The first rays of sun broke through the panoramic windows of the luxurious second-floor bedroom of the villa. It was into this room that Alexei's assistants were hastily carrying their boss's suitcases. Karina froze on the landing. She cast a look of displeasure at the scene.
— I don't understand what's happening here? Why are his things here?
Alexei quietly appeared behind her. He took off his sunglasses, glanced at the assistants, and said shortly:
— I'll be staying here.
— What? — Karina took a step towards him. — Here? With the participants? Alexei, that's against the rules!
— The rules are changing, — he responded calmly, almost lazily, sitting down on the sofa.
Karina nervously chuckled, but there was no amusement in her laugh.
— You and I built the format, Lyosha. We have a script, boundaries, balance. If you're here, everything will collapse!
Alexei examined her from head to toe. There was none of his usual respect in his gaze—only coldness and toughness.
— The balance will collapse when I decide I don't need it.
— I object! — Karina said stubbornly, taking a step closer. — Is this all because of that participant? You even chose a room near hers...
— Karina! — he said her name sharply, making her flinch. — The decision is made. Your job is to make sure the cameras are working. Everything else is none of your business!
Karina froze. His words struck her harder than she could have expected. He had never spoken to her like that. He always listened. So what happened? Could he have changed so much because of one woman?
— You... — Karina's voice trembled, — Lyosha, you have no idea how wrong you are.
Alexei stood up from the sofa and walked right up to Karina, looking down at her.
— I'm never wrong. And I'm the one who signs the contracts, not you.
Karina took a step forward, not backing down.
— Lyosha, don't forget. I'm your future fiancée. And I have a right to speak.
He smiled a cold, slightly mocking smile:
— Future fiancée?
Karina took a step forward, not backing down.
— Lyosha, don't forget. It was your mother's last wish. You gave her your word. Whether I have a right to speak or not, I am your future fiancée.
He gave her a cold, disarming smile.
— Don't you dare use her name. — His voice became low and dangerous. — Remember, I honor my mother's memory, not a debt. And if you think the status of "future fiancée" gives you the right to manipulate this show... you are mistaken.
He paused, his voice dropping, becoming steely.
— I am the owner here. And I alone decide.
Alexei walked past her, leaving behind the scent of fresh perfume and a chilling sense of distance. The assistants followed, carrying in the last box and closing his room door. Karina was left standing on the stairs, gripping the railing. A lump rose in her chest—a mixture of anger, humiliation, and jealousy. She exhaled sharply, looking toward his room.
— Lyosha, we'll see who makes the decisions.
Alina and Maxim were settled into their luxurious room. The soft sunlight flooded the room, and the panoramic windows offered a stunning view. Alina quickly began unpacking their things. Maxim stood by the window, arms crossed, admiring the view with a thoughtful smile.
— You know, — he said quietly, — I used to always live at a frantic pace. But here... time seems to slow down. Every minute with you is like a life of its own.
Alina nodded without looking up, continuing to unpack her bag. At that moment, his phone rang a short, sharp ring. Maxim glanced at the screen, and his face instantly tensed.
— One second, — he muttered, quickly heading for the balcony door.
He stepped out onto the balcony, closing the glass door firmly behind him. Alina looked up. Through the glass, she could only see a vague silhouette, but she felt the tension radiating from him. He spoke quietly, quickly, his gestures were abrupt, as if he was trying to hide something. He nervously ran a hand through his hair several times and glanced back at the door.
"Why can't he talk here?" the thought flashed through her mind.
When Maxim returned to the room, he looked visibly agitated. He tried to force a casual smile, but it was strained.
— Who called? — Alina asked, trying to keep her voice as neutral as possible.
Maxim took a deep breath, his shoulders still tense.
— Ah, it was the father of one of my students. Again. He made a huge scene about his lazy son. He failed his exams, so the dad is looking for people to blame. Don't worry about it.
He walked over to her, took her hands in his, and gently kissed the back of her hand.
— Enough about the bad stuff. I missed you all day.
He pulled her close, and Alina felt his tension transfer to her. He leaned down to her, his lips found hers, and the kiss, which started out gentle, quickly gained intensity. He cupped her face in his palms, and she felt his desire. The room was so beautiful and romantic: the sunset sky, soft pillows, the quiet sound of the sea. An ideal setting. He began to gently kiss her neck, his hand sliding towards the unbuttoned buttons of her blouse. She knew she should respond to him, that he had waited for this for a long time, and that he was her chance at salvation. But her body did not respond to his caresses.
She tensed and placed her palm over his hand.
— Maxim, — she said quietly. — I... I'm not ready yet. I'm sorry.
He stopped instantly, raised his head, and looked into her eyes. Disappointment flickered in his gaze, but he immediately composed himself.
— Hey, — he removed his hand and kissed her forehead, his voice soft and soothing. — Don't apologize, sun. Not for anything. I love you, Alina. And I'm willing to wait. As long as it takes. We have our whole lives ahead of us. Don't rush. The main thing is that you're here, next to me.
That evening, Alexei personally gathered all the participants. No one expected him to become the project's curator. The participants were confused about the reason for the changes in the concept. The only one who was happy was Eva. Now she would see Alexei more often, meaning she had a better chance of gaining his attention.
— Good evening, — he began calmly. — Tomorrow you have your first challenge.
The couples exchanged glances. Curiosity replaced the smiles.
— A challenge? — Maxim asked. — What exactly do we have to do?
— Declare your love, — Alexei replied, slowly shifting his gaze to each couple, — using your partner's preferences. Taste preferences, habits, little secrets—all this will become the tool for your declaration.
Eva laughed loudly, rolling her eyes. — Seriously? Is that all? Some kind of children's contest.
Alexei smiled a thin, predatory smile.
— Don't be fooled. Tomorrow's challenge will show which of you knows your partner well enough to reach into their oldest, most cherished dreams. Sincerity is easy to fake. Knowledge is not. At first glance, it's simple. But the complication is that now each of you will draw lots: who declares their love and who listens. Then you will be immediately separated into different rooms and not allowed to communicate until tomorrow. Mobile phones will also be confiscated. And tomorrow, the viewers and I will see how well you know each other and can express words of love to your partner in the way they like best.
All the participants exchanged glances. Alexei watched from the side as Maxim gently took Alina's hand. This innocent touch was a blow to Alexei. He saw Alina smile at Maxim—openly, sincerely, without a trace of the pain or guilt that had poisoned his life for five years.
He was overwhelmed not just by jealousy, but by seething, burning anger: He suffered. He searched for her. Her betrayal cost him everything. And her? She was happy. She had found another toy while he was broken. She was happy with another while he was tormented because of her. It was unbearably unfair.
To avoid seeing Alina's and Maxim's eyes in love any longer, Alexei hurried everyone to draw lots.
Eva and Volodya were the first to draw lots. The girl's face immediately lit up with a mischievous smile when she saw that the declaration of love fell to her. She knew Volodya would love everything she did, although in fact, she deeply didn't care. There was only one person she had long obsessed over and wanted to express her feelings to.
Alina and Maxim drew lots second. Their couple did everything gracefully and synchronously, as if they felt each other's every step.
— A match made in heaven, — one of the participants said quietly.
— We'll see about that, — Alexei replied mockingly.
The lot showed that Maxim would declare his love. The man sighed with relief, clutching the piece of paper. He looked at Alina joyfully.
— I'll show the whole world what you mean to me.
Alina nodded, trying to hide her excitement. She knew this challenge was not just a game. For her, it was a chance to save her family, to test her feelings and Maxim's feelings.
When the last couple drew lots, Alexei swept a cold gaze over everyone once more.
— Take them to separate rooms. Each participant sleeps alone from this moment on.
The assistants nodded unquestioningly and began directing the participants.
— And remember... after tomorrow's challenge, not everyone will stay in this house! — he called out after those leaving.
The noise of the participants leaving down the corridor gradually faded. Alexei silently walked to the window. He gazed intently at the starry sky, as if searching for something. Though he didn't know what he was looking for himself. Since he saw Alina, Alexei seemed to have lost his former self.
— Beautiful sky, — came Karina's voice; she had been watching from the side. — But maybe instead of admiring the stars, you'll explain to me what the hell you're doing?!
— And what am I doing? — Alexei asked calmly, still admiring the sky.
— How can you change the project's concept on the fly without coordinating it with me and the team? The first challenge was supposed to be about the first date! And you change everything, separate the participants, introduce new rules! This could ruin the show!
Alexei finally turned to Karina and looked her calmly in the eye.
— Karina, this is my show! And I decide which rules to set.
— This is our show! Sponsors, investors... How will you explain to them that you suddenly change the concept because of some participant! Who is she anyway that you're willing to fail the project for this girl!
— Don't you dare call her that!
— But... — Karina tried to object again.
— Enough! — Alexei cut her off. — While I'm here, I make the decisions. And you either accept them or leave.
Alexei quickly headed for the exit. Karina watched his retreating silhouette resentfully. Her thoughts raced. She didn't understand such abrupt changes in the behavior of the man she loved. How could he completely ignore her experience, ignore her feelings, after so many years? No matter what, she had to find out what power Alina had over Alexei.
Meanwhile, despite the prohibition, Volodya secretly hurried to walk Eva to her room. She was focused, and he was beaming.
— Eva, I'm so glad the declaration went to you! You'll do something incredible. You remember I said I love it when...
Eva stopped him with a gesture, giving him a cold look.
— I remember everything, Volodya. My declaration will be perfect. I'll show everyone what real passion looks like. And you will be my perfect backdrop.
— I'll be your backdrop, Eva, — Volodya whispered hotly, pressing her hand to his chest. There was no offense in his eyes, just an unhealthy, almost religious adoration. — Any game of yours will be my triumph.
Morning at the villa began very actively. The air was filled with the aroma of coffee, cosmetics, hot irons, and anxious anticipation. The whole house buzzed with preparation: costume designers ran with costumes, sound engineers attached microphones. Cameramen and directors coordinated angles. Makeup artists tapped their brushes, beating the rhythm of the upcoming show. Alexei stood on the terrace, watching with interest as everything took shape. His gaze was strict, restrained, but inside a cold storm was brewing—something was bothering him much more than a simple filming day.
The participants who drew the lot to prepare declarations gathered props, rehearsed, and worried. Each had their own plan, their own idea, their own way to say "I love you" so that millions of viewers would believe it. The partners who patiently waited for the evening in their rooms were no less nervous. Every movement and reaction of theirs was watched by numerous cameras, the signal from which was transmitted to the outside broadcasting van, where Alexei and Karina observed everything happening. The day stretched like a string about to snap.
By evening, the sun, slowly setting, flooded the villa with thick, warm light. Everything around finally quieted down. The curtain opened, and the participants delivered one performance after another. Each declaration did not raise even a drop of doubt.
— How beautifully people have learned to imitate love. Disgusting, — Alexei commented, watching the performances.
— But that's the point of the show—to expose the deceivers, — Karina replied.
— Isn't the point of the show to reveal real love? — Karina's assistant asked.
The woman's naivety caused loud laughter among the film crew.
— Where large sums of money are involved, there can be no talk of anything genuine. Each of these participants came for their pathetic desires. And certainly not for love.
— And here's our blonde. Oh, what a hot one. I guarantee her declaration of love will get a large number of views, — the director spoke up, pointing to Eva.
The lights dimmed. The space plunged into twilight—only a thin beam of a spotlight touched the center of the makeshift stage, highlighting Eva's slender figure. The semi-naked girl was magnificent. Opposite her, in a chair, sat Volodya.
Music began to play. Transparent fabric slid easily over her body. Eva moved as if every gesture was a confession. Slowly, sensually, without pretense—her body spoke a language that needed no words.
Volodya looked at her as if she were a miracle. His eyes glowed with sincere, unfeigned love. He literally caught her every curve, every turn of her head, feeling like the happiest man alive. He was ready to believe that this dance was only for him.
But every time their eyes should have met, Volodya felt a cold prick. Eva wasn't looking into his eyes. Her gaze slid past, slightly above, heading straight into the camera lens, which glowed red. She was seducing not him. The pain of this realization was sharp, but Volodya quickly suppressed it, gripping the armrests of the chair. "It's okay," he thought desperately. "As long as she's here, I'll be close. I'll do everything to make that gaze turn to me someday." His resolve only grew stronger. He was ready to endure the game because he was determined to win her heart on this project.
In the control room, the director noted:
— This chick is playing with the camera.
— This chick is seducing someone else, not the viewer.
Everyone in the control room turned their heads towards Alexei as if on command. The man ignored the idle talk. He wasn't interested in Eva's performance either. Buried in his phone, he was reviewing important documents until the last couple—Alina and Maxim—were announced. Holding his breath, Alexei stared at the screen as if hypnotized.
On the other side of the screen, music began to play. Maxim emerged from the darkness. He wore a simple white suit, a slightly unbuttoned shirt. No flashy glamour, but in his every movement—confidence and tenderness. Suddenly, the first drops of rain fell near him—artificial, but it looked like a real miracle. Spotlights highlighted the drops, turning them into a scattering of crystal. Alina emerged from behind a column. She wore a light dress, the very one she had once described in her questionnaire, talking about her ideal date. Maxim slowly walked up to her, without words, just gently taking her hand. Another melody began to play—an old song that played on his first date with Maxim. Her favorite love song. Alina thought he had long forgotten about it, but he remembered. And now Maxim was fulfilling her dream—a dance in the rain.
Alexei remembered that dream too. Alina had asked him for it many times, but he never managed to arrange it for her. In that moment, it dawned on Alexei. He wasn't just watching someone else's happiness; he was seeing proof of deep, intimate knowledge. The dance in the rain, the song, the dress—these were cherished details of Alina's dream, which he knew but didn't value. Maxim knew. And he did it. What Alexei considered his exclusive memory had become a public act of love by another man. And now he watched with open anger as the raindrops turned into a beautiful downpour.
Within a minute, Alina's and Maxim's clothes were wet, the woman's hair was plastered to her head, but they didn't notice. Maxim twirled her, lightly, carefully, as if afraid to break her. She laughed—sincerely, genuinely, as she hadn't laughed in a long time. Her eyes sparkled with happiness. In every glance—gratitude, tenderness, confusion. Maxim was not just a partner—he was an example of a man who loves silently, but expresses the full spectrum of his feelings through his actions.
Complete silence reigned in the control room. Alexei stood, not taking his eyes off the monitor. Clenching his jaw, he tightly gripped the console. Karina watched him secretly. She saw how everything in him trembled, how his shoulders tensed.
— A beautiful scene, — she said quietly. — The viewers will love it.
— It's a fake, — Alexei cut her off shortly.
— Or is it just painful to watch? — Karina couldn't resist, but there was no answer.
The music on the other side of the screen died down. Maxim gently stopped, pulling Alina close, looking straight into her eyes. He leaned closer—just a few centimeters from her lips. At that moment, Alexei's voice pierced the space.
— Stop! Stop filming! Immediately!
Everyone froze. Cameramen exchanged glances. Alexei walked out of the control room onto the platform, his steps sharp, cold, confident.
— Alina, — he said firmly, almost without emotion. — You look bad on camera. To makeup, immediately.
— What's wrong?! — Maxim intervened.
— Your skin is shiny from the water, your hair is hanging like icicles. I won't allow this to be broadcast. Break time.
Without allowing anyone to object, Alexei left the set. Karina watched him go. She understood that there was more to his actions than just a producer's irritation. Everyone on the set understood that it was jealousy he was trying to hide behind a cold, professional mask.
Alina obediently walked to the makeup room. Maxim was left standing in the rain, clenching his fists. Rain dripped from his eyelashes, and somewhere in the control room, Alexei was turning off the monitors—one after another, as if erasing not the scene, but his own weakness from the frame.
Alina, in her wet dress, entered the makeup room. Stylists looked at her sympathetically, offering her a seat. Alina hadn't even reached the chair when the door suddenly burst open, and Alexei walked in.
— Everyone out! I need to speak with the participant, — he addressed everyone in a commanding tone.
The two makeup artists and the assistant quickly left. The door slammed shut, and only the two of them remained. Alina could no longer tolerate Alexei's tactless behavior.
— What are you doing?
Alexei slowly but surely approached Alina. The girl had no choice but to step back. She tried to leave, but Alexei loudly slammed the door shut right in front of her nose.
— What are you doing? What are you even doing here, Alina? Why did you come?
— I didn't come for you, — she said firmly.
— Yes, you came for my money. You always sold what you called love.
Pain and anger instantly flared in Alina's eyes. She stopped retreating and took a step forward.
— You're unfair!
— Unfair?! Five years ago, you just left. Without a word. Without an explanation. As if everything we had meant nothing!
Alina took a step, her eyes full of despair, but also unyielding determination.
— I left so that it would be good for you! To protect you from the dirt, from the debts, from the people who could ruin your life!
Her words struck Alexei like a slap. His eyes narrowed, and his jaw tensed to the limit. He took a sharp, menacing step that made Alina instinctively flinch.
— Good?! For me?! — His voice broke into a furious, low growl. — You think it was good for me?! I went through hell, Alina! For five years, I lived in the depths, trying to understand what I did wrong, and you? You hypocritically talk about "saving" me when you just ran away, leaving me to die of pain! And now you appear in the arms of another man! You had no right to decide what was best for me!
— Nothing can be changed now, Alexei. So leave me alone.
Suddenly, a knock sounded at the door. Maxim was outside the door. He tried to open it, but Alexei held the door firmly.
— Alina, are you there? Why are you taking so long?
Taking advantage of the moment, as if to spite him, Alexei suddenly kissed the woman. A ragged moan, like a confession, escaped Alina's chest from the surprise, which Maxim immediately heard. This sound was worse than any kiss, because it gave away her secret, which she herself did not want to admit.
— Alina, are you okay? — Maxim tried to open the door again.
The more forcefully he tried to open the door, the more firmly Alexei held it, venting all his anger, passionately kissing Alina.
— Let me go, — Alina tried to resist.
— If he comes in, he'll see everything, — he whispered, pulling away from Alina's lips.
— Alina, open up! — Maxim insisted.
— Tell him you need to be alone. Tell him to leave, — Alexei whispered, continuing to kiss Alina.
— Alexei, don't... I beg you, stop, — Alina whispered, barely breathing from his caresses. — Speak. Or he'll see us.
Alexei made no compromises. The more Alina tried to resist, the more insistent his kisses and caresses became. The cold, wet fabric of her dress was the only boundary between them. When his hand slid underneath it, Alina's wet skin shivered from the unexpected warmth and contrast. It was agonizing torture, and the girl gave in.
— Maxim, everything's fine. I'm just changing and I want to be alone. I'll be out soon, — Alina said, barely holding herself together.
Maxim stood by the door, his heart pounding. He clearly heard her voice: calm, but distant. And a minute ago, he had heard a moan. A moan that wasn't caused by pain. His intuition screamed that something was wrong, that it was a lie. But he couldn't believe Alina would do such a thing. It must just be panic. He had waited so long for a chance to win her over. He couldn't ruin anything now. He chose trust, drowning out the evidence of his hearing.
— Alright. I'll wait downstairs.
Hearing the retreating footsteps, Alexei let go of Alina. Adjusting her dress, the girl ran away from him and instinctively backed into a corner.
— You are still the same liar. It costs you nothing to deceive. Even now, you easily deceived your fiancé.
Casting a look of contempt at her, Alexei finally left. As soon as the door closed behind him, Alina exhaled with relief and collapsed into the chair. She could no longer hold back and burst into tears.
Alexei returned from the makeup room with quick steps and a stone face. He didn't even look at the crowd of assistants and cameramen. He walked straight through the central corridor. Karina met him on his way. Her gaze fell on his lips—there were traces of bright red lipstick. Several other couples standing aside also exchanged meaningful glances. Eva, who had just been discussing her "perfect" dance with Volodya, froze. Her eyes, full of self-satisfaction, instantly turned into furious, undisguised shock. The bright red lipstick on Alexei's lips was exactly the same as the one on Alina's lips during the dance!
— What?! — Eva gasped. Her hand instinctively clenched into a fist. That "mouse" dared to take her prey!
Volodya, noticing her reaction, confusedly shifted his gaze from Eva to Alexei, but didn't understand the reason for her anger. His gaze was fixed on Eva's face, and he was ready to share her emotions, even without understanding them.
As soon as he disappeared around the corner, Karina's assistant appeared next to her.
— Karina, I made inquiries. Alina is Alexei Sergeevich's fiancée who disappeared five years ago, who left him without explanation, and whom he has been looking for for five years.
Karina closed her eyes to hide a flash of pain, but immediately opened them. The pain was replaced by cold, clear determination.
— I won't let anyone take Alexei from me. No one.
Not waiting for Alina, Maxim returned to his single room. His wet white suit hung on a chair by the window, slowly dripping water. His face was grim. Alina's moan behind the makeup room door echoed in his head. What was really happening in there? Her voice was muffled, distant. That wasn't like Alina. He didn't imagine and plan things this way. Anger so overwhelmed him that the man forcefully kicked the chair, which flew into the wall and shattered.
— Everything will be fine. Alina, you will be mine.
Pulling on a t-shirt, he quickly left the room.
— Enough of these games.
A few minutes later, a sharp, loud knock sounded at Alexei's room door. Once, then a second time.
— Who is it? — Alexei asked irritably. But there was no answer.
The knocking repeated, more insistently.
Alexei put down his papers. Walked to the door. Opened it. Maxim stood on the threshold.
— Lyosha, what the hell are you doing? This isn't what we agreed on.
— Quiet. Are you crazy? Cameras everywhere and listening devices.
— I won't leave until you explain why you changed the script. And what's going on between you and Alina.