[That comment above is the definition of a chaotic but loyal puppy. Love follows the cash, I guess. Universe, please… Just once before I die, let me date someone like that.]

[I'm losing it. The wholesome couple makes me want spice, and the spicy couple makes me want romance. I'm a wreck, but this is too cute!]

-

To stop me from running away again, Arnold put a restriction on me.

An invisible leash kept me within 30 feet of him at all times. I couldn't go any further.

But with the chat's guidance, I suddenly figured out how to deal with Arnold.

I had always fought him head-on and never realized he responded better to softness than force.

Maybe if I just gave in a little…

The moment his meeting ended, I stood waiting outside his office, all smiles.

"Honey, are you hungry? Lift the seal, and I'll go home and cook for you, okay?"

I waited for him to say yes.

But Arnold just gave me a cool, sideways glance. "Why cook? When I'm hungry, just you will be enough for me."

I froze.

See, this is why you date a pure man.

With the impure ones, no matter what you say, his brain goes straight to R-rated territory.

I rubbed my hands together and tried again. "Then… How about I order takeout for you? From your favorite taco place. Thin tortillas, lots of filling…but it's pickup only."

Arnold sneered.

"Trying to go out?"

Wow, he saw right through me.

I took three deep breaths and made myself look weak and pitiful.

"How could you think that of me? If I could, I'd glue myself to you 24 hours a day. But you've been having stomach pain lately. I just want you to eat on time because I'm worried about you. How could you misunderstand my intentions?"

I covered my face and shuffled back to my desk, sniffling so hard that my throat burned.

[You have received 2,000 dollars in your account.]

I snapped my head up and looked at Arnold.

He crossed his arms and gave me a creepy little smile.

"Run again, and you're dead."

I looked down, and the faintly glowing mark on my wrist was gone.

I rushed over and kissed Arnold hard on the cheek.

"Thanks, honey. I love you so much!"

Then, I bolted.

Arnold stood there staring after me, cheeks puffed out as he struggled to hold in his grin.

The chat caught on immediately.

[What's happening? Did Eva switch tactics? Does she know the plot and decide to cling to Arnold instead?]

[But she's not obsessing over Ray anymore. How's the rest of the story supposed to work? If Eva doesn't mess Serena's life up, Ray wouldn't even realize his feelings for Serena.]

[Wait. The plot is still moving. Eva… Looks like she's about to sabotage herself again.]

-

By the time I came back to my senses, I had somehow traveled eight blocks.

Ray stared at the mashed-up taco blob in my hand, a troubled look crossing his face.

I just wanted to get some air. How did I end up here, offering Ray snacks like some eager puppy?

Was this the power of the storyline?

How terrifying.

My phone was blowing up. Arnold was probably starving. Or furious.

My scalp tingled. I awkwardly said goodbye.

"These tacos are squished. I'll feed the strays with it. I'll get them for you another time."

Ray stepped in front of me.

"It's okay, Eva. Let me take you to dinner. Since we're supposed to bond, I think we should try to learn more about each other first."

He was standing against the light, looking insanely handsome from this angle.

But he was Serena's man. I'd be doomed if I touched him!

I was just about to refuse.

But what came out of my mouth was, "Okay."

I clamped my hands over my lips in shock.