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.