Olivia Hart adjusted the lapel of her white blazer, flashing a winning smile in the mirror. The sunlight streaming through her high-rise office window gleamed on her flawless makeup and perfectly styled hair. Today was a big day.
"Dr. Hart, they're ready for you in Studio A," her assistant, Melanie, chirped as she peeked her head through the door.
"Thank you, Mel." Olivia exhaled, smoothing invisible wrinkles from her suit. "Let's make some magic."
The studio was a bustling hive of activity, with producers shouting directions, cameras being adjusted, and the buzz of anticipation in the air. Olivia felt at home here, surrounded by the energy of a live production. Her latest book, Love Always Wins, had catapulted her into the limelight as the nation's go-to relationship expert. This new talk show would cement her status.
She stepped into the room, radiating confidence—until she saw him.
Leaning casually against the back of a director's chair was a man dressed in a sleek black suit, his dark hair slightly tousled and his expression unreadable. He looked up, his steel-gray eyes locking onto hers. For a brief moment, the noise of the room faded.
"Dr. Olivia Hart, I presume," he said, his voice a low baritone. He didn't smile.
"Damian Cross." She recognized him immediately. He was infamous for his scathing critiques of love and relationships. As one of the city's top divorce lawyers, Damian had a reputation for tearing down everything Olivia worked so hard to build.
"This is going to be interesting," Damian added, his lips curling into the faintest smirk.
Olivia forced a polite smile, though her mind screamed otherwise. What is he doing here?
The producer, a short, energetic woman named Claire, clapped her hands. "Perfect! You two have met. I can already feel the chemistry. Now, let's talk format."
"Chemistry?" Olivia repeated, raising an eyebrow.
Claire grinned. "We wanted the show to have contrasting perspectives. Dr. Hart, your optimism about love is inspiring, but we need balance. That's where Damian comes in. His…pragmatic view will keep things spicy."
Damian snorted. "Pragmatic is a nice way of saying realistic."
"And what would you call my approach?" Olivia shot back.
"Delusional," Damian said, his tone matter-of-fact.
The room went silent. Claire looked between them, delighted. "See? Sparks already! This is going to be a hit."
Olivia clenched her jaw. "I believe love is a powerful, transformative force. If you think that's delusional, maybe you're the problem."
Damian's smirk deepened. "And I believe love is a contract people sign before realizing the fine print is a disaster."
Claire beamed. "Exactly the kind of energy we need! Let's do a quick screen test, shall we?"
Before Olivia could argue, Claire ushered them both toward the small stage that had been set up for the screen test. It was framed with tasteful lighting, a cozy loveseat, and a coffee table littered with relationship books—most of which Olivia recognized as her own work.
Damian raised an eyebrow as he picked up one of her books. "Love Always Wins," he read aloud. "Catchy title. Did you workshop it in a greeting card store?"
Olivia snatched the book from his hands, her polished smile never faltering. "It's a New York Times bestseller. I'd say it's doing just fine."
Claire clapped her hands again, clearly thrilled by their bickering. "Let's roll with this energy. Sit down, and we'll do a quick mock segment. Just pretend you're giving advice to a couple with issues."
They both took their seats on the loveseat, though Olivia perched delicately on the edge as far from Damian as possible.
"Ready?" Claire asked, then nodded to the cameraman. "And…action!"
The camera's red light blinked on, and Olivia slipped into her polished, professional persona.
"Welcome to Heart to Heart, where we explore the ups and downs of love and relationships. I'm Dr. Olivia Hart, and I believe love can overcome anything if you're willing to work for it." She turned to Damian, waiting for him to introduce himself.
Damian leaned back casually, one arm draped over the back of the loveseat. "And I'm Damian Cross. I help people escape relationships that should have ended long ago."
Olivia's smile tightened. Charming.
Claire signaled for them to continue, so Olivia powered through. "Today, we're talking about trust. Many couples struggle with trust after a breach in their relationship. What's your advice, Damian?"
Damian shrugged. "Don't waste time trying to rebuild it. Once trust is gone, it's gone. Move on before you waste any more years of your life."
The words hung in the air like a slap. Olivia blinked, momentarily thrown off, before regaining her composure. "That's a very…cynical perspective."
"It's realistic," Damian countered, looking directly at her. "You can slap a Band-Aid on a broken foundation, but the cracks are still there."
Olivia turned to the camera, her smile softening. "I believe trust can be rebuilt with time and effort. It takes vulnerability, communication, and patience, but love is worth fighting for."
Damian snorted. "And how many times has that worked out for you, Dr. Hart?"
Olivia's breath caught, and for a second, her polished facade threatened to crack. The question was too pointed, too personal, but the cameras were rolling, and she refused to give Damian the satisfaction of a reaction.
"Every relationship is different," she said coolly, keeping her tone professional. "What works for one couple may not work for another."
Claire cut in, waving her hands. "Okay, that's enough for the test. Fantastic work, both of you. The tension is palpable. Audiences are going to eat this up!"
Olivia stood abruptly, smoothing her blazer. "Glad to hear it," she said, forcing another smile. "If you'll excuse me, I have other appointments today."
Damian rose leisurely, his height towering over her as he adjusted his cufflinks. "Looking forward to our next session, Dr. Hart." His tone was smooth, almost teasing, but his eyes held a challenge.
Olivia held her ground. "Likewise, Mr. Cross."
She turned on her heel and strode out of the studio, her head held high, though her stomach churned with irritation. Damian Cross was everything she despised—arrogant, cynical, and smug.
But deep down, a small, unwelcome voice whispered: He's also infuriatingly handsome.