Page 20 of Groomsman to Groom

I freeze mid-step, staying beneath the shadow of an oak tree. I shouldn’t be listening to this, but I can’t make myself walk away.

“What exactly are you suggesting?” Gabby sounds intrigued. “Because I’ve got some ideas.”

“Nothing too obvious,” the mysterious woman—maybe Jordan?—says. “We just need to make her look bad on camera. Maybe question her intentions, start some rumors about why she’s really here.”

“Perfect,” Gabby practically purrs. “And if that doesn’t work, there’s always the classic—just start crying to Hayes about how she said something horrible when cameras weren’t around. His protective instincts will kick in, and boom—instant drama.”

“I like how you think.” Gabby laughs. “LetOperation Take Downcommence.”

Their voices fade as they move deeper into the house. I stand frozen, my stomach knotting with anger and concern. This is exactly what I was afraid would happen. Reality TV brings out the worst in people—I’ve seen enough seasons to know that the “villain edit” can follow someone long after the show ends. And with Brielle’s career in the public eye, that kind of damage could be lasting.

I change course—I need to talk about this, and there’s only one person who might actually give me honest advice.

I find Skye in her room, already fully caffeinated and draped in a silk kimono with peacock feathers embroidered across the back. She’s viewing the show’s footage on her tablet.

“Hayes!” She looks up, surprised. “You’re up early. And sweaty.”

“I need to talk to you.” I close the door behind me. “Off the record. No cameras.”

She studies my face, then nods, pulling the cover over her tablet. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s about Brielle.”

“Of course it is.”

“I just overheard Gabby, Kavita, and someone else, maybe Jordan, plotting against her. They’re planning to spread rumors, make her look bad on camera, maybe even outright lie about things she’s supposedly said.”

“Ah.” Skye sets down her tablet. “Welcome to reality television, Hayes. We’ve been told this kind of plotting happens every season.”

“But it’s different with Brielle,” I insist. “Her career—”

“Is exactly why they see her as a threat,” Skye finishes for me. “Success attracts jealousy like flies to stink.”

“I’m worried about her. About what this could do to her reputation.”

Skye leans back in her chair, studying me with narrowed eyes. “Your concern is touching, but your dark aura tells me there’s more to this. You’re not this protective of all the contestants.”

I hesitate, but if there’s anyone I can be honest with, it’s Skye. “Look, you know about St. Sebastian.”

“Yes, and so do the producers. They were fine with it. Brielle had to sign an NDA to keep that under wraps, and I’m sure it’s somewhere in your contract, too.”

“Of course. But it’s getting harder to pretend. Especially after last night.”

“The Ferris wheel kiss.” Skye nods. “They got the shot from below. Very romantic, that’ll bring great ratings. What’s the problem?”

“The problem is that it wasn’t acting, and now there are other women who’re actively plotting to sabotage Brielle.”

Skye sighs, her expression softening. “Honey, listen to me very carefully. Sabotage is part of the game, and Brielle knows that. Sheworksin TV, and she can handle herself. You just focus on you, making sure that nothing slips because if this gets out—if people find out you two had a connection before the show—the backlash will be much worse than whatever mean-girl antics those three are planning now.”

“But—”

“No buts. I’m trying to protect both of you here. Trust me, I’ve watched this show enough to see how these things can spiral.” She leans forward, lowering her voice. “Look, I can keep an eye on Brielle, try to run interference with the others.”

I rake a hand through my hair, frustration building. “So I’m just supposed to stand by while they target her? While Darren pushes the narrative that creates the most drama, regardless of who it hurts?”

At the mention of Darren, Skye’s expression darkens. “Darren plays by his own rules. I haven’t known him long, but that’s already clear.”

That’s when it hits me—Darren. The one person who has the power to actually change this situation. The show’s executive producer. The man who ultimately calls the shots.

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