Fake Love

Prologue “The award for the most popular reality show goes to….” The sound of throbbing heartbeats echoed in the auditorium as the host opened the envelope. “Fake Love!” He hadn’t even finished the announcement when the audience burst into a peal of earth-shattering applause. “Boss, you don’t seem surprised,” Jake asked, turning to face Richard Fraser, who didn’t seem in the slightest fazed by the dazzle of the function. His posture was relaxed and his legs were crossed in a careless fashion, as if he were lounging at his home. When Richard didn’t respond, Jake prodded again. “You never watch reality shows. How did you figure out that Fake Love will get selected?” “Fake Love’s concept is quite fresh. While other shows focus on building relationships, Fake Love focuses on breaking them. Have you heard of any other show where the contestants have to compete on delivering the cruelest heartbreak?” “I haven’t but boss… don’t you think this is against the basic human nature?” “It doesn’t matter. In today’s world, people can relate to breakups more than marriages.” He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “If we can create a game based on this reality show, it would definitely succeed.” “Now let us invite the producer of this show to receive the award,” the host announced, drawing their attention back to the stage. “Put your hands together for Miss Hades!” A woman wearing a strapless beige dress walked up the stage. The way her dress clung to her slender waist before flowing down made her look like she was floating on a soft cloud of mist. A golden mask covered the top part of her face, highlighting her cherry red lips. In short, she held both the allure of beauty and the temptation of mystery. Even Richard, who had seen all sorts of beauty in his life, couldn’t take his eyes off her. “Arrange a meeting with her after the event. I would like to talk to her in person.” “What?” Jake was completely stunned by Richard’s sudden command. “You don’t even meet the CEO of MNC’s in person. She is just a producer. Why would you….” “Seems like you are too free these days. I will send you to oversee our new factory in Nigeria.” “What! No! Please forgive me, boss. I was wrong. I will arrange for a meeting as soon as possible.” The woman took the trophy from the host and bowed from her waist. “Thank you, everyone. I am honoured to receive this award.” “Miss Hades,” the host turned his full attention to the woman with slender figure. “We have always been curious why you never show your face in public. If you don’t mind, can you give us an answer?” “There is no reason, really. I just don’t think I am ready to face the world yet.” “Does that mean you will show us your face in the future?” “Of course.” She let out a dry chuckle. “When the time is right, I will let you all witness my hideous face.” This light-hearted jibe made the host laugh too. “Hideous face? I can bet that you are a peerless beauty. There is one more thing I really want to ask. What prompted you to create a show like ‘Fake Love.’?” “This show is actually based on my life experience.” A bitter smile spread across Stella’s face. “You can say that my ex-husband is the one who inspired me to create this show.” “Ex husband? Can you tell us more about him?” “Umm… actually there is nothing about him that is worth mentioning….” Even as she said those words, her mind veered to the day she had married Ethan Brown.