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Chapter 2 - Terms Of Engagement

Olivia Hart was no stranger to challenges. Years of working with struggling couples had taught her patience, but Damian Cross was unlike anyone she'd ever dealt with. He was abrasive, smug, and maddeningly confident in his bleak view of love.

Sitting in her office later that afternoon, she swirled her herbal tea, trying to focus on the appointments ahead. Still, Damian's words lingered in her mind. "How many times has that worked out for you, Dr. Hart?"

Her assistant, Melanie, poked her head through the door, snapping Olivia from her thoughts. "Dr. Hart? Claire's on the line. She says it's urgent."

Olivia sighed, setting her tea down. "Put her through."

Claire's voice was as bubbly as ever when it came through the speakerphone. "Olivia, darling! I just wanted to check in after today's test. You two were amazing. Chemistry like that doesn't happen every day."

"If by chemistry, you mean barely-contained hostility," Olivia said dryly, "then yes, it was remarkable."

Claire laughed. "Exactly! That's what makes it so good. Listen, we've been reviewing the test footage, and the higher-ups are obsessed. They want to move forward immediately. We'll start filming the pilot next week."

Olivia pinched the bridge of her nose. "Claire, I'm not sure this is the right fit for me. Damian and I are—"

"Perfect!" Claire interrupted. "You're perfect together. Opposites attract, and all that. Besides, the contract's already drafted. It's a guaranteed hit, Olivia. You'd be crazy to pass this up."

Olivia opened her mouth to protest, but Claire's words gave her pause. The show wasn't just an opportunity—it was a platform to reach millions. If she could show viewers that love was worth believing in, maybe she could drown out voices like Damian's.

After a long pause, Olivia sighed. "Fine. Send me the details."

The following morning, Olivia found herself once again in Studio A, this time seated across from Damian in a sleek conference room. A thick stack of legal documents sat between them.

"You're signing it?" Damian asked, his tone laced with surprise.

Olivia straightened her posture. "Of course. This show is an opportunity to help people. Unlike you, I don't believe in giving up."

Damian smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Don't let my realism fool you, Dr. Hart. I'm just as committed to this show as you are. Ratings like ours are a goldmine."

Olivia bristled. "This isn't about ratings. It's about changing lives."

"Right," Damian said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Because nothing screams 'changing lives' like prime-time television."

Before Olivia could respond, Claire entered the room, clapping her hands together. "Good, you're both here! Let's go over the terms."

She slid copies of the contract to each of them and began explaining the details: a twelve-episode first season, weekly live segments, and mandatory public appearances together.

Olivia skimmed the pages, her eyes narrowing at one clause. "What's this about a 'romantic compatibility segment'?"

Claire grinned. "Oh, that's my favorite part! Viewers love to see their hosts as real people. So, as part of the show, you two will participate in a series of… let's call them 'relationship exercises.'"

"Absolutely not," Olivia said immediately.

Damian chuckled. "I'm with her on this one."

Claire waved off their protests. "It's non-negotiable. The audience wants to see your personal connection. Think of it as method acting."

Olivia exchanged a look with Damian, and for the first time, she saw genuine unease in his expression. Still, she wasn't about to let him see her falter.

"Fine," she said, signing her name with a flourish.

Damian hesitated, then followed suit, his signature bold and decisive. He handed the contract back to Claire with a smirk. "This should be fun."

As they left the meeting, Olivia lingered behind, her thoughts racing. This show was going to test every ounce of her patience, but she couldn't let Damian's cynicism win.

He stopped at the door, glancing back at her. "You know, Dr. Hart, for someone who believes in love so much, you've got a pretty strong competitive streak."

Olivia crossed her arms. "And for someone who claims not to believe in love, you sure are putting a lot of effort into this show."

Damian grinned, his gray eyes gleaming. "Touché."

As he walked away, Olivia's resolve hardened. She would prove him wrong—on screen and off.