Chapter 3

[I think Hank and Suzanne are a better match. They look like a real family. So warm.]

[Alex ran straight to Suzanne. It's obvious he likes her more. Seems like his taste matches his dad's.]

[It may be wrong, but I can't help shipping them, they're so sweet together!]

Though I had already decided on divorce, ten years of love had left a bitterness in my chest that swelled painfully.

I pulled my gaze away in silence, feeling a pounding headache begin to bloom.

Once all the families had arrived, the mayor of the small town where the show was being filmed finally made his entrance. He announced the first task, choosing houses.

The production team had provided six houses, numbered from one to six. The lower the number, the better the living conditions.

House No. 1 was a charming new two-story home surrounded by blooming flowers, while House No. 6 stood next to a pigsty, teeming with flies and reeking of an odd stench.

I grimaced as I looked at the miserable state of House No. 6, feeling a surge of resistance.

Silently, I swore to myself, "No way would I end up there!"

The order for choosing houses would depend on the results of a cooking competition.

The town mayor beamed and said, "Kids, be sure to help your moms and dads! You'll be the judges this time."

The children's excited cheers filled the air as the contest began.

Right from the start, trouble arose on my end.

Hank and Alex both ran to Suzanne's side to help her, leaving me standing alone in isolation.

Hank smiled warmly at Suzanne as he helped her rinse vegetables.

Meanwhile, Alex, competing for attention, grumbled, "Dad, I want to help Ms. White too! Stop hogging the work!"

Suzanne laughed, patting his head in amusement. "Don't worry, Alex, I've got an important job just for you."

She smiled sweetly while casting a deliberately disdainful glance my way.

I met her provocative stare in silence.

But Suzanne pressed her advantage, feigning distress. "Adrienne, I have no idea why they keep hovering around me. If it bothers you, I can send them back."

Her posture radiated the air of a hostess, and it actually made me laugh.

I smirked coldly. "No need! They're just a couple of nuisances."

Meanwhile, the live comments lit up with outrage.

[What's up with Adrienne's attitude? She's just a washed-up star, what's she got to be so arrogant about? How dare she talk to Suzanne like that?]

[No wonder her husband and son both like Suzanne better, she's got some serious issues.]

Time had changed things; my fans had disappeared during my years of retirement.

Suzanne, evidently aware of the comments, allowed a triumphant glint to show in her eyes. "Sorry, Adrienne, but it looks like Hank and Alex don't want to leave."

Even as Suzanne and I argued, Hank never spared me a glance.

He gently rested his hand on Suzanne's back, leaning in to whisper something.

He didn't speak aloud, but I understood.

He said, "Don't bother with her. She's just a shrew."