Contents
Chapter 30: Julia
Overview
Julia overhears Emmett’s father, Carl, viciously berating Emmett and steps in by faking a work emergency to end the confrontation. After Carl leaves, Julia locks the door and comforts Emmett, their embrace revealing deep need and trust. They acknowledge they should keep distance but choose closeness, strengthening their forbidden bond.
Summary
Julia walks the barn alley and hears a man attacking Emmett with insults in the office. She peeks in to see an older man—Emmett’s father, Carl—kicking Emmett’s boot and belittling his choices, including missing qualifiers and appearing on the dating show. Emmett’s responses are flat, and his posture shows humiliation.
As Carl escalates, calling Emmett an embarrassment and unlovable, Julia decides to intervene. She loudly pretends to search for Emmett and fabricates an urgent email from Richard. The ruse breaks the moment; Carl scoffs and leaves.
Julia locks the office door and approaches Emmett, who appears stricken and unresponsive. She admits there is no email and hugs him firmly, offering silent support. Emmett remains rigid until Julia jokes, “Do you want me to kill him?” which prompts a rough laugh and a desperate embrace from Emmett.
They hold each other for a long moment, the contact shifting from comfort to mutual need. Emmett quietly reminds Julia they’re supposed to avoid each other, but both admit they don’t know what they’re doing—only that they want to do it together. The scene cements a deeper emotional connection despite production rules and personal risks.
Who Appears
- JuliaHandler who interrupts Carl’s tirade, protects Emmett with a ruse, then comforts him, deepening their forbidden bond.
- EmmettContestant demeaned by his father; initially shut down, then accepts Julia’s support and chooses closeness despite show rules.
- CarlEmmett’s father; verbally abusive, belittles Emmett’s career and TV role, leaves after Julia’s staged interruption.