Contents
Chapter 35: Emmett
Overview
During a zip-lining date with Catherine, Richard pressures Emmett to create faux intimacy, escalating his hostility. Emmett resists, mindful of Julia watching. Catherine recognizes Emmett’s feelings for Julia and, sympathetic, offers help navigating Richard and Evelyn’s manipulation. Emmett and Catherine seal a discreet pact, steadying Emmett’s resolve.
Summary
On set for a zip-lining date, Richard berates the crew and targets Emmett after the rodeo refusal, pushing for staged intimacy with Catherine. Emmett complies only with safety harnessing, minimizing contact while Julia, his secret partner, watches from the sidelines.
Catherine senses Emmett’s discomfort and quietly reveals she knows he’s in love with Julia. Emmett, startled, admits the truth without denying it. Catherine responds with kindness, framing their situation as a rare real love story within a manufactured show.
As they move between platforms, Catherine offers practical support against Richard’s manipulation and Evelyn’s narrative, saying she wants to help make a genuine relationship succeed. Emmett, moved and relieved, accepts. They shake on the pact just as the drone approaches, while Richard rages about missing the moment.
Buoyed by Catherine’s empathy and alliance, Emmett finishes the date with renewed resolve to protect his relationship with Julia despite production pressures.
Who Appears
- EmmettContestant resisting staged intimacy; conflicted but steadfast in prioritizing Julia; forms a discreet alliance with Catherine.
- CatherineDate partner who recognizes Emmett’s feelings for Julia; offers support and makes a pact to help them.
- RichardProducer raging over lost shots; pressures Emmett to fabricate romantic moments; increasingly hostile.
- JuliaHandler observing on set; motivation for Emmett’s restraint; silent presence anchoring his choices.