Chapter 171

Abby closed in, but Cynthia kicked her squarely in the chest. Abby tumbled face-first into the dirt. Cynthia glanced down.

“Sorry,” Cynthia shrugged. “I didn’t mean it.”

Abby struggled to her feet. “Cynthia, you have all this food. Can you spare a bite? I’m starving! How can you just watch me suffer? You’re so cold-hearted.”

Knowing the drone was overhead, Abby hoped to paint Cynthia in a negative light. She continued her pleas, figuring Cynthia wouldn't dare overreact.

The live chat exploded with comments:

[Fellow viewers, take note: This is textbook emotional manipulation.] [If Abby’s hungry, it’s the show’s fault, not Cynthia’s.] [Abby’s not wrong. She’s in a rough spot. Anyone would feel for her, especially since they're supposed to be friends.] [Abby’s fans are coming.]

Cynthia remained unfazed, digging into her meal with gusto.

Preston, however, intervened. He fetched a coconut bowl, divided his meal, and offered half to Abby. “Abby, food’s essential. Please eat something before you get too hungry,” he said sincerely.

Abby was wary. Why is Preston being so kind? she wondered. But seeing the genuine innocence in his eyes, she felt a flicker of satisfaction. It seemed she’d gained a fan.

She hadn't previously noticed Preston's kindness, believing him to be good at hiding his feelings. Deep down, she didn't think much of him—a model who hadn't made it big—but she had to admit, he was undeniably good-looking.

Abby accepted the coconut bowl with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. “Preston, I’ll be voting for you tonight,” she said, as if bestowing a favor.

Preston remained earnest. “Thanks,” he replied.

The live chat buzzed again:

[What’s up with Preston all of a sudden? Why’s he so into Abby?] [No way are these two gonna vote for each other tonight. My ship can’t sink!] [Something about Preston’s innocence seems off. Trust me, it’s not that simple.]

Hungry, Abby devoured her meal. It had been ages since she’d last eaten, and the food was so good she finished the coconut bowl in under three minutes. It was hands down the best meal she’d had on the island.

Once she finished, Preston approached, crouching to meet her gaze. “Enjoy your meal?” he asked.

Abby nodded, pride and excitement in her eyes. “Preston, when did you start liking me?”

Instead of answering, he gave her a bright smile, his eyes crinkling in a way that made his blond hair and soft features resemble an endearing, innocent Golden Retriever. “Abby, I’m curious, how did the snake meat taste?”

At the mention of “snake meat,” Abby’s blood ran cold. “Preston, what are you talking about?”

Preston maintained his innocent facade. “I didn’t use the whole snake from this morning for barbecue. I figured you might be hungry, so I sliced some into the ham and added it to your bowl.” He grinned. “Abby, you seemed to love it!”

Abby’s face drained of color. Her stomach roiled, and she began to heave uncontrollably, expelling most of the meal.

Still with that innocent look, Preston said, “You were really enjoying your meal just now, Abby.”

At noon, they took a break, but an afternoon rainstorm trapped everyone inside their tents until nightfall.

When the rain cleared, the show crew laid out a lavish dinner on the beach. Long tables were set under a star-filled sky, with the ocean breeze carrying a fresh, clean scent. It was a relaxing scene.

Preston was peeling shrimp for Cynthia. “Cynthia, vote for me tonight, will you? I’m curious about Angel Island.”

Cynthia shrugged, unimpressed. “Not gonna happen.”

Jessie, her mouth full, chimed in, “Angel Island’s got a sweet villa, but the food can’t beat Jonathan’s cooking.”

Nina kept stealing glances at Jonathan, who was stoic and quiet. Alex, meanwhile, stared at Nina with an intense, almost aggressive look.

After finishing his meal, Ethan headed to the beach to collect seashells. Preston wondered, “What’s with the seashells, Professor Ethan?”

Jessie quipped, “For his girlfriend, maybe!” She immediately clapped her hand over her mouth. “Can’t even keep my mouth shut while eating.”

Abby, however, remained pale. The snake meat incident had traumatized her. Starving, she couldn’t shake the thought of the snake, and the idea of eating anything made her queasy. She’d lost her appetite.

Feeling woozy, she returned to her tent. Soon after, the drone announced it was time to vote for the heartthrob, following the same process as the previous day.

Ten minutes later, the drone announced the results. “Sadly, no matches today.”

The live chat buzzed:

[The couple I was rooting for today was a joke.] [The show should reveal the heart votes. I wanna see who they really voted for.] [They all have feelings for different people.] [This isn’t a dating show. It’s more like Mafia!]

When Nina realized, for the second time, that Jonathan hadn’t voted for her, her last shred of hope crumbled. She’d been in denial, but could deceive herself no longer.

Holding back tears, Nina silently retreated to her tent. She didn’t speak for the rest of the night.

The island night was stunning. Cynthia lay on her back in her tent, staring up at the stars through a small, clear patch in the roof. The sky was a deep canvas, dotted with glittering stars that shimmered like scattered silver.

Cynthia suffered from insomnia, and tonight was no different. After hours in bed, she felt no closer to sleep while everyone else slept soundly.

With a sigh, Cynthia sat up and quietly gathered some clothes. She slipped out of the tent.