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Ed calls each person by name, and they reveal who they think is going to match up.
Most people pick Lennon and me or Lennon and Bella. Courtney and Gage pick Bella and Milo, solidifying my assumption that they were both insiders. When it comes to Jace, Ed has to call his name twice before he flips his card over.
Written in large black letters are our names.
Presley and Jace.
“As sweet as that is, Jace, you are not in the final four,” Ed says.
“You didn’t say we had to pick from the final four. You made it sound that way, but everyone’s name was on that list. I know for a fact that Presley and I made a love connection.”
I want to add to his sentiment, but I’m not given the option. Claudia is standing off to the side, shaking her head at me, a stern look on her face.
I won’t miss that look after this is over.
Ed ignores Jace’s statement and turns back to face the camera, sending us into another commercial break that feels like it lasts ten seconds. All the eliminated contestants are moved offstage, and the final four are repositioned in front of the screen.
“It’s time. Ladies, I’ll give you the choice. Would you like to reveal your choices first or would you like the guys to?” Ed asks. After sharing a look with Bella, we both point to the guys. Ed laughs and turns his attention to Milo and Lennon, who have been moved farther away from us. “Gentlemen, please reveal which of these lovely ladies you’ve chosen.”
Milo flips open his card first, revealing Bella’s name.
I know the second the camera pans to Bella because she covers her smile and acts shy.
Lennon slowly flips his card open to also reveal Bella’s name, and that’s the moment she turns bright red.
“It looks like both gentlemen have chosen Bella. Before we reveal who Bella chooses, can you please reveal your choice Presley,” Ed says.
Waiting until Jace’s eyes are locked on mine, I slowly open my card to reveal his name. His smile falls, the look on his face breaking my heart.
What? Why? I chose him. I thought he would be excited. It was my declaration.
Looking down, I realize exactly why he’s now walking away.
In big black letters is the name Lennon.
How in the hell did Lennon’s name get on my card?
I’m furious.
Beyond furious. I know what I wrote on my card, and it’s been in my possession the entire time. Except...
Looking for Claudia, I find her sneering at me.
That bitch.
She had to have done something to my card. Swapped it with another one. Something.
Not that I can do anything about it right now.
“Presley has chosen Lennon. I know a lot of you were hoping to see a love connection between them this season, but it appears it may have been a one-sided relationship,” Ed says, drawing my attention back to the shit show I’m currently in the middle of. “And now, Bella. If you picked either Milo or Lennon, the two of you will be the first-ever winners of Love or Lust. Can you please reveal who you’ve chosen?”
A dramatic drumroll echoes across the field, causing my feet to vibrate as Bella slowly unfolds her card to reveal Lennon’s name. The cameras are all focused on her, so they don’t catch the look of surprise that flashes across Ed’s face. You can’t miss it in the sound of his voice, though, as he announces her choice before declaring them the winners.
Bella and Lennon are called forward and share an earth-shattering kiss.
Ed wraps up the show with details of the upcoming season. New location. New contestants. New hookups.
As soon as the cameras are done rolling, I sprint off the stage and go in search of Jace. He’s leaning against the side of the barn, arms crossed over his chest. He’s loosened his tie, and his suit jacket is nowhere in sight.
