Chapter 159
Everyone stared in disbelief at the spread on the table. The very lea was shocking–the son of the powerful Bennett family, known for his untouched, privileged life, was cooking? Let alone cook such a tasty and beautiful feast under such a challenging condition.
Jessie couldn’t hold back any longer. She grabbed a fork made from twigs and tasted a garlic butter shrimp. Everyone watched, waiting for her reaction. Nobody believed that a meal ade by Jonathan could be edible.
Jessic took a bite and frowned. “It’s so… awful.” The crowd exchanged glances but weren’t too disappointed. After all, this was what they had expected.
Jessie’s brows knit together as she chewed. “It–it’s–terrible. The others exchanged looks, they’d expected that. But then, to everyone’s shock, Jessie reached for another shrimp, then a third and a fourth, muttering. “This is just awful–better let me handle it for you.”
Realizing something was up, the others rushed to grab their fork and after the first bite, their expressions turned to pure delight.
“Oh my god, how is this so good?”
“Jonathan, this is hands–down the best crab I’ve ever had, period!
Jonathan, you’re a culinary genius.”
fus-
Jessie, slow down! Leave some for the rest of us
After a few compliments, the table fell silent as everyone got lost in the food, each not wanting to miss a single bite. Even Cynthia was surprised by how incredible it tasted. She’d tried Jonathan’s cooking before, but tonight’s meal was on a whole new level, thanks to the unique herbs and fresh island ingredients.
Live room chat lit up as viewers watched them digging in.
Is this really not just for the show?]
[It must taste amazing–wish I could just dive through the screen for a bite!]
[Turns out Jonathan is a master chef. This guy is just too perfect)
[Our sweet Nina is lucky! Imagine Jonathan cooking for her every day. Just thinking about it gives me a sugar rush.]
Soon after, everyone was full and happy, Some lay on the beach, enjoying the moonlight, others walked along the shore, and a few sat around the campfire to chat.
Cynthia was pulled into a gossip session with Jessie, who launched into tales from her years as an award–winning actress, sharing all the behind–the–scenes drama. Though Jessie didn’t mention names, Cynthia knew some people’s reputations would be ruined tonight, Jessie could talk for hours–give her some snacks, and she’d likely go on until dawn.
.
Nina was listening intently, but something occurred to her. “Wait where’s Abby? I haven’t seen her since earlier.” Abby had been in her tent since the afternoon and hadn’t even come out for dinner.
Jessie waved her off. “Honestly, I hadn’t even noticed,” she replied with a shrug, then dove back into her story. “So, Actress A and Actor B were a couple on set. But here’s the kicker–Actor H’s secretly married, and his wife was home three months pregnant………
Cynthia glanced up, noticing the drone buzzing above them, whirling around in excitement, practically eavesdropping on the gossip. No doubt plenty of people were probably quaking in their boots right now.
Fri, Nov 8
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At eight o’clock, the drone–flow a bit further away. “Now, we invite you to enter the voting booth to cast your Heart Vote. Once everyone has voted, we’ll announce the results. Successfully paired guests will be sent to Angel Island for a romantic, dream–like date.”
Earlier, the production crew had airlifted a small, secluded booth onto the island, designed as the voting space. The drone continued, “The voting will remain private–we’ll only reveal the final pairings. The guests were then instructed to enter one by one.
Hearing the announcement, Abby hurried out from her tent, healing in first. Cynthia was the last to enter.
Once inside, Cynthia found a simple setup: a basic table with a small lamp overhead, a card and pen, and a locked deposit box on the table. The instructions were straightforward—write down the name of the person you had a feeling with, then place it in the box.
Cynthia quickly finished, and when everyone had cast their vote, they lined up in two rows, men and women. After a short pause, the drone announced the results.
“This round, we’re sorry to say, there was only one successful pairing. A ripple of surprise crossed everyone’s faces.
The live room chat exploded.
[Only one pair? I bet it’s the Jonni.]
[Same here! They’re the only ones with mutual vibes. The Prexis sweet but it’s one–sided from Preston’s end“},
[Now I’m curious. If only one pair matched, who did everyone else give their Heart Vote to?]
[Come on, producers, stop teasing us. Just announce the results!]
The drone circled above everyone before announcing. The successful pairing is… Ethan and Actress Jessie!” The drone continued, “Now, will our Heart Vote Couple please proceed to Angel Island to enjoy your romantic dream getaway.”
“Oh wow, it’s me!‘ Ethan cheered.
“Yes! Ethan, it’s us! Give me five!” Jessie exclaimed, high–fiving Ethan with excitement.
Helicopter arrived shortly after, and Jessie, waving at the others as she boarded with Ethan, shouted, “Ladies, I’ll leave the rest to you! Lobster, caviar, and foie gras–here I come!”
The live room chat was buzzing:
[Jessie doesn’t seem like she’s going on a date–she looks like she’s just after a good meal!]
[Even though Jessie and Ethan have played on–screen couples, they barely spoke today. Zero couple vibes, so I didn’t expect them to vote for each other.]
[They’re more like old friends! They both look great, but there’s no heart–racing chemistry there]
[Wait, did the Jonni really not match? Who did they vote for then?]
[I want to know who Cynthia’s voted to Judging by Preston’s face, it wasn’t him.]
Come on, show us the votes, producers! I’ll pay extral]
After Ethan and Jessie were whisked away by helicopter, the drone continued, “The remaining guests will stay here on Devil Island–get ready for tomorrow’s journey.”
Preston sidled up to Cynthia, looking a bit sulky. “Cynthia, who did you give your Heart Vote to? Ethan or Alex?
Chapter 159
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Cynthia gave him a quick look. “Grown–up matters. Kids shouldn’t be poking around. With that, she walked straight into the tent, leaving Preston pouting and drawing circles in the sand.
Meanwhile, Nina’s eyes were already red. She glanced over at Jonathan, who wasn’t looking back, his gaze distant and lost in thoughts. Holding back her emotions, Nina headed to the tent, where she finally let her tears fall.
Cynthia, who’d been settling into sleep, noticed Nina quietly crying on the edge of her bed.
Abby walked in, and upon seeing Nina’s tears, a glint of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. She walked over, feigning sympathy. “Oh, Nina, I thought Jonathan would give his Heart Vote to you. Guess you weren’t his choice after all.”
SEND GIFT
