Chapter 4: Confessions, Ships, and Endgame

On the last day of filming, thanks to our practice, our five-person team was super in sync.

We played like a well-oiled machine. Every move—perfectly coordinated. The audience went wild, and I felt a surge of pride.

The internet joked that the lone wolf was no longer lonely—now we were the lonely ones.

The comment made me laugh. I looked around at my teammates, grateful for the friendships I’d made.

While I was laughing at this comment, I looked up and met Carter’s affectionate gaze.

His eyes were warm, full of love and pride. I smiled, feeling my heart skip a beat.

Even on a livestream, Carter never hid his feelings—he owned it.

He was bold—totally unafraid to show the world how he felt. I admired his courage, even as it made me blush.

The comments went wild again.

“Whew, this is a real couple, the way they look at each other is electric...”

“Help! They’re so perfect together!”

“Ahhh, my ship came true!”

After the match, we said goodbye to all the viewers. Everyone was reluctant to leave, asking if we would stream games together in the future.

I promised we would, flashing a wink at the camera. Carter squeezed my hand under the table, his smile reassuring.

Carter stood beside me, smiling as he answered:

“Of course, as long as Harper wants to play, I’ll always play with her.”

His words sent the chat into overdrive. I laughed, feeling a rush of happiness.

The producers didn’t expect the show to be such a hit, and wanted to make more episodes, but Carter refused outright.

He was firm, insisting we needed time for ourselves. I was grateful—fame was fun, but I needed a break.

“Maybe in the future, but right now we have more important things to do.”

He looked at me as he spoke, his gaze full of promise. I felt my cheeks flush, remembering his promise of a formal confession.

When he said this, he looked at me. I remembered his promise of a formal confession, and blushed.

My heart raced, anticipation building. I couldn’t wait to see what he had planned.

“Are you two planning a wedding?”

I don’t know who asked, but I instantly widened my eyes, my heart pounding.

The question caught me off guard. I glanced at Carter, searching his face. Was he serious?

“A wedding is still a way off, but I’m always ready to marry Harper.”

The audience screamed, and amid blessings, we finished the last recording.

I laughed, shaking my head. Carter just grinned, clearly enjoying the attention.

Savannah also got the spokesperson job, and had other gigs, so after a reluctant goodbye at the hotel, she left for her next job.

We hugged tightly, promising to stay in touch. I watched her car drive away. Yeah, it hurt.

I watched her car drive away, feeling sad, but Carter was relaxed and happy.

He wrapped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close. I leaned into him, grateful for his steady presence.

He pulled me into his arms, resting his chin on my neck, his voice lazy.

His breath was warm against my skin. I closed my eyes, savoring the moment.

“Mmm, finally we can have our own little world.”

He cupped my face and gazed at me, pride in his eyes.

His gaze was intense, full of love and longing. I felt my heart swell, overwhelmed by emotion.

Looks like he’s always been set on breaking up me and Savannah—so sneaky!

I poked his side, teasing him. He just laughed, unbothered.

“But she’s your real sister...”

I poked his chest helplessly. The firm muscles were irresistible.

He caught my hand, pressing a kiss to my knuckles. I blushed, unable to hide my smile.

He grabbed my wandering hand and kissed it lightly.

His touch was gentle, reverent. I felt my heart flutter, hopelessly in love.

“Even a real sister can’t get in the way—time to set her up with someone...”

Carter spoke so seriously. I never expected the cool, aloof idol to actually be a jealous, clingy guy.

I laughed, shaking my head. He really was full of surprises.

I experienced this even more later, because he even got jealous of his own son.

I rolled my eyes, but secretly, I found his possessiveness endearing.

I tiptoed and kissed him, wrapping my arms around his neck and asked:

“So, Mr. Rivers, what important thing are you taking me to do next?”

He grinned, pulling me closer. His eyes sparkled with mischief.

Carter eagerly leaned in for a kiss, but I dodged. He didn’t give up, holding my waist tightly against his chest.

I laughed, struggling playfully. He pressed a kiss to my forehead, then my cheek, then finally captured my lips.

His strong heartbeat was full of passion, his stunning face irresistible.

I melted into him, savoring the warmth of his embrace.

“No rush, there’s something more important now.”

His voice was hoarse and seductive.

His words sent a shiver down my spine. I closed my eyes, letting myself get lost in the moment.

His long fingers ran through my hair, held the back of my head, then bent down to kiss me.

The kiss was slow, lingering, full of promise. I clung to him, unwilling to let go.

The air was filled with a faint rose scent, romantic and lingering.

The scent was intoxicating, wrapping around us like a cocoon. I breathed it in, memorizing every detail.

The afternoon sun streamed through the glass, filling the room with gold, like scattered crystal.

The light danced across the walls, casting everything in a warm, golden glow. It felt like a scene from a dream.

I lazily leaned in his arms, enjoying the quiet, beautiful moment.

I closed my eyes, content. For the first time in a long while, I felt truly at peace.

“When did you start liking me?”

I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. He smiled, brushing a strand of hair from my face.

“At a dinner party.”

My thoughts drifted, memories after awakening overlapping.

I remembered that night—the crowded room, the endless small talk, the way he watched me from across the table.

After realizing I was just a supporting character in a book, I started slacking off. At a company brand dinner, I just sat in a corner eating, drinking, playing games, not caring about anything else.

I’d been invisible, or so I thought. But he’d noticed me, even then.

“I remember there were lots of female stars invited that day, why me?”

Maybe it was a complicated question; Carter went quiet for a while.

He took my hand, his thumb tracing gentle circles on my skin. His gaze was thoughtful, almost shy.

“You’re different. The moment I saw you, I realized love at first sight is real.”

Oh my god, who says he can’t chase girls?

He’s got it down!

I laughed, shaking my head. He was a natural, whether he realized it or not.

I looked up at him. He looked sincere, his eyes sparkling like stars.

There was no doubt in his eyes—only love, pure and simple. I felt my heart melt.

“From then on, I paid attention to you, found out all your hobbies, knew you loved games, so I practiced for months...”

“Months?”

I interrupted. He acted so casual, it’s infuriating.

He grinned, unrepentant. "What can I say? I’m a fast learner."

If he could get so good in just months, some people are just born talented.

I rolled my eyes, but secretly, I was impressed.

“That’s not the point. The point is, to play games with you, I worked so hard. Don’t I deserve a reward?”

Carter shamelessly asked for a kiss. I slapped a hand over his mouth, feeling like I’d walked right into his trap.

He laughed, pulling me into his lap. I squealed, but didn’t resist. It felt good to be wanted.

“Did you set up this show? Even Savannah was your helper?”

He didn’t deny it, his fingers tracing my features like painting a masterpiece.

He shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Maybe. Maybe not."

“Savannah almost ruined my plan. If not for that, I wouldn’t have come so soon...”

Thinking back on my behavior on the show, I really wasn’t innocent.

I blushed, remembering all the times I’d fawned over Savannah. No wonder Carter got jealous.

I liked Savannah way too obviously—even her brother couldn’t stand it. I should’ve held back a bit.

He grinned, clearly enjoying my embarrassment. I stuck my tongue out at him, but he just laughed.

“It’s too late to regret now. Don’t worry, I’ll find Savannah a good husband, just like me...”

I was shocked. This guy is shameless!

I pinched his nose. Honestly, he’s so pretty it’s unfair.

He yelped, pretending to be wounded. I laughed, feeling lighter than I had in ages.

“Where’d you get it done? So realistic...” I teased.

Carter rubbed his nose against my face, eyes smiling, gazing at me.

He pressed a kiss to my cheek, his eyes full of love. "Unique to the Rivers family. Marry me and it’s yours."

His tall figure leaned over, pulling me down onto the sofa.

I giggled, letting him envelop me in his arms. The world faded away, leaving just the two of us.

The twilight cast a dream on the windowsill.

The sky outside blushed pink and gold, the perfect backdrop for our little love story.

Love can come early or late, but it always hits you out of nowhere. You can’t prepare for it—it just shows up, and suddenly it’s everything.