Chapter 10
Chapter 10
Enoch’s eyes swept over Tiana at the door. She was in a light nightgown, her hair flowing in soft waves, her skin perfect, and her features striking–a natural beauty that was both captivating and innocent, like a rare bloom.
His gaze followed hers to his abs. He tugged his T–shirt down, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Wanna touch?”
Tiana was momentarily lost for words. Is he reading my mind? she thought, a blush spreading across her cheeks as she gave him a flustered look. “Who said anything about touching? It’s just abs. I’ve seen them before.
Before she could finish, Enoch pulled her into the room, pressing her against the wall. He placed her hand on his abs, the muscles firm and defined under her touch.
It was like an electric shock. Her eyes widened, and she stammered, “What are you doing?”
“Have you touched Simon too? Enoch’s eyes narrowed, a hint of challenge in his voice. “Is he better?”
His breath was warm on her face, making her cheeks flush even more. She didn’t want him to see her flustered state. She pushed against his chest. “Enoch, what’s gotten into you? You weren’t like this before.”
He stood there, one hand in his pocket, his expression inscrutable. “You didn’t notice me before.”
Tiana paused. He was right. Back then, her focus was on Simon, and Enoch was just her bodyguard. They barely interacted beyond what was necessary.
“Anyway,” she said, regaining her composure, “I’m going to be on Tristan’s dating show, “The Sweetest Match I’ll be dating other guys, and you better not interfere.”
Enoch’s face tensed. His usual stern demeanor turned even colder. “You’re that hung up on Simon? Planning to date him on a show even after we’re married?”
Tiana was taken aback by his harsh tone. Before she could respond, he continued, “You’re being foolish with that love–struck brain.”
Her anger flared. Who does he think he is, my bodyguard, to call me foolish? I’m not doing this for fun. He does understand what I’m going through, yet he’s acting all high and mighty. I must have been crazy to marry him.
She pointed at him, her voice rising. “Enoch, who I like is my business. Just because we’re married in name only doesn’t mean you can control my life! If it wasn’t for that night I got drunk, I wouldn’t have even looked your way!”
A flicker of emotion crossed Enoch’s usually stoic face. His voice was low and gruff, “If you hate me that much, why are you crying?”
Tiana felt tears prick her eyes. She was crying out of anger, feeling like she was at everyone’s mercy. Even her bodyguard husband could insult her.
With a frustrated shove, she stormed out, leaving him standing there.
Back in her room, Tiana wrapped herself in her blankets, her fists pounding her pillow in frustration.
She fumed inside, Damn Enoch! How dare he call me foolish? I’m not trying to get back with Simon. What nerve does he
have to insult me?”
The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. She pulled out her phone and blocked Enoch on WhatsApp and his number. Tomorrow, she’d fire him for good.
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Chapter 10
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Enoch stared at Tiana’s sleeping room for a long time. Having been by her side for two years, he was well aware of her spoiled princess attitude. She was like a paper tiger–roaring on the outside but easily brought to tears on the inside.
He let out a low sigh. Maybe he had been a bit harsh with what he had said earlier. He walked up to her door and knocked softly, but there was no response.
After standing there for over ten minutes, he finally stepped into the yard. Taking out his phone, he dialed a number. The phone rang several times before someone finally picked up.
“What’s up, bro? I’m busy flirting over here. Why are you calling out of the blue? Aren’t you supposed to be on duty at the Schneider family, telling us not to bother you?” Jasper’s voice came through, loud and lively.
The background noise was chaotic, and Enoch furrowed his brow. “Find a quieter place to talk.”
“Alright, alright.” After a moment, Jasper Yarrow’s voice took on a teasing tone. “So, how’s life? When are you coming back to Jadewick?”
Enoch didn’t answer Jasper’s question. His voice was low and gravelly as he said, “Send me Tristan’s number.”
Jasper paused. “Uh… okay…”
The official Twitter for “The Sweetest Match” dropped the bombshell for season two,
[On this scorching summer day, The Sweetest Match kicks off its first leg of the romantic island journey at 2 PM this Saturday! Our three female guests are all set: @Tiana_schneider, @Jocelyn_johnson, @Dimplebella]
The production team kept the male lineup a secret, but whispers said there’d be two big–name surprises. The kind that draws eyeballs and chaos. The buzz was insane.
[What? Tiana the Plotter and Jocelyn just had a major blowout, and now they’re supposed to join this dating show together? That’s just too dramatic!]
[Tristan, you’re really pushing it. The first season was a hit, but now you’re casting some nobody, low–tier actress. Im looking at you, @Tiana_schneider!]
[Apart from Dimplebella, the rest of the female guests are a total letdown.]
[This season is a sinking ship.]
[Gotta say, Tiana the Plotter has looks and a figure that are top–notch in the industry.]
[The person above needs an eye exam.]
[Hey, mega–fan, stop attacking everyone like a pit bull!]
Online, the debate was fierce. Many were against Tiana and wanted the director to recast her. But Tristan wasn’t budging.
Every show he produced had its die–hard fans. It was always about him creating stars, not the other way around. So, he wasn’t losing sleep over a few detractors or lower ratings. Controversy and buzz were the fuel for the twists, turns, and thrilling moments that kept viewers glued to their screens.
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Chapter 10
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Tiana had no clue Jocelyn would be on the dating show when she invited Simon. It wasn’t until the lineup was announced that she realized Simon must have put Jocelyn’s name in the hat. His bias was as subtle as a sledgehammer.
But she thought it was fine. With Jocelyn chasing after Simon, he’d be too preoccupied to mess with Tiana. She wasn’t fussed about the other male guests. It was just two episodes, in and out.
“The Sweetest Match” was kicking off on a stunning island in Marinca. Tiana hit her apartment to pack. After her showdown with Enoch, radio silence had been the rule.
She’d handed him a termination letter at her grandma’s place, ending his bodyguard gig. He’d barely acknowledged it, just drove her to the studio and split.
No contact was cool by her. She was good on her own. In six months, they’d be divorced, free and clear.
Saturday came in a flash. With a budget boosted by last season’s hit, the female guests got a helicopter ride island.
to the private
Tristan, the showrunner, was a master at keeping the audience on their toes; he’d kept the male guests under wraps until the show.
First out was Dimplebella, Arabella Rosewood. After training in Heliovia for two years, she’d come back to star in a girl group contest. Missed the center spot, but nailing the top three was no joke. With her sugary looks and dimples that lit up her smile, she was a charmer..
[Wow! Look at her–she’s the ultimate sweetheart! The moment she stepped out, I could feel a sweet romance coming!]
[Ohh, she looks amazing!]
[I only want to see her. Can the other two drama queens just not show up?]
[Girl, we don’t want you to date. Isn’t being single fabulous?]
Next up was Jocelyn, gliding out in a white floral dress that danced around her. Her raven–black hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her makeup was light, giving her a soft, enchanting glow.
[Josie the brainiac is the prettiest!]
[Though Jocelyn’s not a household name, she’s a total brainiac! Did you know she studied abroad at a top university?]
terto
[Wow, fans defending her? Didn’t she bribe a reporter to smear Tiana? Are we forgetting that?]
[Tiana, the nobody, still has fans? Now she’s on a dating show, who’s she trying to charm? Total drama queen, should quit the scene!]
[What do you think Tiana will wear? Something super revealing, right? Like a mini skirt to show off her legs! She loves the spotlight and thinks she’s the center of the universe.]
[Whoa! Tiana has way too many haters. Is being confident and stunning really that offensive? I don’t get the hate.]
[LOL, Tiana has fans? How much do you pay them? Count me in!
[Excuse me, just an innocent viewer here.)
[Are you living under a rock? Tiana tried to hook up with my guy in the middle of the night; didn’t you see the news?]
I did, but wasn’t it your idol who went to her room first?]
3/4
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Chapter 10
[That’s because Tiana invited my guy to her room to talk about the script, but she was just trying to flirt!]
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[I remember Tiana cleared that up online, even called your guy out to show the texts. He can’t produce them, yet you keep bashing Tiana. Just because her fan base isn’t as big as yours, you think you can bully her?]
[Regardless, Tiana is just a cheap flirt who uses men to get ahead! Everyone knows she’s like a free ride for guys.]
As the livestream’s chatter turned into a heated debate, the camera shifted to Tiana’s helicopter. The door swung open. slender figure began to step out. As the crowd got a better look, they gasped in unison! It was Tiana, making her grand
entrance.