The mansion was beautiful. Open space. Skylights. Cameras hidden behind decorative art.
It should've felt like a dream.
But to Ren Carter, it was a prison with a luxury kitchen.
He sat on a cream leather couch in the lounge area, surrounded by five women who each had a reason to hate him.
The silence was thick. Like everyone was waiting for someone else to speak first.
Then a jingle played through the speakers. Upbeat. Too cheerful.
A screen lowered from the ceiling.
The host's voice rang out:
"Welcome to Second Chance Season! Here's how it works, heartbreakers!"
The girls shifted. Ren pretended to be surprised.
"Each week, contestants will compete in challenges for Date Tokens — your key to exclusive one-on-one time with our bachelor."
On screen: a golden coin with a heart-shaped camera lens in the center.
"At the end of the week, Ren will give out the Last Rose, granting one contestant a private night with him — no cameras, no rules."
Vanessa's gaze sharpened.
Brooke scoffed. "How romantic."
"And of course, we love a good twist! Every challenge will come with an audience vote, and your popularity may affect who stays… and who disappears."
Ivy flinched.
Emily folded her arms. "So we're just… playing games?"
Naomi answered instead. "No. We're playing them."
Ren glanced at her. She was watching the screen, not him.
"Oh, and Ren? You'll be making a final decision at the end of the season. One ex-girlfriend to marry. Choose wisely."
The screen blinked off.
No one spoke.
Then Brooke threw a pillow at the wall.
"Great. Just great. A fake wedding with a fake ex who doesn't remember anyone. What could possibly go wrong?"
Vanessa stood slowly, heels clicking.
"I'm going to unpack."
"Of course you are," Brooke muttered.
The girls scattered, one by one. Emily lingered the longest, watching Ren with quiet eyes before slipping away.
Ren leaned back, exhaling slowly.
Choose wisely, huh?
He didn't even know how many of them were coming.
And the ones already here?
Some wanted him back.Some wanted closure.And some…
...wanted something else entirely.