My "Kept Man" is a Billionaire

The internet is dragging me. Apparently, I'm blind for dumping my billionaire Best Actor ex.

Even worse? I replaced him with a kept man. A pretty face with empty pockets.

My ex, Julian, decided to humble me. He invited me and my boy toy onto a couple's reality show.

We were supposed to be the control group. The embarrassing contrast to his perfect relationship.

Joke's on him.

We're only halfway through filming, and the narrative has completely flipped.

The comments section is in shambles:

"I apologize, I was too loud earlier! Coming home to a hot meal and a young, energetic stud in bed? That beats guarding a cold-faced old man by a million times."

So, in this game of comparisons

Who's really the one getting slapped in the face?

Chapter 1

Julian took home the Best Actor award. Then he launched the loudest, most obnoxious relationship in Hollywood history.

Buying designer bags for his little girlfriend. Whisking her away to private islands.

Eight days out of ten, their names are glued to the trending tab.

Originally, this had nothing to do with me. I'm just a D-list actress trying to survive.

But the internet detectives never sleep. Someone dug up the ancient history between Julian and me.

Specifically, a photo.

Seventeen-year-old me. School uniform. High ponytail. Sitting on the track field, sulking hard.

The photo is blurry, taken from a mile away.

But you can still see him. The stoic, icy Best Actor, crouching in front of me, making ridiculous faces just to see me smile.

It screamed "Young Love."

The internet started shipping us. Then they saw the caption in the corner: "Epic Tragic Ending."

Reality hit them. They dug up our messy breakup.

Within hours, his rabid fans invaded my comments section.

"Do you regret it? If you hadn't dumped him, all this wealth could have been yours."

"Julian was so good to you. He cried like a baby when you left, and you didn't even look back. Are you jealous now that he's winning?"

"Haha, thank you for not marrying him! If you hadn't been so heartless, he wouldn't be the star he is today."

I tried to lay low.

But avoiding an ex is impossible when you work in the same building.

We broke up three years ago. We still see each other constantly.

Don't ask why.

The answer is a ten-year contract and a cancellation penalty I can't afford.

When my luck really runs out, we get stuck rehearsing for the company anniversary gala together.

Like right now.

Julian stood inside the elevator. Silence. His face is a mask of indifference. "Are you getting in or not?"

Chapter 2

Lunch hour. The building was dead.

The elevator descended, painfully slow.

Just the two of us in a shrinking metal box.

I reached for my phone, desperate to fake an urgent text.

"Do you really have nothing to say to me?" Julian asked.

Should I?

I thought for a second. "Could you handle the press? Call off your dogs?"

I'm a nobody. He's a god in this industry. One word from him outweighs a thousand defenses from me.

Julian let out a cold laugh. "Why would I do that? Isn't what they're saying the truth?"

Wow.

I just realized this man really holds a grudge.

I swallowed the rest of my words. There was no point.

"Why did you stop talking?"

Its been years, yet he turned to look at me with that same aggressive intensity he had during the breakup.

I was too tired to fight. I switched to autopilot.

"Congratulations, superstar. You have the career, you have the girl. You win. Happy?"

It was dripping with sarcasm. Anyone with ears could hear it.

But Julian smiled. "What? Are you jealous?"

Excuse me?

Where did he even get that from?

"I have a career. I have a boyfriend. Why on earth would I be jealous of you?"

Julian crossed his arms, his face twisting into a mockery of pity. "I didn't know you had a boyfriend. Jade, you really need to work on your lying. It's embarrassing."

I opened my mouth to roast him.

Ding

The display hit 1.

Thank God.

I glanced at him as the doors slid open.

"Right, right. You know everything," I said, stepping out. "You're the dust under my bed. The worm in my brain. From now on, I'll just change your contact name to Psychic Julian (Jade Edition)."

Maybe seventeen-year-old me would have been jealous.

But its winter, 2025.

Even the strongest feelings rot eventually.

Besides, I have someone who actually matters.

Before the doors could close, Julian snapped, struggling to keep his cool. "There's a couples' reality show. They want Ashley and me to pair up again. Since you have a 'boyfriend,' why don't you bring him? Be our control group."

Control group.

We'll see who ends up being the control group.

My instinct was to say no.

Then I saw the number.

The offer was so high it looked like money laundering.

My manager, Jeffrey, and I stared at the contract, eyes popping out of our skulls.

I fought the urge to grin like a maniac. I walked out of the building, pulled up my pinned chat, and typed:

"Sterling. Interested in a reality show?"

Chapter 3

The first location was a seaside villa Julian had just bought.

Sterling had business to take care of, so he was arriving two days late.

I dragged my suitcase into the venue at 3:00 AM.

My plan was simple: lie flat, let them mock me, and collect the paycheck. Easy money.

But on the very first day, before I could even open my eyes, Ashley barged into my room. "Jade! Wake up! Julian made breakfast!"

I woke up with bird's nest hair and crusty eyes, only to find a massive camera lens shoved directly in my face.

The live comments were already popping off:

"That's the Best Actor's ex? That D-list actress Jade?"

"She's not even half as pretty as our Ashley. Julian had terrible taste back then."

"Ashley is such an angel. Julian made that breakfast specially for her, and she's generous enough to share it with the lazy ex."

"Julian spoils Ashley so much."

So, there I was. Running on three hours of sleep, bare-faced, broadcasting to the entire world.

"Jade, your eyes look a little puffy," Ashley chirped, feigning concern.

"Do they?" I rolled out of bed.

I walked to the mirror and splashed cold water on my face. "I just had double eyelid surgery. It hasn't healed yet."

I'd been dealing with ingrown lashes for years. Sterling was the one who finally nagged me into getting the surgery done.

The comments section went into shock:

"Hmph, a plastic monster thinks she can compare to our Ashley?"

"Wait is she really being that honest?"

"First time I've seen a female star expose her own dirt. I'm listening."

Ashley covered her mouth, acting shocked. "Jade, you're so brave. Unlike me. I'm so afraid of pain, I wouldn't dare let a knife near my face. No wonder Julian always says I'm delicate."

The comments immediately flooded with praise for the "Natural Beauty."

I didn't care.

My brain had one thought: I am starving.

Where is this legendary breakfast?

I went downstairs. A crowd had already gathered. Besides Julian and me, there were two other celebrity couples.

I sat at the dining table and stared.

The table was covered in what looked suspiciously like McDonald's takeout plated as gourmet.

"Julian made this?" I asked.

Ashley nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! He makes it for me every day. My favorite is this chicken porridge."

Please.

That is literally takeout.

When we were together, Julian never stepped foot in the kitchen. Not once. I was the one buying breakfast and dragging him out of bed.

Whatever. Food is food.

I picked up a bowl. Just as I was about to take the first bite, Ashley smiled. "Jade, does your boyfriend not make breakfast for you?"

Right on cue, Julian walked out of the kitchen, pulled out a chair, and sat down with a scoff.

I glanced at him. "He does," I said, voice flat, deadpan. "He makes breakfast. Three months straight, and he's never repeated a single dish."

I play the villain too often. Nobody believes a word I say.

And by extension, nobody believed in Sterling's skills either.

Chapter 4

The live comments exploded instantly.

"Stop lying for clout, Clout Chaser. Three months of unique breakfasts? Who does that?"

"She's probably microwaving frozen dinners and calling it gourmet."

"Seriously? Did she eat poisonous mushrooms? She's hallucinating."

Ashley let out a loud, delicate laugh. "Pfft."

Julian sat beside her, offering nothing but a silent, condescending smile.

I shook my head.

In this day and age, tell the truth, and everyone thinks you're crazy.

After breakfast, the crew prepped for the "Chemistry Test."

Julian drifted over to my side while I was getting wired up. "Why isn't your boyfriend here yet?"

I clipped the mic to my collar, checking the battery pack. "He's at an international culinary competition abroad. He'll be here in two days."

"You really committed to the backstory, didn't you?"

He looked at me with that smug, "you're so stubborn" expression that made my blood boil.

I opened my mouth to roast him, but the director called for action.

I swallowed my rage. I had a job to do.

First segment: Compatibility.

As the "Control Group," I was naturally paired with Julian. But since Sterling was missing, I had to answer solo. They would edit the answers later to check for a match.

Director: "Question one. Cats or dogs?"

Me: "Dogs."

Director: "Question two. Older or Younger?"

I blinked. My brain jammed.

"A younger dog? Like a puppy?"

The live comments lost their minds.

"LMAO. Jade's comprehension skills are negative."

"Every time I get bored, this woman delivers comedy gold."

"Jade: Context clues? Never heard of them."

The director cleared his throat, sounding pained. "We're asking about men, Jade."

Oh.

This time, I didn't hesitate.

"Younger."

Trust me. Unless you've tried it, you don't know the specific, addictive thrill of a younger man who knows exactly how to take charge.

"Ow! Julian, you're hurting me!"

Ashley's sharp cry cut through the room.

The camera zoomed in. Extreme close-up.

Julian's hand was clamped around Ashley's delicate fingers. His knuckles were stark white, the tendons on the back of his hand standing out like steel cables. He wasn't holding her; he was crushing her.

The air in the room curdled. You could practically hear the bones grinding.

Julian's face was dark, a storm brewing behind his eyes. He released her hand abruptly, as if it burned him. "That's enough questions," he said, his voice dropping an octave, heavy with suppressed anger. "I'm going back to my room."

I rolled my eyes.

Ugh. Major diva moment.

The comments section, however, was analyzing the footage frame by frame.

"Poor Ashley! It's all Jade's fault. That attention seeker is acting funny on purpose to distract Julian."

"Am I the only one seeing this? Julian was straining to hear her answer. As soon as she said 'Younger,' he snapped. (Fun fact: Julian is five months older than Jade.)"

"I saw it too! His mood dipped the second she said 'Dogs.' Remember the old rumors? They used to talk about adopting a cat together."

"Jade is doing this on purpose to trigger him! Back off, homewrecker!"

"You guys are blind. She just answered a question. If anyone has a problem, it's Julian. He's with Ashley but can't take his eyes off Jade. Stop defending toxic men."

Chapter 5

The Q&A session ended. Ashley was visibly annoyed.

By evening, we were at the seaside barbecue. I was sitting by the bonfire, enjoying the breeze, minding my own business.

She dragged me over to look at necklaces on her phone. "Jade, Julian wants to buy me a gift. He said I could pick whatever I want. Can you help me choose?"

I didn't have anything else to do. I took her phone and compared the options.

I pointed to a six-pointed star pendant. "This one suits you."

"But Julian said the blue one is prettier," she said, snatching the phone back. "I think I'll get the blue one."

Then why did you ask me?

I was confused.

But her motive became clear a second later.

She stared at my bare neck and let out a soft, pitying laugh. "Jade, I heard your boyfriend just graduated. He probably doesn't have the money to buy you expensive jewelry like this, right? Should I ask Julian to buy one for you too?"

How generous.

"No need."

I lifted my wrist, revealing the bracelet Sterling gave me. "I get sensory overload. I don't like wearing things around my neck. My boyfriend gives me other kinds of jewelry."

The gems on my wrist glowed faintly in the firelight.

Dark, quiet, like stars in a deep night. Eye-catching without being loud.

"I haven't seen this design on the market. Is it some off-brand knock-off? Jade, you should probably take that off. It might hurt your reputation with luxury brands."

Ashley looked genuinely concerned. She actually called Julian over, using her baby voice to beg him to buy me a necklace.

The other two couples wandered over to watch the drama.

Julian glanced at the photo of the necklace, then walked right up to me. He bent down, invading my personal space. "Do you like it?"

"No."

I stepped back instinctively. He was too close.

"Fine. I'll buy it for you."

Do these two have a hearing problem?

While I stood there in disbelief, the live comments were drowning in praise.

"Julian is so spoiling! Ashley just mentioned it and he agreed immediately."

"Ashley is such a saint. I wouldn't even talk to that homewrecker Jade."

"Omg, if I had a boyfriend like that, I'd live in a mansion and drive a Ferrari!"

"Wait. I've seen that bracelet before."

Genevieve spoke up suddenly.

She grabbed my wrist, pulling it closer to inspect the stones.

Rumor had it Genevieve was a real-life princess who would have to go home and inherit a business empire if she failed in acting. She knew her luxury goods.

"I remember now! I saw this at Sotheby's. It's a one-of-a-kind piece. The starting bid was ten million dollars. It was bought by a mysterious collector."

"What mysterious collector? I've never heard of them."

"Most of their assets are overseas. They are extremely low-profile old money. Of course you wouldn't know."

While the others chirped about whether it was real or fake, the smiles vanished from Julian and Ashley's faces.

I stood there, blinking.

Is this bracelet really that expensive?

Sterling told me he picked it out at the dollar store downstairs.

Chapter 6

"It's probably just a replica of some big brand."

Ashley covered her mouth with a theatrical gasp. "Oh my god, sorry, Jade. I didn't mean to imply you wear fakes."

A flicker of triumph flashed in her eyes. It was gone in a split second, but I caught it.

Thanks to her helpful suggestion, the live comments scrolled faster than I could read:

"Exposed. This woman can't even fake being rich correctly."

"Sponsors, take note! Our Ashley respects original designs. She never wears fakes!"

"Jade's taste has really gone downhill since leaving Julian. She found a boyfriend who gives her counterfeit jewelry."

Seriously?

Who exactly has the bad taste here?

I was starting to get annoyed with Julian's new girlfriend.

But before I could snap, I remembered my role.

Control Group.

Good girl. Endure it. Think of the bank account.

I soothed my temper and retreated to my room. I was just about to fire up a game to relax when someone knocked.

I dragged myself out of bed and opened the door.

Julian was leaning against the doorframe, posing like he was on a magazine cover. His gaze landed on my face, and he froze. "Are you crying?"

"No."

"Ashley is young," he said, his voice dropping to a low, comforting register. "Don't take her words to heart."

He paused, looking at me with deep, soulful eyes.

"It's just a bracelet. If you want one, I can buy it for you. You don't need to be this upset."

I actually laughed. "How many times do I have to say this? I am not sad."

Julian's expression darkened. A trace of "heartache" flickered in his eyes. "Stop lying. I know you, Jade. You're crying, which means you're remembering the gifts I used to give you. You're sentimental. The scenery brought back memories."

Dude.

Is there any possibilityany at allthat my double eyelid surgery is just healing and the wind made my eyes water?

Before I could explain, Julian's eyes lit up with sudden hope. He stepped closer. "Jade, do you still have feelings for"

"I WANT TO BLOOM! I WANT TO SPROUT! I WANT THE SPRING BREEZE AND THE RAIN! WA-LA-LA!"

My phone erupted.

The most chaotic, ear-piercing, earth-shattering folk-rock ringtone known to man blasted through the room, instantly decapitating Julian's romantic monologue.

He froze. His thick brows knotted together. His face explicitly said: Your taste is still absolute garbage.

I hated that look. That high-and-mighty arrogance.

I didn't even bother explaining. I put my hand on his chest and shoved him backward into the hallway. "We done here? Good. You are dismissed. The Queen needs to video chat her boyfriend."

Slam.

The comments section was in hysterics:

"LMAO. 'I know you.' 'Sentimental.' The delusion is real!"

"Okay, but Julian is kinda messy. He's with Ashley, but he's checking on his ex?"

"That manipulative pick-me Ashley played the victim to make Julian feel guilty! Stealing someone else's man makes you a homewrecker, period!"

"Is the person above okay? Jade did zero things wrong here. Julian came to her to 'comfort' her, and Jade rejected him. Pay attention."

"Right? She listens to Second Hand Rose. Her mental state is way too chaotic to be trapped in a romance drama."

"Me listening the first time: What is Jade's taste? Me the second time: I WANT TO BLOOM!!!"

Chapter 7

I picked up my phone. Sterling's video chat window popped up.

Just like the man himself, he always appears exactly when I need him.

"How was the competition?" I asked.

"The opponent was strong. But I still won."

The guy on the screen was wearing a gray hoodie. His brows were relaxed, carrying that specific kind of arrogance that only belongs to the young and the talented.

I checked my watch. "Shouldn't you be out celebrating your victory right now?"

He didn't answer. A moment of silence passed before he murmured my name.

"Jade."

"Hmm?"

"I miss you."

His voice dropped low. A soft, coaxing rumble that sounded like a plea.

Unlike Julian, Sterling never rationed his affection. He never made me guess.

When I was younger, I didn't think blunt honesty was a virtue.

The older I get, the more I realize it's the only thing that matters.

The cloud of irritation Julian had left over my head evaporated instantly.

"I miss you too," I said.

Sterling chuckled. He flipped the camera view, pointing it at the night sky. "Watch the fireworks."

In the dark velvet of the night, thousands of sparks exploded. They swirled and cracked, forming a massive, burning letter J.

"It's a tradition here," his voice came through the speaker, warm and grounding. "They use fireworks to spell out the champion's name. I registered under 'Jade'."

I never thought I'd be blushing over a younger guy's smooth moves.

But the truth is, every single day with Sterling feels like this.

"How is it over there?" he asked.

I looked around my room. It was damp. It was drafty. The air conditioner rattled like a dying engine.

I was increasingly convinced that Julian had suffered a traumatic brain injury before buying this villa.

"It's hard to explain."

Sterling frowned. "Cover up with the quilt. Stay warm. I'll be there tomorrow."

I paused. "I thought you were coming the day after?"

"Couldn't wait."

He held up his phone to show me the ticket he'd already booked. "My dreams are full of you. I tried counting sheep, but I still couldn't sleep."

We hung up. I completely forgot to ask about the bracelet.

The next day's schedule started late.

The other couples were already in front of the cameras, distributing sugar to the audience.

I slept until noon. When I finally woke up, I slumped onto the sofa and started playing a card game on my phone.

The focus shouldn't have been on me.

But Julian and Ashley were clinging to me like ghosts.

They stood right in my line of sight, feeding each other small cookies.

I stood up silently and moved to the bar.

Moments later, they drifted over to the bar. They clinked wine glasses, loudly reminiscing about the first time they met.

Truly, a match made in hell.

I turned my back to them. Out of sight, out of mind.

The live comments saw me idling away and started their mockery again:

"Late for recording? She clearly doesn't respect the show."

"Julian is the best. A man of his status wouldn't usually do a show like this, but he came running just because Ashley wanted to."

"Okay, but does anyone else feel like Julian's couple is acting weird? It's like they're deliberately flirting just to show Jade."

Eventually, even they got tired of performing. Ashley grabbed her water bottle and went off for a solo interview.

I assumed Julian would follow her like a loyal puppy.

Instead, he stayed.

He curled his knuckles and rapped them against the table surface.

Knock. Knock.

"What do you want?" I turned around, not bothering to hide my annoyance.

Chapter 8

Julians eyelashes fluttered. His tall frame stood there, radiating a strange, pathetic sort of loneliness. "Jade, I really did buy a villa by the sea."

Is he actually insane?

Good for you. Why are you flexing on me?

I turned to leave, but Julian stepped in front of me, blocking my path. His voice dropped, sounding cautious. "Do you remember? You said you wanted to live by the sea. Raise a cat."

I said that a lifetime ago. Why bring it up now?

Two seconds later, it clicked.

He was mocking me. He was pointing out that after all these years, I still hadn't hustled hard enough to buy my own oceanfront property.

This means war.

I put my hands on my hips. "Wow. You're so impressive. Did you pay extra for the drafty windows, or did the wind come free with the villa?"

Julian blinked, totally confused. He waved his hands frantically. "That is not what I meant!"

"Then what did you mean?"

"Can you stop exploding for five seconds?"

"You're the one provoking me!"

Julian's eyes went wide. "I didn't You dense woman, why can't you understand human speech?"

When we were together, Julian used to get beat up by me on a regular basis.

My fist had been itching for two days.

"Who are you calling dense?! Say it again!"

I lunged forward and grabbed him by the collar.

Just as I was about to shake him, the red light on the ceiling camera blinked.

Live broadcast.

Damn it. Even if he started it, I couldn't beat up a Best Actor on national television. I had to give him some face.

I was trying to think of a way to de-escalate without losing my dignity.

But Julian, sensing the violence radiating off me, gritted his teeth and panicked. "I I won't say it!"

The comments section lost its mind:

"I'm screaming. I kinda ship them now."

"Confirmed. They definitely dated. That flinch was learned behavior."

"Julian, you are disgracing your status as the older man! I thought you were gonna say something cool, but you folded so fast."

"Definition of: Talking hard, acting soft."

You people will ship anything.

I scowled and sprinted away before Julian's brain rot could infect me.

A few minutes later, the director announced the start of recording.

New segment: "Heartbeat Match." A classic dating show trope.

The four couples would be blindfolded and scattered. We had to find our partners solely through touch.

Winners got a romantic candlelight dinner. Losers got punished.

Technically, since Sterling wasn't here, I should have sat this one out.

But the director, addicted to chaos, dragged a cameraman over and paired him with me, trying to pass a fake off as the real deal.

Ashley shot me a look of pure triumph.

She was wearing a dress entirely covered in sequins. The texture was unmistakable. It felt like jagged sandpaper. As long as Julian touched anything sharp, he'd find her instantly.

Two minutes later, the whistle blew.

Ashley moved first, confident and fast.

I didn't care. I cared about food.

I needed that dinner. So I dove into the darkness, hunting for the cameraman.

Chapter 9

I don't know why.

But the darkness made it worse.

Julian's cologne.

It wasn't just a scent. It was a physical assault.

Heavy. Artificial. Choking.

It clogged my throat like thick smoke.

My body rejected it before my brain could process.

Danger.

He stepped closer.

The cloud of musk intensified.

My knees buckled. I dropped to the floor instantly.

He reached out.

I ducked.

Julian grabbed a handful of empty air. He stood there in the dark, hand suspended, doubting his own existence.

The live comments were losing it:

"Is it just me, or is Julian dodging Ashley, while Jade is dodging Julian?"

"LMAO. He chases. She flees. She literally grew wings."

"Damn. He's not even acting anymore. Julian wants to be punished with Jade."

"Oh my god. He and Ashley are totally a contract couple. She's in it for the clout, and he's just trying to trigger his ex. It's giving artificial sweetener."

I used the confusion to escape.

I rolled across the floor. Scrambling. Desperate for oxygen.

I needed to get to the other side of the room.

Then.

The air shifted.

The suffocating musk vanished.

Replaced by something else.

Clean.

The familiar scent of his shampoo.

My heart unclenches.

My nervous system stopped screaming.

I raised my arms, reaching into the void.

Impact.

I collided with a solid chest.

A faint, cool breath brushed against my forehead.

It was inexplicably grounding.

Sensing a plot twist, the camera crew immediately swung the lens toward me.

Tweet!

The whistle blew. Game over.

I ripped off the blindfold.

Sterling.

He was holding me, his eyes full of starlight and mischief. "Hey, Jade. I made it."

It took exactly one second for the internet to melt down.

"That's the boyfriend? HELLO? Why did nobody tell me Jade's man is a model?"

"FBI agent in my phone! I need this man's entire bio in one minute!"

"The little brother's face card is lethal. He is prettier than the Best Actor. This is the face that belongs in showbiz!"

"Jade eats so well. Ex is hot. Current is hot. I wouldn't even dare to dream this big."

Amidst the thirst, the haters chimed in:

"What's the use of being handsome? Still a kept man."

"Exactly. Latched onto an older woman. Graduation straight to retirement. This kid is calculating."

I didn't care.

The game was over. Only Genevieve's team had successfully paired up.

I hadn't caught the cameraman. I failed.

This villa was cold, broken, and devoid of food.

I realized I hadn't earned any points.

I buried my face in Sterling's chest, letting out a muffled groan. "I'm doomed. No dinner for me."

The next second, warm palms cupped my face, lifting my head.

"I'm here, aren't I?"

"You're here, but you still have to accept the punishment!"

Ashley drifted past us like a vengeful ghost, unwilling to let the moment slide.

"Come on. We have to go dig for clams."

Rules were rules.

So, the six of us rolled up our pant legs and headed to the beach.

It was an early autumn afternoon. The sand had been baked warm by the sun.

I stepped into the water, surprisingly happy to be digging for my own dinner.

Chapter 10

Sterling trailed behind me, a silent, steady shadow. He carried two buckets in one hand like they weighed nothing.

When the walking got boring, I stopped.

He didn't ask. He just crouched down.

I hopped onto his back.

His broad shoulders didn't even dip under my weight. He hooked my legs, his grip firm and secure, anchoring me to him.

Julian, on the other hand, possessed the energy of a vengeful ghost.

He wasn't digging for clams; he was digging a grave. He stabbed the sand with the shovel, his movements rough and jerky, radiating pure resentment.

Ashley tried to wipe the sweat from his forehead with a tissue. He ignored her completely, treating her like empty air.

The director, realizing Julian was a black hole of charisma, immediately cut the feed to us.

The live chat lit up with appreciation:

"Who said younger guys aren't the move? This is delicious."

"The old man might have money, but he won't spend it on you. The young buck has energy, and he is spending all of it on her."

"Jade's man is top tier. Look at him. Two buckets in one hand, holding her shoes in the other. Imagine the tension if those were high heels"

"This couple is just sweet. It feels like destiny. The kind of quiet love that accidentally lasts a lifetime."

When we had enough clams, Sterling took my hand to lead me back.

He traded our harvest with the crew for four eggs.

Twenty minutes later, the smell of savory comfort food filled the kitchen. Egg fried rice.

He made a special side dish just for me. Steamed egg with clams.

Silky. Warm. It wobbled on the spoon.

I took a bite. It melted on my tongue instantly, the rich, savory flavor washing away the salt and fatigue of the day.

"Are you guys seriously just eating that by yourselves?"

Excuse me?

Ashley stomped into the room. She looked like an angry pufferfish.

She glared at the food Sterling had made, her eyes green with envy. "Didn't you see we haven't eaten either?"

The entitlement was suffocating. She was implying Sterling should be the personal chef for the entire cast.

This is a dating show, Ashley. Not a soup kitchen.

Sterling, not wanting me to look bad on camera, spoke up calmly. "I can make a couple more dishes for everyone."

Ashley wasn't satisfied. She crossed her arms. "Jade, didn't you brag that your boyfriend could cook for three months without repeating a dish? Then he should cook a proper feast. There are six of us. Ten dishes isn't too much to ask, is it?"

It wasn't a request. It was an order.

I smiled. It didn't reach my eyes. "Why? Does your boyfriend not cook for you?"

Ashley choked. She whipped her head around to look at Julian. "Julian you can make us a four-course meal too, right?"

Her voice wavered. She was gambling with her dignity.

Julian paused. He stared at her for two long seconds.

Then, probably to save his own crumbling ego, he nodded.

Ashley let out a breath she'd been holding. She turned back to me, her smugness fully restored. "Jade. Do you dare let your boyfriend compete with Julian?"

I frowned. Sterling had just gotten off a plane. He had jet lag.

"No," I said, my voice hard. "He's tired."

Sterling's hand covered mine on the table.

His palm was warm. Solid. Grounding.

He patted my hand gently. "It's okay," he said, his voice unbothered, smooth as velvet. "I wanted to make you more food anyway."

Chapter 11

The live comments were practically holding a candlelight vigil for Sterling.

"Stop it, kid. You don't know what you're walking into. Julian started a food vlog two years ago. His recipes are actually legit."

"Right? I learned his Scallion Oil Chicken recipe, and it slaps. The boy is cooked."

"RIP. I was just starting to like the young guy, but he's about to get exposed."

"Jade claimed he went to some 'international competition.' Probably a sketchy backyard contest in the middle of nowhere."

The production crew, smelling blood, delivered the ingredients immediately.

Under the glare of the studio lights, the kitchen became a battlefield.

Julian and Sterling took their stations.

But the energy was different.

Julian moved with the frantic energy of someone trying to prove something. Clattering pans. Excessive chopping. Sweat beading on his forehead.

Sterling?

He was stillness in motion.

He didn't rush. He didn't hesitate. He moved with a terrifying, surgical precision. Every slice was calculated. Every flip of the pan was inevitable. He controlled the heat, the timing, and the very air in the room.

The aroma hitting the air wasn't just food. It was a sensory command.

An hour later.

Sterling's side of the counter was lined with masterpieces. Every single one happened to be my favorite.

Ashley tried to salvage the situation. She posed with Julian's dishes, loud and performative. "Look at this presentation! Julian, you outdid yourself!"

Then the camera panned to Sterling.

Silence.

The difference wasn't just a gap. It was a canyon.

Sterling's plating wasn't just dinner; it was architecture. The colors were vibrant, balanced, and intimidatingly perfect. Julian's food looked like an amateur's attempt next to a Michelin star tasting menu.

Ashleys smile faltered. "Whatever," she scoffed, grasping for straws. "It looks pretty, but who knows what's in it? Probably loaded with food coloring."

Desperate to prove her point, she forced the others to taste test.

One by one, they took a bite.

One by one, they closed their eyes, defeated by the flavor.

The vote was unanimous. Sterling.

Outside, the sun had set. The working class was clocking out, phones in hand, stomachs empty.

The live feed was flooded with hungry, repentant viewers:

"I apologize. I spoke too soon earlier. I kneel."

"Imagine coming home after a hellish shift. You walk into a big, bright house. Hot dinner is waiting. And then you crawl into a warm bed with a young, energetic stud? That beats guarding a cold-faced old man by a million times."

"Jade, I never said anything bad about the brother! Let me have one bite!"

"Jade: I told you he was a treasure. You guys: You called me a simp. Me: I am the clown."

"Wait."

Carter and Maya, the couple who had suffered through the punishment with us, suddenly froze.

They were staring at Sterling's signature dish.

Carter pulled out his phone, scrolling frantically. He found an image and held it up against the plate on the counter. "This isn't this the winning dish from the Bocuse d'Or? The World Culinary Championship? I watched the livestream yesterday!"

Maya gasped, looking from the phone to Sterling. "The head chef he looks exactly like him."

"Holy sh*t! It is him!"

The realization hit the room like a physical weight.

Sterling wasn't just a "good cook." He was a world champion. He was the apex predator of the culinary world.

Carter and Maya looked at him like he was a god. If the cameras weren't rolling, they would have been on their knees begging for selfies.

Genevieve and her partner returned just in time to catch the tail end of the reveal. The entire cast surrounded Sterling, peppering him with questions about the competition.

He stood in the center of them. Calm. Unbothered. The gravity of the room had shifted entirely to him.

On the periphery, Julian stood alone.

His face was a mask of crumbling ego.

Chapter 12