They shared the elevator from the underground parking lot in a silent accord, Holden destined for BRD Group, Ariana for the Global Building next door.
Just before the elevator doors opened, Holden drew Ariana into an embrace, sealing their goodbye with a profound ki*s.
When they parted, Holden imparted a few caring words.
âTake care today.
Remember to eat on time and rest well.
â
Ariana nodded.
With a final tender ki*s on her forehead, Holden let her go.
Ariana watched him leave.
Then, she left the lobby and hailed a cab to the set of the love-variety show.
The crew had initially scheduled a break, yet the showâs successful premiere spurred them into continuous preparation for the next episode.
This time, they chose a small island in the sea as the shooting location, planning to stay there for three days and two nights.
Ariana rushed to get her makeup done.
After everyone was ready, they boarded the ship to the island.
Apprehension tingled in Arianaâs gut.
Open seas on a smaller boat often led to queasiness for her.
Amid her concerns, a considerate gesture came in the form of motion sickness pills from Mitchel.
Knowing about her seasickness, Mitchel had already prepared some pills, snacks, and fruits for her.
Grateful for his foresight, Ariana offered her thanks as they fell into easy conversation.
Mitchelâs presence on the show hadnât gone unnoticed, stirring a wave of attention, particularly from the women.
Seeing him with Ariana, Jolie Contrerasâs jealousy was the most palpable.
Jolieâs eyes had been tracking Mitchel ever since he stepped into view, his attentiveness to Ariana igniting a bitter spark within her.
As Mitchel retreated to the cabin, Jolieâs approach to Ariana was anything but subtle.
Her voice dripped with sarcasm.
âMiss Edwards, it seems youâve charmed him, havenât you? He does everything for you.
â
Ariana, sensing an approaching storm, opted to remain silent, feigning sleep behind her sunglasses, not acknowledging Jolieâs baiting words.
Jennifer was quick to come to Arianaâs defense, countering Jolieâs insinuation with a firm tone.
âThey share a longstanding friendship.
Of course, he treats her nicely.
Is that so hard to understand?â
But Jolie, bristling with irritation, wasnât ready to back down.
âOld friends on a show like this? Please, itâs a quest for the spotlight, isnât it?â
Jennifer met her gaze squarely, challenging her accusation.
âArenât you also here to get famous?â
Jolie was momentarily at a loss for words.
Her ambition was clear; she was indeed here to gain fame.
She was a social media influencer and had managed to get on the show, hoping it would help her break into the entertainment industry.
At first, she didnât care who the male guests were as long as they could help her create a buzz.
However, Mitchelâs presence was an unforeseen variable in her plan.