The next morning, the mansion buzzed with motion.
Producers called out call times. Stylists flitted through the halls. Cameras were already rolling before breakfast was served.
Ren stood at the edge of the indoor pool in a button-down and swim trunks, feeling like a tourist in his own life.
The host's voice boomed from the loudspeakers:
"Welcome to your first challenge: Poolside Panic!"
"Contestants will compete in a timed relay with a twist. The two fastest girls win today's Date Tokens — and a private lunch with Ren."
"Seriously?" Brooke muttered, adjusting her ponytail. "You're making us run laps and flirt with a guy who doesn't even remember our birthdays?"
Emily gave a small smile. "At least there's food."
The whistle blew.
Chaos.
Brooke dove first, aggressive and athletic. Ivy hesitated at the edge. Emily followed with steady strokes.
Naomi skipped the water altogether, choosing the "smart path" by solving the puzzle option instead. She beat half the swimmers without touching the pool.
Ren watched from the lounge chair, sipping orange juice while pretending not to feel everyone's gaze.
Vanessa was the last to go.
She didn't rush.
She stepped into the pool slowly, waist-deep, hair flowing like a shampoo commercial.
Then she slipped.
Gasps.
Her body went under — arms flailing. No bubbles. No motion.
"Is she—?!" Emily cried out.
Ren shot to his feet.
"Vanessa!"
He dove in without thinking, reaching her just as she floated motionless near the bottom.
He grabbed her and kicked upward.
As soon as they surfaced, she coughed once… then smiled.
"Found me."
He stared at her, wide-eyed, breathless.
"You weren't—?!"
She pressed a finger to his lips.
"Shh. Camera's still rolling."
Brooke stormed off. Ivy looked terrified. Emily's hands shook.
Naomi narrowed her eyes.
Vanessa leaned in, still in his arms.
"I've waited so long for you to carry me again," she whispered.
Ren let her go.
She climbed out of the water on her own, gracefully, soaking wet and glowing.
She didn't win the challenge. Didn't need to.
She'd already won the moment.