Page 140 of Alice Chen's Reality Check

“Daniel, what are you saying?” I ask.

“Remember what we talked about last time?” he asks, knowing damn well how excellent I am at remembering discrete pieces of information. “I’m ready when you are.”

Damn him. He’s going to make me tear up.

“You have the worst timing,” I say. “We’re about to go on live TV. And I’m only eighty percent done with my relationship readiness checklist.”

He laughs. “Only eighty? You’ve been slacking, Slayer. I’m starting to worry you’re not properly motivated.” He raises a hand to my cheek. “But knowing you, the last twenty percent is likely overkill.”

“Overkill is the best kind of kill,” I mutter. But he looks so damn good right now, I’m ready to throw out the whole checklist. I don’t need a spreadsheet or a balanced equation to tell me that I want him. I can feel it in every part of me that this is right. This is what I need.

He laughs. “At least I know you’ll never let me get complacent.”

“How gracious of you to give me a lifetime to keep your ego in check,” I reply, and now I laugh too, because at last, finally, we’re here. “But seriously, Daniel? Right before we go onstage?”

“I had to say something now,” he says, earnest. “I don’t ever want you in front of a camera again without knowing how I really feel. Whatever they ask us up there, you need to know that when I talk about what I want for us, for both of us, it’s not just for show. It’s the truth.”

“I do know,” I say. “And there’s something I’ve been meaning to say to you.” This is it. Daniel watches me intently, and I know he’s waiting to hear the words that I’ve been wanting to say since the last time I was in his arms.

“I love you.” It’s easier than I thought it’d be. This feels like a dam bursting, all of the feelings I’ve kept pent up finally being set free.

Daniel grabs my hand as someone on set signals us to watch for our cue, and I squeeze his hand back in return, feeling more sure than ever.

“Ready?” he asks as a crew member in all black signals to us.

“Not really. Let’s get this over with.”

Then we’re beckoned forward.

“Please welcome Alice Chen and Daniel Cho!” says Tony Warren from the stage.

The music cue comes on, and I wave at the audience in what I’m sure is the perfect impression of a robot homecoming queen as Daniel and I enter stage left. The bright glare of spotlights follows me, and with the applause, it’s hard to perceive anything except the pounding of my heart and the weight of Daniel’s hand in mine as I step onto the platform.

In a way, it feels the same as jumping into the ocean on day one, except that instead of being left on the platform while Chase leaps headfirst without me, I have Daniel right here with me.

Tony Warren smiles encouragingly at me as I sink into the love seat. The audience continues to applaud, the noise overwhelming me. As Tony introduces us, I sneak a look at Daniel, who smiles softly at me, and suddenly I feel a lot calmer.

“Now, Alice,” Tony says, earnestly staring at me from his chair, the paragon of active listening, “we all know you’ve been through so much. Can you paint a picture for us about your experience?”

I nod. “Well, Tony, for me, it all started when my ex-fiancé, Chase, learned about this new reality show from his friend Bryan.”

Dawn Tay’s Inferno:Where Are They Now?

If you’re wondering what ended up happening to all of those couples on the pop culture phenomenonDawn Tay’s Inferno, we’ve got you covered!

Brittany and Jaxonhave used their fifteen minutes of fame to put their bed-and-breakfast on the map. Fans ofDawn Tay’s Infernohave been flocking to this B&B, and they recently announced they’ve saved up enough to buy their own farm.

After a failed attempt at launching Alpha Up, a paid lifestyle coaching service,Dominic and Zyahad a very public and very messy breakup. Zya is campaigning to get onDancing with the Stars, though rumor has it that casting is already complete. Dominic is attempting to launch his own podcast,The Dominic Republic.

Naiah and Sageare using their platform to promote rainforest conservation projects—namely, by camping out in the rainforest and posting about it on Instagram.

After their separation,Fireflyis busy preparing for her next visit to Burning Man in the fall, whileBarry (aka Bacon)is steadily moving up the corporate ladder of the tech start-up Cheerm. But all hope is not lost for this star-crossed couple! The two were seen getting smoothies together as recently as last week.

Kendall and Tarunare currently on a whirlwind tour of culinary hot spots throughout Asia. Only follow along if you’re prepared to be very hungry.

Bella and Blake, not the most popular couple on the show, have since broken up. Blake has found his niche doing appearances at nightclubs, while it seems like Bella has joined a commune for former influencers.

Ava and Noahare using the prize money to retire early and travel the world. Who knew these workaholics could unplug?

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