Blinded by Love

by Jill Ferraro

  “Go well?” she asked as Brielle strolled back into the apartment.

  “Sure did. Mark tried to talk me out of a date with Brandon. Why would he do that? Why does he care?”

  Stacey thought for a moment. “It’s probably a pain for them to set up the dates, get the food, etc. But if it’s what you want, you should have it!”

  Brielle nodded. “I’m going to change into something more comfortable before we get started.”

  “I’m ready when you are! We have to plan your wedding ceremony!!”

  Brielle was beaming as she walked down the hallway. Stacey was right, she was planning her wedding ceremony today. 48 hours from now, she would be married.

  She couldn’t wait to get started.

  Chapter Four

  Seth

  Seth: sry u think this is rude but y do u think ur not married yet?

  Brielle: Oh...um...I was in a long term relationship with a guy who cheated on me quite a few times. I loved him and was really hoping he’d change but he didn’t.

  Seth: o wow guess its good ur here then

  ◆◆◆

  Seth was getting tired of being so responsive to Brielle. He was never this available when they dated and didn’t plan on being this available once they were married. He knew Mark and Abigail would be on his case all day if he stopped responding so instead he sucked it up and tried to keep the conversation going.

  He couldn’t get over how dumb Brielle must be to not realize it was him. How else would he know exactly what questions to ask, how to push her buttons in just the right way to keep her second-guessing herself. She was still all his, despite having embarrassed him with their breakup. He still got angry about if it if he ruminated on it for too long.

  Brielle Parker would always be his. That’s just the way it was supposed to be. Sure, they may not be the happiest couple but who was? She belonged in his life. He cared about her, deep down, but he cared more about knowing exactly who he was spending his life with. Brielle held no surprises, they had been together for so many years it was impossible. She was completely predictable, completely reliable. That’s what he wanted.

  The day was dragging on and Seth was growing bored. He had tried to argue with Brandon and Asher but they wouldn’t bite. All the other losers were gone and there was nothing to do but eat and watch TV. He couldn’t wait until the wedding was over and done with so he could get out of there.

  Brielle: Any big plans for today?

  Seth: not rly jus thinking bout u and hoping we look good 2gether in our wedding pics

  Seth wandered into the living room and sprawled out on the couch. Brandon and Asher were nowhere in sight. He turned on the TV to watch some sports reruns and plot out the rest of his master plan.

  Brielle was already in love with him. He knew she was still in love with Seth before he came but she was now also in love with Carl. Today’s plan was to plant seeds of self-doubt. Brielle had self-esteem problems and Seth was an expert at using them to his advantage. If he could get her to doubt her worthiness of Asher, he was sure she wouldn’t pick him when she found out Seth was the other man she was so in love with.

  He knew his mother would be appalled when she learned what he was doing but he didn’t care. She always loved Brielle and would get over it eventually. Besides, Brielle was a big girl and could make her own decisions. Seth was merely helping her along a bit.

  His only concern was her reaction when she realized it was Seth waiting for her. He knew she would initially resist that they were meant to be together. Unfortunately, with the timeline of the show, he didn’t have a few days to let her cool off like he usually did. He would need to calm her down right away.

  Knowing the wedding be just minutes away would certainly help. Brielle came here to be married, she was determined, so she would have to decide to throw her hard work out the window pretty quickly if she didn’t want to be with him in the end. Seth wandered back into the bedroom and looked for the notepad. Brielle had always wanted him to write her a love letter. That could seal the deal for him. He sat down and began to write.

  Brielle,

  I’m sorry for not being 100% honest with you. I just know we’re meant to be together and this was the only way for me to ensure that we were. You always wanted to marry me, right? This is your chance. I know we have our problems but all couples fight. The only thing that matters is that you’re here with me now, you chose me again, and you’ll always love me. You’re made for me, neither of us is going to do any better.

  I hope you decide to still marry me. I will be so hurt if you don’t. You owe us another shot, Brielle. We have so much history, it’s silly to throw it all away over a few silly mistakes. The past is the past, just focus on our future now.

  -Seth

  Satisfied, he folded the note carefully and tucked it in the desk drawer. He knew Brielle would read it, she loved second chances and was a sucker for Seth. And since he’d never written her a love letter before, she would probably save this one forever.

  “What are you doing?” Mark’s voice boomed from the hallway.

  Seth turned around slowly and leaned back in the desk chair. “Securing my future. Is that a problem?”

  “Let me read it.”

  Reluctantly, Seth pulled the note out of the drawer and handed it to Mark. After a few moments, he handed it back.

  “Feeling nervous?”

  Seth shook his head. “No. Just want to ensure my wedding goes off without a hitch.”

  “And you think this will work?”

  “I know this will work, Mark.” Seth rolled his eyes. “Is this the only reason you’re here? You’re spying on me and wanted to know what I was writing?”

  Mark shifted on his feet. “Yes, actually. Abigail’s getting a bit...paranoid. Wanted to make sure it wasn’t anything that could blow up in our faces.”

  Seth laughed. “This whole show is going to blow up in your faces.” Mark turned sheet white. “But I guess you already know that. I hope it works out for you guys, I really do. I know I’m getting my happy ending.”

  Mark nodded. “Great. Well...enjoy your day. Don’t do anything stupid.”

  “Will do, boss. Tell Abigail I said hey.” Seth winked at Mark before the producer stomped out of the room.

  The corners of Seth’s mouth curled slightly, he took great joy in seeing Mark and Abigail struggle. He could care less about what happened to them. Because in less than two days, Brielle would be right back where he wanted her once again.

  Chapter Five

  Brielle

  Brielle: Just wanted to let you know I’m going on a date with Brandon. He seems like a good guy and I wanted to talk to him in person before he left.

  Carl: o ok seems like a waste of time but w/e

  Brielle: Do you not like him?

  Brielle: Carl?

  Brielle: Sorry if it upsets you but I’m still going.

  ◆◆◆

  Brielle hadn’t heard from Carl in over twenty minutes. She didn’t realize telling him about her date with Brandon would upset him. If he was that jealous, he shouldn’t be on the show in the first place. He knew he was signing up for her dating other guys while he was here. Besides, she couldn’t save anyone else, she’d already done that with Shea. So Carl really didn’t have anything to worry about.

  She couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off with Carl. She was so swept up in him, they had a strong connection that she couldn’t deny but he also had qualities she was unsure about. He seemed a little controlling and was quick to jump to conclusions. Every time she noticed it though, he would pull back. It was so hard learning everything without seeing or hearing someone’s voice. There was no context and it was impossible to tell what someone’s intention was through a message.

  Her outfit for her date was on the bed. Her favorite black dress, some wooden disk earrings, and a pair of wedges. She wanted to look cute but stay comfortable. She knew Brandon wasn’t the guy for her and this date was just to learn
more about Asher and Carl. She didn’t have to look her absolute best.

  It was becoming clear that Carl didn’t exactly get along with Brandon. It didn’t seem like Shea did either, or any of the guys she spoke with. Brielle decided he was just a different type of guy, more like the type of guy she was into. He seemed withdrawn and even though she knew he was a big softy, he probably didn’t come across that way to the other guys on the show.

  If Brandon came out and told her he didn’t like Carl during their date later she would press for more details. He was, after all, the man she could potentially be spending the rest of her life with. It only made sense for her to try to gather as many facts as possible before saying ‘I do’.

  Stacey popped her head into Brielle’s bedroom to go over some more ceremony details while Brielle got ready for her date.

  “Now it’ll be a secular ceremony but if your faith is important to you, we can have a family member say a prayer before the officiant begins.”

  “Oh, that would be great. My dad can say one. Will you ask him for me?”

  Stacey nodded. “As soon as I send you upstairs for your date I’ll give him a call.”

  “Perfect”

  “Now, I have some ideas for processional music…”

  Stacey proceeded to play a series of classic processional songs for Brielle, from pop favorites to classical. As Brielle applied her makeup, she tried to imagine which song would mean the most to her but was coming up short. She was too distracted by Carl and her date with Brandon.

  “Stacey, I have no idea. Can I think about it and we can decide in the morning?”

  “We can. But I’m going to have to get here early to get everything done. Will you be ready to go around 7?”

  “I can be. I’m hoping my head will be clearer by the morning. I just have so much on my mind...it’s so hard to make a decision right now. And every decision feels so important.”

  “I can only imagine. And while it’s my job to help you make the decisions to have the best day possible, I can assure you that you won’t care about any of it once the day starts. You’ll just care about your future husband, about meeting him and being with him and loving him.”

  Brielle’s heart fluttered at the thought. “You’re right, Stacey. Thank you.” She put down her makeup brushes and slipped on her shoes. “I’ll walk out with you?”

  “Wonderful.”

  Brielle grabbed her device and checked it. No new messages from Carl or from Asher. It was unlike Asher to be so distant. Was he worried about her date as well?

  She hoped Asher and Carl weren’t hanging out together in the apartment, talking about how upset they were she decided to go on a date with Brandon. Hopefully, Asher was napping or reading a book and lost track of time.

  The door closed behind them and Stacey walked Brielle to the elevator. “You head up first!”

  Brielle gave Stacey a hug and walked into the elevator. She took a deep breath and hit the button to take her to the rooftop. It was her last date before her wedding. She only had one full day left of being single before she married her forever person.

  The doors to the elevator opened and the beautiful rooftop was before her once more. The table was set, music was playing quietly over the speakers in the corner. And Mark was sitting to the side of the table.

  “What are you doing here?” Brielle marched over to the table.

  “Just wanted to sit in, see how the magic happens.”

  “I don’t want you here.”

  “I don’t care what you want.”

  Brielle thought carefully. Her mind immediately drifted back to the warnings she’d gotten the day before. Was Brandon the one Shea was trying to tell her to be careful of? Was Mark there as a bodyguard? Nothing made sense.

  “I’m staying, I’ll be sitting right over here beside this bush. Deal with it.”

  Brielle rolled her eyes but didn’t argue. It was useless. Mark hadn’t wanted her to go on this date later and was probably just paying her back for “being difficult” earlier in the day.

  “Brielle? Brandon’s on his way up.” Laura motioned for Brielle to make her way towards the elevator.

  She took one final, disdainful look at Mark and made her way across the roof to the elevator door. Her guard was up and she was ready for whatever the night threw at her.

  Chapter Six

  Brandon

  Brielle: Ready when you are!

  Brandon: Heading up now

  ◆◆◆

  He clenched his fists to try to steady his hands. Brandon hadn’t been this nervous in a long time and he couldn’t stop his hands from shaking. Asher had brought him a beer while he got ready for his date but it didn’t help him relax. If anything, it put him on edge even more.

  Brandon was a rule follower. He always fought for what was right but he followed the rules. He’d never been arrested, never gotten in a major fight, and tried not to rock the boat. Mark had mentioned numerous times that there was a financial penalty for what he was about to do. Brandon definitely wasn’t rich but he could afford a lawyer to counter sue for emotional damages if need be. After giving it much thought, he decided Mark’s threat was probably an empty threat.

  Brandon hoped Abigail didn’t sense his nerves when she came to get him to bring him to the rooftop for his date with Brielle. He tried not to speak to her, he was still livid with both producers. It wasn’t difficult, as Abigail lectured him the entire walk down the hallway and up into the elevator. Brandon didn’t think he could get a word in edgewise even if he’d wanted to.

  “You will not, under any circumstances, tell Brielle about Seth. You will not make a mistake, you will not badmouth “Carl” in any way. You can discuss him if she brings him up but do not let her know how much you hate him. You will be off that roof faster than you ever thought possible if you mess this up. Do you understand?”

  Brandon could tell she was anxious. “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Lose the attitude. You will not mess this up for me.”

  Before she could say anything else, the elevator reached the rooftop and the bell chimed.

  She whispered, “We’re watching you,” as the doors opened and he took his first tentative steps onto the roof.

  Brielle was standing about 10 feet away from him. She was more gorgeous in person than she was in her videos. Her black dress fit her perfectly and she looked laid back and comfortable in her skin. Her lips spread into a wide smile when she saw him.

  “Brandon?!”

  He walked towards her quickly and held out his arms, pulling her into a tight hug. “Yes! It’s so good to finally meet you!” He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before ending the embrace.

  “You’re so sweet!” She looked him up and down. “And cute!”

  Brandon laughed. “Thank you! You too?”

  They chuckled together and stood awkwardly on the patio. Brielle motioned to the table on the other side of the roof. “Let me show you around. This is the roof, I’ve been on this date a handful of times now so if you have any questions let me know. Oh and ignore Mark. He’s insisted on sitting with us tonight for some reason.”

  He hadn’t noticed Mark lurking in the corner. Of course, he was here. He and Abigail wouldn’t risk having this date without supervision.

  Brandon tried to focus his attention on Brielle but his anxiety was starting to ramp up. He focused on her positives. Brielle was smart and funny too. Brandon knew she would be perfect for Asher. He hoped desperately that she would choose him over Seth. Or choose to be alone over Seth. Anything but Seth.

  Brielle sat down at the table and Brandon stood to open the bottle of champagne. “This should settle my nerves a bit.”

  “Oh, are you nervous?! Don’t be. This will not be stressful I promise. I don’t bite.”

  “Good to hear! I am a little nervous, although I can’t pinpoint why.” That was a lie but he obviously couldn’t tell her...yet. “ I’m excited to talk to you and get to know you a little better before I lea
ve. Hopefully, we can stay friends after this.”

  “Definitely! I might even be able to set you up with a friend. I have a few who are single and ready to mingle if you’re ready to put yourself out there.”

  “I definitely am. I was a little disappointed when I realized we wouldn’t work out but also excited because it reaffirmed that I absolutely, 100% want to get married.” Brandon raised his glass. “To our future.”

  “Cheers!” Brielle took a sip of her drink. “So tell me, how are Carl and Asher?”

  Brandon had hoped they could avoid that topic until after the appetizer came but Brielle jumped right in. He didn’t blame her, she was about to make the biggest decision of her life and if he was her he would want to gather as much information as possible.

  They chatted about Asher for about 20 minutes. Brandon had nothing but positive things to say about him. Brielle seemed intrigued and her face lit up whenever Brandon mentioned Asher’s quirks. She seemed to glow while he was talking.

  But then the focus of the conversation became all about Seth. Brandon could feel Mark’s closely trained on him as he carefully chose his words.

  “What do you want to know about Carl?”

  “Well...I get the vibe that he doesn’t get along with the other guys in the apartment. I get it, not everyone can be good friends. But is he like...a bad guy?”

  Brandon would have done anything to change the conversation without drawing suspicion from Brielle. It wasn’t the right time to try to tell her about Seth, not with Mark sitting right there. He had to try to get her alone.

  “Um...I think he has a different personality from the other guys who are there. Asher and I are a bit more….progressive...than Carl. I would say he’s more of a traditional, small-town guy.”