Page 124 of The Match Faker

As we pulled up, there were swarms of photographers outside.

I checked my teeth in the mirror to make sure I didn’t have lipstick smeared all over them. Liam got out, then reached for my hand.

He led me down the glamorous red carpet, and as soon as the paps spotted us, they called out our names.

‘Let’s give them something to talk about,’ Liam whispered in my ear, then lifted my chin before planting a soft kiss on my lips.

The sound of dozens of cameras clicking surrounded us.

Liam led me through the revolving doors and my shoulders relaxed. Although I was more comfortable in front of the cameras than in the beginning, it still made me anxious. I was worried about doing something embarrassing that’d end up being seen all over the world. I definitely wasn’t going to miss the paps when Liam went back.

My stomach churned. I really didn’t want to think about him leaving. I needed to keep my mind in the present. Enjoy the time we had left.

‘I’m just gonna take a leak.’

‘Okay,’ I said. ‘I’ll wait here.’

‘Wow, wow, wow!’ Trudy walked towards me. ‘Someone call the fire brigade! You look H-O-T!’

‘Thanks.’ I smiled. ‘It’s not too much?’ Normally I would’ve opted for a safer colour like black, but the yellow was so striking I couldn’t resist.

‘No way! The colour suits you and the cut-out at the back is sexy as hell. You’ll look great on the front page tomorrow! The paps took a photo of me too. I hope it doesn’t end up online. I only noticed when I went to the loo that I had broccoli in my teeth!’

‘Oh no! You look great, though!’ I said, admiring her scarlet minidress.

‘Cheers. I put on my best frock, just for you.’ Trudy did a little twirl and then bowed, which made me chuckle. ‘How you feeling?’

‘Very nervous.’ The knots in my stomach grew tighter.

‘Understandable. But they’d be nuts not to give the award to you! By the way, your folks are already here. I caught them snogging earlier!’

‘Doesn’t surprise me! I’m just going to the toilet. Liam’s in the gents. Back in a sec.’

I pulled out my phone to text my parents, then entered the toilets. Gillian was standing at the mirror, reapplying her hot pink lipstick.

‘Mia.’ She plastered on a fake smile and stretched out her palm. I put my phone down beside the sink and shook her hand. ‘So interesting to see you reached the finals this year.’ She continued shaking it before dropping it abruptly and flicking her platinum-blonde hair over her shoulder.

‘I’m very excited to be here,’ I said diplomatically.

‘I suppose it was only a matter of time before they had to put someone like you through. These days everyone’s trying to be woke.’ She rolled her eyes.

‘Excuse me?’ My nostrils flared. ‘I’m here because of my abilities. Not because of a diversity quota. That was what you were implying, right?’

‘Gosh, so sensitive!’ She clutched her chest dramatically. ‘I didn’t mean to offend.’

‘And why would having more diversity in the competition be a bad thing?’ I put my hands on my hips. ‘Everyone with a proven track record who’s demonstrated a strong ability in their field should have an equal chance of winning, whatever their background.’

‘Of course you have some ability.’ She waved her hand dismissively. ‘And nice touch with the movie star boyfriend thing.’

I knew I didn’t like Gillian, but now I hated her even more. Whether Liam had stepped in to help or not, if I didn’t have a solid matchmaking track record, they wouldn’t have even considered putting me through. I wanted to win to wipe that ignorant smile off her face.

‘Speaking of boyfriends, how’s your personal assistant doing?’ I raised my eyebrow. ‘You know, the one I saw you coming out of the toilets with at the conference.’

Her face fell. Busted.

‘Anyway’—she pushed out her chest—‘I’d wish you good luck, but it’s pointless because I’m going to win. Even having a famous boyfriend who’s so in tune to your needs won’t help you tonight. I’ve got this in the bag.’

How did she know that I’d said that Liam was so in tune to my needs in the interview?

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