“I’m just so tired of it, Karl,” I murmur into his chest, a sob quaking my body.

Karl holds me for a few long moments, his hand rubbing my back as I sob into

his chest. But when the sobs finally subside, and I slowly lift my head to look up

at him, his gaze is fixed sternly on the wall behind us.

“I’ll handle this,” he says, his eyes narrowed and jaw set in a way that sends a

jolt of worry through me.

“No, Karl, don’t—” But it’s too late. Extricating himself from me, he tugs his mask

back over his face. Then he’s out the door, the bouquet of flowers still lying

forgotten on the floor.

Enter title…

My heart pounds in my chest as I race after him, my feet barely touching the

carpet. I round the corner to see him already confronting Daniel, who’s standing

food table in the main room where the other contestants, their

and various

but it fades as Karl storms

the right to badmouth Abby?” Karl’s

and everyone, contestants and crew alike,

And who might you be?” Daniel sneers, taking in

mask and casual clothes.

about who I am; this is about you and how you treat others,”

his voice laced

laughs, a hollow sound that does nothing to hide the edge in

know who’s hiding behind the mask

take him seriously.”

a step forward, undeterred. “Seriously? Maybe you should

is a brilliant chef, and what are you? A

school bully?”

rolls his eyes, but there’s a flicker of uncertainty

defending herself?” he

does she need a man

to defend her,” Karl counters, “but

and rude as you starts slinging

during your interview, your self-absorption shined through like

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