her stomach twist in both frustration and… something else.
His fingers brushed against her waist as he finally stepped back, giving her space. But the heat of his touch lingered.
"Dora." His voice was softer now, but still teasing. "If you have something to say, just say it."
Her eyes darted away, landing on a random book spine. The Art of War. Oh, how fitting.
"There's nothing to say," she muttered. "You were busy, I was" she gestured vaguely at the bookshelves "expanding my reading preferences."
"Uh-huh," Edward drawled, clearly amused.
She huffed, crossing her arms. Why was he looking at her like that? Like he already knew the truth and was just waiting for her to admit it?
"Do you love me?"
Dora froze.
Her heart slammed against her ribs so hard she was afraid it might burst out of her chest.
Her gaze snapped to his, but Edward wasn't laughing anymore. His dark eyes held a seriousness that stole the breath from her lungs.
"W-What?" Her voice came out small.
He took a step closer, and suddenly, the space between them felt too small, too charged.
"Do you have feelings for me, Dora?"
Her breath hitched. Her fingers curled against her arms, desperate to hold onto something, anything to keep from crumbling under the intensity of his gaze.
She could lie. She could brush it off. She could laugh like this was some joke and change the subject.
But her body was betraying her—her cheeks were on fire, her heartbeat was erratic, and she knew—he knew.
Edward exhaled, his lips twitching. "You're blushing."
"Shut up," she mumbled, looking anywhere but at him.
His hand reached up, gently tilting her chin so she had no choice but to meet his gaze again.
"By now, you should know my feelings for you," he murmured, his voice lower now, sending a delicious shiver down her spine.
Dora swallowed hard.
"The woman you saw earlier?" Edward continued, amusement flickering in his eyes. "She's married. She was just asking for a book recommendation."
A mix of embarrassment and relief flooded her system so fast it made her dizzy.
"Oh," was all she could manage.
He smirked. "Oh?"
She wanted to bury herself under the bookshelves.
"So…" Edward tilted his head slightly, watching her with that frustratingly attractive expression. "Now that we've cleared that up—" his thumb brushed against her jaw, sending her nerves into overdrive "—are you going to answer my question?"
Her breath hitched.
"Do you have the same feelings for me, Dora?"
….
"Have the spotlight shift from him." June's voice was calm, but the pen in her grip cracked under the pressure of her fingers. Every smile, every touch that woman gave Dave gnawed at her insides like a persistent ache.
Liam hesitated. "But"
"Just do it." She cut in sharply, her eyes locked on the monitor. "Find another couple to focus on."
Liam didn't argue further. Within seconds, the camera operator smoothly transitioned to another couple, leaving Dave and the woman in the background. But it didn't matter.
The damage was already done.
June clenched her jaw. Isn't he allergic to touch?
Why, then, was he letting that woman touch him so freely? Even if he was wearing gloves, he still shouldn't have let her hands linger on his.
Player.
Her mind screamed it, cursing both the woman and Dave. Her so-called fake ex-boyfriend.
"June."
She turned abruptly, coming face-to-face with Rolland. He stood before her, hands tucked into his pockets, his expression unreadable, somewhere between casual interest and that usual, annoying arrogance.
His presence was the last thing she needed right now.
He tilted his head. "You look busy."
Her eyes narrowed. Obviously.
"I was thinking…" Rolland continued, unfazed by her cold stare. "Since it's been a while since we last caught up, why not have dinner tonight?"
Great. Just what she didn't need.
She was already battling the emotional warzone Dave had set off in her head. Now, Rolland wanted to add another problem to her plate?
"I can't." She forced a weak smile. "I have a lot of work to do."
She turned away, hoping that was the end of it. But of course, Rolland had other plans.
Within seconds, he was beside her again, moving effortlessly into her space.
"That's fine," he said, unfazed by her rejection. "But this dinner will be official. I have something important to discuss about my investment in your show."
June groaned. So that's his game.
She turned back to him, a dry look on her face. "Can't you just ask me now?"
"Nope." He grinned, enjoying this far too much. "It can only be asked over dinner. Be there on time."
With a smug wink, he walked off, leaving her to scowl at his retreating figure.
"Ugh!" She let out an exasperated groan, gripping her clipboard tight.
Where the hell did Dave go?
And the woman?
She scanned the room, but they were gone.
Just like that.
And it was all Rolland's fault.
….
"I'm home."
June's voice was sluggish as she dragged herself inside, barely making it to the sofa before collapsing onto it. The day had been exhausting, and all she wanted was to shut out the world for a while.
"How was the show? Did your grumpy uncle show up?"
June's eyes immediately snapped to Dora, who gasped the second she realized what she had just blurted out.
June sat up straight, her eyes narrowing. "How did you know he was there?"
Dora gulped, trying to come up with an excuse. "Umm… I just took a guess. You know, since he's your boyfriend, it makes sense that he'd show up."
June studied her for a moment longer, then sighed, leaning back again. "Oh. Let's not talk about him."
"Why not? Did he do something bad?"
"If you mean he went on a date with someone hotter, better, and more beautiful than me, then yes. He absolutely did something horrifying."
Jane, who had just entered, let out a low whistle before laughing. "Oof. That's cold. He's evil."
"So… how did it feel?" Jane smirked, leaning forward. "You know, seeing him with some hot, beautiful woman who wasn't you?"
June clenched her jaw.
Yes, it hurt. But she wasn't about to admit it out loud.
The woman wasn't as beautiful as her. Not even close. And even if she was—it didn't matter.
Because Dave was hers.
"I don't have time for him. I have dinner with Rolland."
Jane nearly choked.
"Rolland?" she shrieked, covering her mouth in shock.
"Mr. Hottie Rolland?" Dora's eyes sparkled with excitement.
June wasn't surprised. Dora had been obsessed with him back in college, even going as far as doing June's assignments in exchange for pictures of him.
Oh, how Rolland had made her college life easy.
"When did he get back? I thought he was overseas. Why did he return?" Dora fired off her questions rapidly.
"That," June said flatly, "you'll have to ask him yourself. I only know that he's an investor in my show. Besides that, I know nothing."
Dora hummed in thought, then quickly grabbed her phone.
To Dave: June's having dinner with Rolland.
And just like that, June sat in front of her mirror, assessing her reflection.
No heavy makeup. No extravagant dress. Just a simple yet elegant business outfit.
She wasn't here to impress him.
Her feet, still aching from the torturous heels she had worn earlier, were now relieved in a pair of comfortable flats. Her hair was pulled up into a loose bun, her signature look.
It better be something important, she thought, or she was going to kill him for dragging her out when all she wanted was rest.
The moment she arrived at the restaurant, Rolland greeted her with a warm smile, pulling out a chair for her.
"You look beautiful."
"Thank you."
She didn't waste time.
"What questions do you have?" she asked the second she sat down, completely ignoring the waiter who stood patiently beside them.
Rolland chuckled. "Straight to business, I see."
He turned to the waiter. "I'll have shellfish and jelly beans."
Then, he handed her the menu.
June didn't even glance at it. "I'm not hungry. Just tell me what questions you have."
Rolland sighed, shaking his head. "June, we're at a restaurant. You know what happens here, right?"
Her eyes narrowed.
"You can have it your way" he smirked, leaning forward slightly, "share a meal with me, or I cancel my future investment plans."
June's fingers twitched. Is that a threat?
How dare he?
She wouldn't let him have the upper hand.
"Fine." She huffed. "But you better start talking, or I swear"
"You'll break my head?" he finished for her with a wink.
She rolled her eyes. Same old Rolland.
Come to think of it, it was probably her crazy, unpredictable personality that had drawn him to her in the first place. Unlike the other girls who had practically thrown themselves at him, June had never given him the time of day.
"I know, I know," he said, amused. "Trust me, I won't waste your precious time. But first, we eat. It's bad manners to talk while eating."
Not for me, June thought, scowling.
She had agreed to eat so he would talk.
But just as she was about to take a bite, her fork froze mid-air.
Her gaze locked onto something,or rather, someone, at the other end of the restaurant.
Her breath hitched.
There he was.
Dave.
And with her.
June's fingers clenched around the fork, her appetite vanishing in an instant.
Her stomach churned as she watched the woman reach for Dave's face—only for him to subtly turn away.
Liar. Fraud. Cheat.
She hated the way he made her feel.
It shouldn't bother her.
She knew this wasn't real.
Yet, the sight of him with someone else sent a sharp pang through her chest.
"June? June, are you alright?"
Rolland's voice barely registered in her mind.
Her body flinched when he touched her arm, snapping her out of her trance.
She turned to him for a second, then back at Dave and his date.
"Isn't that the guy from the other day?" Rolland asked, now following her gaze.
June exhaled sharply, standing up. "I'm not feeling well. I'm going home."
But before she could leave, she pivoted on her heel, straight toward Dave's table.
The couple looked up at her approach.
June put on her best fake smile. "Stella, right?"
The woman blinked in surprise. "Oh! Yes! And aren't you the host of 'Bring Love to Life'?"
"That's me." June kept her tone light. "What a surprise running into you here."
"What are you doing here?" Stella asked cheerfully.
Before June could answer, Rolland smoothly inserted himself into the conversation.
"She's here with me."
He placed a firm hand on her waist, making sure everyone noticed.
June almost laughed. Oh, he caught on quickly.
Dave's fingers curled around his glass, his jaw tightening.
Stella, completely oblivious, beamed. "Since we're both on dates, why don't we all sit together?"
June didn't hesitate. "Great idea."
And just like that, she slid into one of the seats.
The tension at the table was palpable.
"How long have you two been dating?" Rolland asked casually, his eyes glinting with mischief.
"Not too long," Stella answered.
Rolland smiled. "Same here. But the merit is that this isn't our first meeting. We were actually mates back in campus."
Dave's grip on his glass tightened.
June smirked. Oh, he doesn't like that.
"That's nice," Dave finally said, his voice deceptively calm. "How novel."
"There's no love story," June cut in. She turned to Stella. "What do you like about him?"
Stella smiled. "Well, he's nice and polite."
June scoffed. "Don't be fooled. These days, men can fake 'nice and polite.' For all you know, he could have a girlfriend and still be here on a date with you."
Dave's gaze snapped to hers. "Maybe the problem isn't him. Maybe it's the girl who keeps sending mixed signals, wanting him one moment and pushing him away the next."
The air thickened with tension.
Rolland raised an eyebrow. "This just got interesting."
For a moment, the table fell into silence, heavy with the weight of unspoken words.
Stella glanced between June and Dave, a flicker of realization crossing her face. She was no fool, she could feel the tension, the history.
She offered a small, polite smile. "Maybe I should"
"No, no," June interrupted, forcing another sweet smile. "Stay. We're just having an honest discussion about trust, aren't we, Dave?"
His jaw tensed. Oh, she was enjoying this.
Stella hesitated. She didn't like drama, but she also wasn't about to back down like a coward. "Well, I don't believe Dave would do something like that. He's always been honest with me."
"Honest?" June let out a humorless laugh. "How cute. So, what exactly did he tell you about our relationship?"
Dave shot her a warning look, but she ignored it.
"Well, I"
"Let me guess." June leaned in, resting her chin on her palm. "He told you we're just friends, right?"
Stella hesitated.
"Or maybe he said we used to be something but aren't anymore?" June's smile sharpened. "Which would be hilarious, because" She turned to Dave. "Didn't you agree to be my fake boyfriend?"
Rolland whistled lowly, thoroughly entertained.
Dave exhaled slowly, setting down his glass with an audible clink. His patience was wearing thin. "Maybe I did. But what if I don't want to anymore?"
June's stomach clenched, but she didn't let it show.
"Oh?" she mused, tilting her head. "Is that why you're on this lovely little date? So eager to move on?"
"Why does it bother you?" His voice was low, dangerous.
"Who says it does?" she shot back. "I'm just concerned for Stella. She seems like a sweet girl, and I'd hate for her to waste her time on someone who can't even make up his mind."
"And what about you?" Dave countered, his gaze burning into her. "You claim you don't care, but here you are, sitting at my table, pushing Stella to question me. Why, June?"
June's fingers curled under the table.
Because you're mine.
Because the thought of you with someone else makes me feel sick.
Because even if this is fake, even if we're supposed to be pretending… I don't want to lose you.
But she would never say that.
Instead, she forced out a light laugh. "Oh, Dave. You're giving yourself too much credit. I don't care what you do. I just enjoy watching you squirm."
Dave's lips pressed into a thin line, and for a second, she thought he might actually lose his temper.
But then, to her utter shock, he smirked.
A slow, knowing, infuriating smirk.
"Fine." He leaned back in his chair, as if completely unbothered. "If you don't care, then you won't mind if I kiss her, right?"
June's breath caught.
The air around them went still.
Rolland sat up straighter, intrigued.
Stella, caught in the crossfire, blinked in confusion. "Wait, what?"
Dave turned to her, lifting his hand as if he were actually about to cup her face
June grabbed her water glass and tossed it at him.
A splash. A gasp.
The entire restaurant turned to stare.
Dave slowly wiped his drenched face, blinking at her in stunned silence.
June set her empty glass down with a clack, her lips curving into a satisfied smile.
"Oops."
Rolland burst into laughter. "Oh, I missed you, June."
Stella looked between them all, horrified. "Okay, yeah. I'm leaving." She grabbed her purse and fled the scene.
June stood up, tossing her napkin onto the table. "Have fun drying off, Dave. I have a cab waiting."
She turned on her heel and walked away, feeling his eyes burn into her back the entire way.
As soon as she stepped outside, the cool night air hit her, and she released a shaky breath.
Why was her heart pounding?
Why did she feel like she was about to cry?
This wasn't supposed to matter.
"June!"
She cursed under her breath. Of course, he followed her.
Dave grabbed her wrist, pulling her to a stop. "What the hell was that?"
"What was what?" she said innocently.
He exhaled sharply. "You threw water at me!"
"You said you were going to kiss her."
"So what? You just said you didn't care!"
She glared up at him. "Yeah, well, maybe I lied."
He froze.
Her chest rose and fell rapidly, her emotions clawing at her throat.
"You're such a" She clenched her fists. "God, I hate you sometimes."
He stared at her, his expression unreadable.
Then, to her utter disbelief, he grinned.
"Good."
And before she could react, before she could argue, before she could even breathe
He kissed her.