Alina slowly walked out onto the balcony, watching the lazy sun rise over the sea. It painted the water in pink and golden hues, like an artist. The sound of the waves filled the space, echoing the tremor in her chest. It seemed that in this world, only she and the restless sea remained, reflecting the turmoil in her heart. But there was no turning back: Alina had to take this step.
Returning to the room, Alina looked at the wedding dress. It seemed the embodiment of a dream: the light fabric flowed across the floor, resembling sea waves, and the lace shimmered in the sun. She had barely managed to put it on when there was a knock at the door. Her heart froze. A slight shiver ran through her body, foreshadowing something inevitable and dangerous. "Maxim..." Alina thought and hurried to open it.
But Alexei stood before her. His iron, furious gaze pierced her. She tried to close the door, but he wouldn't let her. Flying into the room, Alexei pinned her against the wall with a single movement. The lace of the dress rustled from the abrupt motion, as if protesting. Alina's heart pounded, her breath hitched.
— Alexei... let go! — Alina gasped, trying to break free.
— You can't be with anyone else! — he replied.
Before she could push him away, his lips crashed down on hers, depriving her of air and the ability to think. It was not a kiss but a capture, the gesture of a predator asserting his ownership. Alina tried to resist, but his hands wrapped around her waist like iron hoops, pressing her so close that she felt every line of his strong body, sensing the heat even through the thin fabric.
The kiss was persistent, demanding, cruel—and through it seeped the fury of five years of searching. The delicate lace of the wedding dress dug into her skin like thorns, reminding her of a vow and a betrayal. It became unbearably hard for her to breathe, not from lack of air, but from a surging, treacherous desire. Blood pulsed in her temples with a deafening rhythm, and a thought panicked: Maxim... this kiss will be heard, even if he just approaches the door.
Alina continued to struggle, but the strength was unequal. Her mind screamed: "Don't!", but her body, as if remembering his every touch from five years ago, responded with a tremble. His every movement, every kiss ignited a fire in her. In a hoarse whisper, he kept saying words that made her head spin even more:
— You can only be mine... only belong to me.
If only she had known that participating in this reality show would lead to this, she would never have agreed. But now it was too late.
A month earlier, televisions across the country exploded with bright announcements: "The most exciting reality show in the country! Five couples, only one true love. Can you reveal who is genuinely in love and who is acting? The winners will receive not only fame but also a huge sum of money and a grand wedding!"
The shots changed with incredible speed, as if hypnotizing: a luxurious villa on the seashore, terraces overlooking the endless waves, gardens sparkling under the morning sun, chic interiors where every detail spoke of wealth. Cameras glided through the halls, corridors, stairs—everything seemed prepared for a grand drama where every move would become the property of millions.
Alina stood at the window of her modest apartment, nervously clutching her old phone. There was almost nothing left in her account. Her teacher's salary could not cover the family debts. Every day felt like walking on a razor's edge: her stepfather had driven the family into a financial hole from which there was no escape.
Alina flinched when she heard the phone ring. She glanced at it, full of dread.
— Again... — she whispered, her voice filled with panic fear.
Maxim approached from behind, hugging her shoulders, gently taking the phone away.
— Don't answer. Give it to me.
— You don't understand, Max! — Alina turned, her eyes full of tears. — These aren't just collectors. These are the people our stepfather lost a fortune to. They... they are influential. And unpunished. They called my mother and said: "If we don't have the money in a month, we'll take everything she has, including her health. Organs on the black market are worth more than her debt." — These are people who are confident they can buy and break anyone.
Maxim felt her body tremble in his arms.
— Is that why you're so afraid of the rich? — he asked quietly.
Alina nodded, clinging to him.
— Everyone who has such power will sooner or later use it to break others. We can't do anything to them. This show... it's our only chance. A chance to save my sick mother, to try our luck there, amidst luxury, passions, and intrigues.
— I love you and I'll help. We'll manage.
The sun was already setting when the buses with the participants approached the majestic villa on the island. The snow-white walls, arches, and terraces, drowning in palm greenery, reflected the last rays. The wind brought the smell of the salty sea, mixed with the aromas of blooming gardens. It seemed this place was created not for reality, but for the boldest fantasies.
Alina and Maxim got out first. She clutched a small bag in her hands, her heart pounding: every moment brought her closer to the unknown world of the show. Maxim took the bag and gently took her hand. Looking at Alina with love, he smiled softly; confidence emanated from him like a warming light.
— Everything will be fine, — he whispered. — The main thing is to be genuine and show how much we cherish each other.
Preparation was already in full swing around them: operators, assistants with tablets, sound engineers. Every move of the participants was recorded, every look could be read on the monitors in the control room, where Karina watched everyone. At her command, the participants were gathered in a spacious hall with panoramic windows overlooking the sea. Five couples stood, slightly tense, trying to figure each other out: which of those present was a real couple, and which was fake.
Under the flashes of spotlights, Karina entered the hall.
— Welcome to the most romantic show in the country in recent years! Five couples, and only one is real. The rest are fake. But no one must reveal themselves. Your task is to pass the trials, show your emotions, relationships, and sincerity. Throughout the show, you will have to identify the fake couples by elimination. In the end, the viewers will determine which of the two remaining couples is truly in love. And if the choice is made correctly, that couple will receive the grand prize and a lavish wedding that the whole country will see.
Each couple assessed their rivals, contemplating their strategy and concealing their true emotions. For Alina, this was a chance to save her mother, a chance to break free from debt. Maxim held her hand tightly, squeezing her palm and conveying reassurance: they would manage. His loving gaze and support seemed like a reliable shield.
But not all participants were so sincere. Among them, Eva stood out—a beautiful, sexy blonde. After doing some research, she knew perfectly well who had organized the reality show. Her dream was to conquer the organizer's heart. To get closer to him, she created a fake couple with Vladimir—a young man who was madly in love with her. He always followed her, like an obedient puppy, ready to fulfill her every whim, perfectly understanding that he was merely a tool in her game, but ready for anything just to be near her.
The silence and tense thoughts of the participants were broken by Karina's assistant:
— Alexei Gromov just arrived, — she informed her boss.
Karina, without taking her eyes off the participants, nodded and calmly said:
— Get ready, you will now meet the organizer of the show.
Several luxury cars drove into the villa gates. Alexei stepped out of one. Tall, self-assured, and devilishly handsome. He confidently walked into the hall. Karina stepped towards him, smiling happily at his appearance.
At that moment, Alina felt as if she had been struck by lightning: she could hardly believe her eyes. To herself, she whispered: "God... this can't be... how is this possible?"
Alina turned slightly sideways, hoping the bright spotlight and the crowd of participants would hide her face. To her relief, Alexei walked past without noticing her. His steps—even, confident, authoritative—echoed through the hall.
Taking advantage of the moment, Eva, like a cat that smelled prey, slipped forward. A dazzling smile played on her face, her shoulders lifted, her voice became soft and velvety:
— Welcome, Alexei Sergeevich. We are so glad to meet you in person.
Volodya, standing slightly behind, proudly puffed out his chest. He admired her boldness and her ability to take what she wants. But as soon as he saw the unconcealed sexual energy with which she presented herself to Gromov, his pride mixed with a sharp, familiar jealousy. He knew Eva was using this chance to impress the organizer, and it hurt. But he immediately suppressed that feeling: he saw it only as confirmation of her exceptionality.
Karina, standing slightly behind, smirked. Her gaze shot a subtle, but cutting reproach towards Eva. Karina had seen dozens like Eva: self-confident, greedy for attention, who think a smile can breach such a man's armor.
For his part, Alexei gave Eva a brief, almost indifferent look.
— Glad you're here, — he said dryly and was about to move on.
But suddenly he froze. His gaze caught Alina—the painful familiar curve of her shoulder, the features he could never forget. The world seemed to stop for a second. He couldn't believe his eyes. His gaze fixed on Alina, he slowly took a step towards her, then another. Karina frowned. Eva stepped aside in confusion, and Maxim tensed, not understanding what was happening. Alexei stopped a few centimeters from Alina, who stood with her head bowed.
— Look at me, — he said calmly, but coldly.
Alina stood as if rooted to the floor. She couldn't breathe.
— Look at me! — his voice became harsher, no longer a request, but a command that tolerated no argument.
Alina slowly raised her head. Their eyes finally met. In his eyes, she clearly saw the flash of hatred. Karina instantly grasped the tension.
— Immediately find out everything about this participant, — she quietly but sharply instructed her assistant. — I want to know what connects her to Lyosha.
Maxim also disliked the situation. He felt Alina shaking, as if with a chill, and her tension transferred to him. As if defending his beloved, he stood between her and Alexei.
— Your orders go beyond professional interest. If this is part of the show, I don't understand the rules. What is happening?
As if snapping back to reality, Alexei slowly shifted his gaze from Alina to Maxim.
— Nothing, — he replied coldly. — Just getting acquainted with the participants.
Maxim clenched his jaw. "Acquainted? Only obsessed people have that look. What the hell connects them? And why is she so terrified?" thoughts raced through his mind.
Looking back at Alina, Alexei concluded:
— Well, the game begins. The show promises to be captivating.