Page 27 of Say Yes to the Nemesis

Trinity flushes. “Of course, there will be differences. But maybe we could find common ground.”

He gives her a tight smile, then moves on.

“Nikki, you’re gorgeous and fun, but I didn’t feel that spark. You know what I mean?”

“I do,” she admits, though her smile looks forced. “But sometimes sparks take time to catch fire.”

He nods. Then he turns to me.

“Well, well. It’s down to you, Wren. What do you think should happen here?”

I try not to grimace. I’m not going to beg for a date on national TV. I am, however, going to use the lines that Hana slipped to me earlier. I lift my chin and try to flutter my eyelashes.

“I don’t know, Ryan. I thought we had good chemistry. There’s history here. I think it’s worth exploring. Don’t you?”

His smirk spreads. My stomach tightens.

He hands me one of the two remaining roses. “I’ll be sure to take you up on that.”

I don’t let myself smile. I don’t let myself breathe. This doesn’t mean anything. It can’t. He’s playing a role, same as me. Still, I tuck the rose close to my chest like it might shatter if I don’t protect it.

Then he turns back to Nikki and gives her the last rose. Trinity’s out.

Whatever happened during their time together must’ve been rough.

The cameras cut. I exhale hard and make a beeline for the guy with the champagne tray.

I have never needed a drink more in my entire life.

I made it through the first rose ceremony. One down. Seven to go.

I can fake this. I have to. Even if someone’s already watching too closely. Even if Divya keeps shooting me looks like she’s trying to solve a puzzle. Even if Ryan’s smirk felt like a white-hot dagger when he handed me that rose.

eight

WREN

After the showdownin the rose garden, I can’t wait to be alone. I’m definitely an introvert, and I’ve officially used up all my conversation talking points for the day. I just want to stare at the wall and sort through my thoughts in peace. My throat’s tight, my hands won’t stop shaking, and my skin feels too tight for my bones.

I need quiet. I needout.

The whole night feels like emotional whiplash. I’ve gone from zero to heartbreak to hope in less than an hour, and now I just want to shut my brain off.

Ryan disappears off set, and I trail behind the other contestants as we’re herded away from the rose garden and into the house. It’s weird. Everyone is smiling like they’re in a toothpaste commercial while also trying to look very sexy climbing the stairs.

I’m just trying not to trip in the heels Jennifer picked out for me as I head upstairs toward the bedroom I share with several other bachelorettes.

The bedroom doors have tags with our names. I’m staying in the third bedroom with Heidi, Raven, and Divya. Heidi opens the door and leads the way. The bedroom is gorgeous—white bedding, blush accents, very Instagram-ready. Two sets of bunk beds make me nervous, but the vibe is pretty. A little too cheerful, maybe.

Heidi is on the top bunk on the right, I’m on the bottom. On the left side of the room, Divya is on the top bunk and Raven is on the bottom.

Heidi gives me a sly look. “Hey, we made it through night one. That’s something to be proud of.”

I laugh while she claims a bureau and vanity on our side of the room. “Honestly, I’m just glad I didn’t combust during the final rose ceremony. I’ve never been on TV before.”

“Neither have I.” She grins. “I guess we both did pretty well.”

I glance at Divya and Raven, silently moving around across the room, unpacking and straightening. Divya saw me falter tonight. She’ll use it. Maybe not today. But it’s coming.