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“It’s certainly been unexpected,” I manage.
“We have so many questions for you! Your champagne moment has gone viral, and then today’s obstacle course victory—the audience is dying to know your story.”
A makeup artist descends on us for last-minute touch-ups while Victoria reviews her notes. Ethan leans close to my ear.
“Remember, this is your chance to talk about ocean conservation to thousands of viewers.”
“And your chance to look like less of an eco-villain,” I whisper back.
“Win-win.”
The floor director counts down from ten, and suddenly the lights brighten as Victoria beams at the camera.
“Good evening and welcome to Midnight Confessions, coming to you live from The Rendezvous!” Her voice is smooth and practiced. “I’m Victoria Wells, and tonight we have a very special couple joining us—tech billionaire Ethan Cole and renowned marine biologist Dr. Harper Bennett!”
The audience applauds as the camera swings to us. I force a smile, trying to look less like I’m facing a firing squad.
“Now, your romance has captivated everyone on board,” Victoria continues. “Especially after that dramatic first encounter that went viral! Ethan, tell us, what was going through your mind when Harper threw that champagne in your face?”
Ethan laughs, the sound so natural you’d never guess this entire situation is scripted. “Honestly? My first thought was, ‘I deserved that.’”
Victoria looks delighted. “And did you?”
“Harper and I met under... professional circumstances initially,” he says smoothly. “I’m afraid I was dismissive of her environmental concerns about some of our technology. The champagne was her way of making sure I paid attention.”
“And are you paying attention now?” Victoria asks with a suggestive smile.
“Absolutely.” Ethan turns to me, his expression earnest. “Dr. Bennett is one of the foremost experts on marine ecosystems. Her research on coral reef preservation has influenced environmental policy worldwide. I’d be a fool not to listen to her expertise.”
I stare at him, surprised by the accurate but flattering assessment of my work. He’s done his homework.
“Harper,” Victoria shifts her focus to me, “what attracted you to Ethan after such a... fiery beginning?”
Here we go. I take a deep breath, deciding to follow Ethan’s lead with a version of the truth.
“Initially, nothing,” I say honestly, drawing laughs from the audience. “I viewed Ethan as representing corporate interests that often prioritize profit over planetary health.”
Victoria’s smile falters, not expecting this direction.
“But,” I continue, “I’ve been invited to evaluate The Rendezvous’ sustainability initiatives, and Ethan has been... open to criticalfeedback.” This much is true—he hasn’t once tried to prevent me from documenting the ship’s environmental issues.
“So, it’s his environmental consciousness that won you over?” Victoria presses, fishing for a more romantic angle.
“That and his willingness to engage with opposing viewpoints,” I say. “Too often, environmental discourse becomes an echo chamber. Real progress happens when different perspectives find common ground.”
Ethan’s hand finds mine on the sofa between us, squeezing gently in approval. The camera zooms in on our clasped hands.
“Well, you two found some common ground during today’s obstacle course,” Victoria says, as footage from our fall plays on a screen behind her. “That was quite a moment!”
My cheeks heat at the sight of me sprawled across Ethan’s chest, his arms wrapped around me protectively. It looks far more intimate on camera than it felt in the moment.
“The important thing is that we won,” Ethan says smoothly, saving me from having to respond. “Which means we’ll be visiting the private island tomorrow—home to an endangered sea turtle nesting site that Harper has been eager to document.”
“Ah, so your romantic dinner will double as a research opportunity?” Victoria seems amused by this unorthodox date plan.
“The most romantic thing Ethan could offer me is access to environmental data,” I say, only half-joking.
“She’s not kidding,” Ethan adds with a laugh. “Harper’s passion for marine conservation is what I admire most about her.”