Chapter 4: Secrets, Lies, and Late-Night Walks

After 10 p.m., the crew was off for the night.

Unable to sleep, I went for a walk and ran into Tyler.

He waved at me from afar.

Tyler pulled out the teddy bear I always slept with—the one my mom made for me.

“Knew you’d have insomnia.” He draped his jacket over my shoulders. “You never dress warmly enough.”

He buttoned me up, his faint cologne drifting over.

No matter what, he always takes care of me. I couldn’t deny it—he really did care about me.

Thinking about it, I wasn’t even mad at him anymore.

“About the sweet vs. savory grits thing—I forgive you.”

Tyler paused, unable to hide his excitement: “You’re really not mad?”

I said, “I thought about it. Savory grits aren’t that bad. Or, I can try to accept them.”

I can try to accept a flavor I don’t like. I can try to accept all of you, too.

Just like today, he tried so many things for me…

Tyler asked again:

“And Jordan…”

“He’s just a junior.”

“Really?”

“Why would I lie?”

Tyler, so cautious, looked just like a husband who’d messed up.

The night was calm, stars shining. Tyler held my hand as we walked under the sky.

Near the end of the path, he pulled me into his arms.

Seeing he had something on his mind, I asked, “What’s wrong?”

He hesitated, struggling a bit:

“Maddie, I might have to leave for a while.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be back as soon as I’m done!”

I stayed calm. “Okay.”

I didn’t ask where or why.

If you trust someone enough, there’s no need for words.

Tyler left, but the show went on as usual.

That’s when I learned Tyler was the one funding the show. No wonder they offered me, a nobody, such a high fee—it was all his way of making it up to me.

Before leaving, Tyler sent gifts to the crew, asking them to take care of me. But someone else tried to steal the credit, acting like everything Tyler did was for her.

Autumn, playing the hostess, flattered the staff:

“Don’t be shy, you all work so hard. It’s only right.”

The clueless viewers chimed in:

[No wonder she’s Tyler’s fiancée. He’s already spoiling her before they’re married—he’ll be whipped for sure.]

[Shipping it! Who else would fund a dating show just to chase his girl? I’m getting lovesick over here.]

The other guests were jealous:

“Autumn, I’m so envious. Tyler treats you so well.”

Autumn blushed: “Tyler is always so showy. It’s embarrassing.”

Someone gossiped: “Hey, I heard your families had a planned engagement? Childhood sweethearts—are you guys getting married soon?”

Autumn froze, hesitated, then quickly changed the subject.

Everyone thought she was just shy and dropped it.

But actually, the one with the family-arranged engagement to Tyler was me. The real childhood sweetheart was me.

When I was seven, my mother died by suicide from depression. Just a month later, my dad brought home a pretty woman and little Autumn.

Autumn was six then.

My dad had cheated while my mom was pregnant.

After my mother died, the mistress became Mrs. Rivera, and Autumn became the official second daughter.

Autumn, spoiled by my father, took everything from me.

When I tried to make it in showbiz, she begged my dad for resources so she could compete too.

All those years of neglect—if not for Tyler, I would’ve lost all hope.

Seeing Autumn so smug brought back all the bad memories.

My lips trembled with anger.

I was about to tell everyone the truth when Jordan called me over:

“Maddie, the director wants us to film over there.”