I started to consider going over to beg for his forgiveness.
The main victim seemed calm, so maybe he'd forgive me.
I tried to recall what I'd drawn back then. All I remembered was his killer six-pack.
And those pecs too.
"Tamara? Why are you standing in the doorway?" Earlene came out of the bathroom.
She was surprised.
She was a child star turned sweetheart actress. We were total opposites.
I smiled awkwardly and lugged my heavy suitcase to the farthest corner.
"Aw, Tamara, isn't that heavy? Didn't anyone help you? Heath carried mine," Earlene cooed.
"These guys, I swear."
She giggled and said to him, "Heath, go help Tamara with her suitcase."
[Wow, Earlene is scoring big!]
[Earlene is so kind, even willing to help Tamara!]
[So sweet. Turns out Heath only helped Earlene with her luggage!]
[The matchmaker is here. Everyone makes way.]
Heath glanced at me and stood up.
I panicked as he strode over purposefully.
"No need, I've got it," I said.
But it was too late.
He effortlessly picked up my suitcase, his muscular arms on full display in his short sleeves.
I couldn't help but notice how perfect they still were.
I swore that it was just a glance.
But the chat caught my look.
[Tamara: I'm watching, and I'm drawing.]
[The previous comment made me laugh so hard. It's so obvious with just one glance!]
[The whole internet is waiting for her new drawing.]
[Tamara is at it again! I can't believe I'm shipping this.]
[Tsk, you people trying to ride the wave. Aren't you annoying?]
[Exactly, who would want to be tied to Tamara?]
[The ones shipping this aren't worried about breaking their teeth, huh? Can't you see who Heath likes more?]
The comment section was in chaos.
I thanked him as he set my bag down.
True to his reputation, he just hummed in response and stood there silently.
Watching Earlene chat him up, I realized something.
I'd just been roped into their publicity stunt. Sneaky.
When everyone arrived, we did icebreakers, taking turns to share impressions of each other. It was corny, but I kept smiling.
Most people were polite strangers, piling on fake compliments.
When it was Earlene's turn, I knew she'd ham it up.
"Should I talk about my first impression of Heath from the show, or from when we first met?" she asked coyly.
The audience went wild speculating about their relationship.
[Yo, Earlene and Heath have such a natural advantage!]
[Wild guess: Heath only joined to confess to Earlene.]
[Just a little couple's trick.]
Not expecting her question, the staff members picked the former, probably for drama.
She smiled even more brightly and shyly said, "Since we're just getting to know each other, well, in my impression, Heath is a gentleman—handsome and gentle."
The comments began to flood in, mostly praising how cute it was and shipping the couple, completely ignoring the other protagonist sitting far away, who hadn't said a word.
When it was my turn, all eyes were on me.
I raised my head bravely and quipped, "Sorry, I have amnesia. I can't remember who my darling is."
[Is Tamara losing it?]
[Haha, this is funny.]
[[I'm your darling, Tamara,]
[Get out of the entertainment industry, you fame-seeking monster!]
Finally, it was Heath's turn. He sat there coolly, fingers tapping the table as he smoothly complimented everyone but Earlene and me.
The chat was on the edge of their seats, expecting a big confession. [Confess!]
[If those two aren't involved, I'll wash my hair while standing on my head!]
[I have a feeling Heath is about to do something big—could he be about to confess on the spot?]
[Take Heath away, we're going to be the only ones shining!]
[Can the anti-fans open their eyes and take a look?]
[Stop arguing! He's about to say something!]
He smiled warmly and said, "Earlene is a former co-star. As for Tamara..."
He paused dramatically, then casually dropped, "She's my one-in-a-million darling."
The chat went berserk. I was shocked.
That was how we ended up together.
