“Bullshit. That’s why you were so desperate to be my partner, even when you hardly knew me. I told myself it was a spark, but in reality, it was you trying to produce your own love story.”
“Maybe that’s why I first approached you, but that’s it.” He looked pained. “I feel like an ass for how this all started. I know it doesn’t look great. But I was going to tell you. Once we were out of here and on our own, I was going to comeclean about my dad’s plans. But more importantly, I was going to reassure you how much I don’t give a shit about that plan, or my reputation. You’re the only thing that matters to me.”
“Yeah right! You’ve only cared about yourself this entire time.” My voice was louder now, but I didn’t care. Maybe I had wanted to slip out of here without a scene, but now that I was face to face with him, I wanted him to know just how badly he’d hurt me. “You forced me to share things about myself that I haven’t told anyone. You knew I was scared of getting hurt. But you didn’t care. You saw an easy target and you went for it. Well, congratulations, Eli,” I said, fuming. “Congratulations on manipulating the pathetic, grief-ridden girl who has no life of her own. I hope you’re happy.”
“How can you say that?” Eli growled. “After everything we’ve been through, after all our conversations, you think I made that all up? Those were more real to me than anything else in my life, Calla. You have to know that.” His eyes pleaded with mine. “I’m yours. You’re mine.”
His words felt like being shot directly in the heart. My hands found my forehead. “I can’t hear this right now.”
“You need to hear it! You can be mad and hurt and upset about that whole ridiculous plan, but what I can’t have you doing is questioning how I feel for you.”
Tears welled up in my eyes when I looked at him again. His hands hovered at his sides, as if waiting for permission to reach out and touch me. He’d never get it.
He’d fooled me so effortlessly this entire time. Maybe my heart was broken, but I could still promise myself that I’d never let him in to hurt me again.
“I can’t believe anything you say anymore,” I whispered. “Maybe you should go back to acting; it seems like you have a real knack for it.”
Eli froze in shock and took a small step back. “Are you seriously saying that to me right now?”
“It’s the truth,” I said. “Something you’re clearly unfamiliar with. Have a nice life, Eli. Glad I could be of service to you.”
I spat out the last words with as much venom as I could manage before spinning on my heel and walking out of there forever.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Tough Love: Where are they now?
Article courtesy ofEntertainment Insider
It’s been justover two months since the ending of the hit show that had us all glued to our screens. I mean, who can’t relate to your loved ones signing you up for a dating show because they think you need to get your shit together? But what’s happened to our favorite cast members after the finale? Let’s take a look at where they are now—and more importantly, who’s still together.
Sofia Cruz
It’s no surprise to any of us that Sofia and Grant aren’t together. But she has been making headlines recently, spotted with an up-and-coming musician. Sofia’s direct and sassy attitude won us all over in the end. She has over one million followers across a few social media platforms where you can keep up with her daily content.
Grant O’Neal
Grant seemed obnoxious to us all at first, but he turnedout to have a heart of gold. While there’s no news on any love interests in his life, Grant can be seen on another new upcoming reality TV show.All For The Moneywill premiere sometime in March of next year.
Trace Davis
America fell in love with Trace and Danny, and it broke all of our hearts to see this seemingly perfect opposites-attract couple call it quits before the finale. I know we all had hopes that they would rebuild their relationship, but as far as I can tell, the two remain separated. Trace continues to work on her music in Nashville. Keep an eye out for her first album, which, she’s announced, will be out early next year.
Danny Miller
I think I can speak for everyone when I say I wanted to throw my remote at the TV when Danny broke Trace’s heart. He didn’t even give them a chance. Judging from his social media, Danny is spending his time rock climbing and pursuing other daredevil activities. I couldn’t find any signs of a new love interest. While he continues to risk his life daily, it appears he doesn’t seem willing to put his heart on the line.
Rachel Jones
Rachel’s tough exterior and soft center had us all rooting for her to find her love story. And she did! You’ll all be pleased to know that, as of this piece being published, Arnie and Rachel are still together. Their most recent posts on social media show that Arnie has moved to New York to live with Rachel while she dances in an upcoming Broadway production.
Arnie Reynolds
We all fell in love with Arnie from the first episode. His story about being cheated on really struck a chord with America. We’re so happy to see that he’s finally found the love hedeserves with Rachel. And according to sources close to him, he’s currently working on his entry for a robotics competition.
Calla Scott
Calla, Calla, Calla. Quite literally America’s sweetheart from day one. Her tragic story had us all in tears. She and Eli won the whole show, with an epic love story that was the stuff of dreams. Unfortunately for us, these two have kept everything tightly under wraps since filming ended. Calla only uses her social media to promote her recently published novel, which hit the bestseller lists. While we’d all love to believe these two are still together, the lack of photo evidence isn’t looking good.
