Blinded by Love

by Jill Ferraro

  Book Six: Blinded by Love

  Sight Unseen-A Marriage Reality Show Short Read

  By Jill Ferraro

  This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and settings are a product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locations is entirely coincidental.

  Blinded by Love: Sight Unseen Book Six

  Copyright © 2020 Jill Ferraro

  All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval permission, without permission in writing from the author.

  Thank you for purchasing Blinded by Love! This is Book Six in the Sight Unseen Series.

  Book Seven: Seeing is Believing will be released July 20, 2020 (preorder by clicking here)! Book Eight: Only Have Eyes for Him will be released August 3, 2020.

  To receive special offers, exclusive content (including the prequel to the Sight Unseen Series, Book Zero: Before the Fall), and news about Jill Ferraro’s latest books, please subscribe to her newsletter!

  Click here to subscribe!

  You can also visit her website: www.jillferrarobooks.com

  Chapter One

  Brielle

  Carl: only 2 more nites until ur my bride !!

  Asher: How are you feeling this morning?

  Brandon: Still on for our date tonight?!

  ◆◆◆

  Brielle woke up in disbelief. She had two more days as a single woman. After that, she would be waking up each morning next to her husband. With Brandon going home later that evening, she only had Carl and Asher left to choose from. And Brielle still had no idea which man she would be falling asleep next to for the rest of her life.

  Carl or Asher, Asher or Carl? She would have better luck plucking petals from a flower at this point. Brielle was confused and there were no signs of that changing any time soon. Hopefully, the next 24 hours would clarify the issue.

  She was glad she didn’t need to make the decision until the morning of her wedding but was hopeful she could decide by the next evening. Brielle didn’t want to wake up on the morning of her wedding second-guessing her choice and having a panic attack before entering the room where she had to say goodbye to one of the men. Though the dramatics would be great for television but would most likely put a damper on her wedding day.

  After a good stretch, Brielle rose from her bed and wandered down the hall. She brushed her teeth, smoothed down her bedhead, and made her way into the kitchen for breakfast. Once again, her breakfast tray was left outside the door. Today there were egg and bacon burritos with a side of fruit. The burrito smelled delicious and she sat down at the table, suddenly realizing how hungry she was.

  Brielle glanced at her profile wall and shook her head. Her ranking system fell apart, though she wasn’t entirely sure where in the week it became useless. Carl and Asher were the only men on her mind and had been for a while, minus her brief infatuation with Shea. of course. Their names on the wall taunted her as she tried to enjoy her breakfast.

  She picked up her device and scrolled through her messages. Carl and Asher couldn’t be more different. Carl seemed to be excited about the wedding but Asher was more in tune with her feelings. But Brielle knew that Asher had to also be excited about the wedding and Carl obviously cared about her emotional wellbeing. And then there was Brandon.

  Brandon seemed a bit pushy trying to get his date with her later on that evening. Brielle wondered if he really just wanted some time in the limelight. She wouldn’t blame him, he made it so close to the end of the time and would have nothing to show for it.

  It seemed out of character for him to do that though. Obviously she didn’t know him too well but they had quite a few conversations over the past week and he seemed like a genuinely good guy. Maybe he just wanted to wish Brielle well or get some closure. Either way, she would be happy to get out of the apartment and learn more about Carl and Asher.

  Brielle thought back to her date with Shea and to Matthew’s video. They both told her to be careful...would Brandon do the same? Or was he who she needed to be careful of? Just clarifying this alone was enough to get her to agree to a date.

  Her burrito was growing cold as she considered his motives. It didn’t matter why he wanted the date, Brielle was going to give it to him. She wanted to get as much information as possible from Brandon about Asher and Carl. Anything he said might help her make a decision.

  Luckily, there was a knock at the door before Brielle could obsess over her choice any further. She jumped up from the chair to answer it. Stacey was waiting behind the door with a smile on her face. Abigail and Mark were nowhere in sight.

  “Good morning! How did you sleep last night?” Stacey set her things down on the chair closest to the door and gave Brielle a hug.

  “Surprisingly well, actually. I’m happy to see you!”

  “That’s good to hear! Why so happy?”

  “We’re doing the ceremony plans today, right?”

  Stacey nodded. “Yes we are...after lunch. We still need to go through and finalize the reception details.”

  “Ugh...I thought we were done with that.”

  “Most women are excited to plan their weddings, Brielle.” Stacey gave her a look from across the table that made Brielle feel guilty.

  “Most women also know who their husbands are going to be. And take more than seven days to pick out said husband.” Stacey was about to argue when Brielle added, “Not that I’m complaining! I really am excited and am so grateful for your help.”

  Stacey softened and moved the tray of burritos out of the way. She spread out checklists and mood boards so Brielle could see all of their plans thus far. “What catches your eye?”

  “The suits. I’ve been dreaming about a headless man in that suit.”

  Stacey laughed and looked around the table. “Are you done eating breakfast? We can wait…”

  “Oh no! I’m done!” Brielle jumped up and started clearing the table, anxious to get the reception details over with so she could discuss the actual ceremony. She almost knocked over her orange juice but managed to steady her hand in time. The excitement of her big day was setting in and Brielle hoped her nerves would calm down before the morning of her wedding. After a few deep breaths, she grabbed two mugs of hot coffee and sat back down at the table.

  “Let’s get started.” Stacey passed Brielle the first checklist. “How does the food look to you?”

  They continued working through the morning, with Stacey diligently double-checking every decision made while Brielle hung out in the clouds. She couldn’t focus on appetizers or flowers, all she could see was a tall, mysterious man in a handsome suit waiting for her at the end of the aisle.

  Chapter Two

  Asher

  Brielle: I’m planning the ceremony today!

  Asher: I’m sure you will do a beautiful job. I hope I get to see it!

  ◆◆◆

  Despite having been awake for hours, Asher had only just gotten out of bed. He hadn’t slept the night before, anxiety kept him staring at the ceiling, hoping Brielle could hear his thoughts. They were screaming to her to pick Asher instead of ‘Carl’. He was doing anything he could to save her, even if it seemed ridiculous. As the wedding day grew closer, Asher struggled more and more with his complicity in this scheme.

  He knew it wasn’t his fault, he had been duped, as had every other guy who signed up to find love. Still, he was struggling with the weight of lying to Brielle, especially so close to their potential wedding day. If he left the show, Seth would have the opportunity to marry her by default. Asher was so in love with Brielle and knew that his abandonment would almo
st certainly push her into Seth’s arms. Continuing to lie didn’t feel right either.

  Asher changed into a grey henley and navy blue sweatpants. He wanted to be comfortable today, he was too stressed to wear jeans. Besides, he wasn’t going anywhere or seeing anyone besides Brandon and Seth. He tossed his dirty clothes back in his suitcase and headed into the kitchen for breakfast.

  Seth was nowhere in sight, much to Asher’s relief. Brandon was finishing up his sausage sandwich at the table. Asher grabbed one and sat down. They ate in silence for a few moments before Brandon finally spoke.

  “You alright this morning?”

  Asher shook his head. “I don’t know. I feel terrible lying to her. But what’s the alternative? Sending her running straight to Seth?”

  “I know. It’s a tough choice. I think you guys can overcome the lie though. She seems pretty level headed.”

  “She does. We’ll probably have to go to counseling.” Asher laughed. “At the very least...I’ll have to go to counseling after this is over. But you’re right, we can make it through this insanity.” Asher got up to grab another sandwich. “So, you think you’re getting a date tonight.”

  Brandon laughed nervously. “I hope so. I would really like to meet her, put in a good word for you, ya know?”

  “And why wouldn’t you put in a good word for me?” Seth’s voice came booming down the hallway.

  Brandon rolled his eyes and tried to ignore him. “It should be nice to talk to her though. See how she feels about this whole process.”

  Seth lurked behind Asher by the kitchen counter, trying to find another way into the conversation. Both Asher and Brandon knew that he’d get bored if they just ignored him. He wasn’t as smart as Jason and Damien thought he was. Asher thought fondly of the period of time when those two were his biggest problems.

  “Do you think she knows any of this is going on?”

  “I guess I’ll find out tonight. Or won’t. Mark seemed pretty intent on the conversation not steering that way.”

  Asher nodded. “True, he did seem pretty preoccupied about this spiraling out of control.”

  Brandon looked up at the camera in the corner of the room. “I just want to hang out with her. I’m not going to ruin your evil plans.” His voice was loud and despite the smile on his face, he looked nervous.

  “You idiots are wasting your time.” Seth slammed the refrigerator shut. “Brielle isn’t going to marry Asher. She’s going to marry me. Because she’s in love with me. Always has been, always will be.”

  “Whatever, Seth. Even if she plans to marry ‘Carl’, I find it hard to believe she’ll ever forgive you for manipulating her on national television.”

  Seth was about to argue with him but caught himself. Instead, he glared at Asher, then Brandon, before stomping down the hallway, punching the wall as he went.

  “I hate that guy.” Brandon pushed back his chair and grabbed his plate. “I really hate him.”

  “Same, man, same.” Asher picked up his sandwich and took another bite.

  Brandon put his dishes in the sink and walked back to the table. He looked at Asher seriously, before holding out his hand. “I’m gonna go hang out in my room. I’ll see you later.”

  Asher thought the handshake was awkward but quickly realized what Brandon was doing. Inside the palm of his hand was a folded up piece of paper. Asher grabbed it as discreetly as possible and slipped it into his pocket. “Will do,” he said as Brandon made his way down the hall.

  He tried to finish his sandwich but he was so curious about what was on the note. As he took another bite, he tried to figure out where he could read it with some privacy. The only place that made sense was in the shower.

  His breakfast sandwich was no longer as appealing as it was 45 minutes prior. Asher quickly tossed it in the trash, threw his dishes in the sink, and tried to walk casually down the hall to the bathroom. He locked the door, glancing at the camera pointed directly at the sink, and got into the shower with his clothes on.

  Carefully, he tucked the note onto his shampoo bottle and peeled off his clothes to avoid suspicion. He dropped them on the floor outside the shower curtain. It was bizarre that this was the only place in the apartment with a sliver of privacy.

  The note was folded carefully and Asher unfolded it with urgency, almost ripping it in half. Brandon’s handwriting was a mess, Asher realized he must have done this in the middle of the night with the lights off to avoid suspicion.

  Asher,

  I’m going to tell Brielle about Seth on our date later. Don’t try to talk me out of it, it’s the right thing to do for her sake and is the only way to keep her from marrying Seth. I’m sure I’ll be escorted off the property once I do this, just know you’re a good friend and we should link up once this nonsense is over. Good luck.

  -Brandon

  Asher quickly stashed the note back behind his shampoo bottle and turned the water on. Brielle would know the truth about Seth tonight. He wouldn’t be relieved until he knew it was done.

  The next few hours were going to be torture.

  Chapter Three

  Brielle

  Asher: Did you write your vows yet?

  Brielle: …

  Brielle: NO!

  Brielle: ...did you?

  ◆◆◆

  “Should we take a break?” Stacey was staring at Brielle with a concerned look in her eyes.

  “Um...we can if you want. I can make some more coffee.”

  “You just look overwhelmed. I don’t want to stress you out too much so close to the wedding.”

  Brielle smiled. “I am overwhelmed. But I’m doing alright. I was just thinking about how I have to call Abigail and tell her I’m sending Brandon home today.”

  “Are you going to go on a date with him?” Stacey shuffled some papers back into a pile.

  “I am. I’m curious to learn more about Carl and Asher. And Brandon is really my last opportunity to mine for information. I have one more day before I have to make my decision and I still have no clue who to choose.”

  Stacey stood up. “Well, I’m going to run out to the car to grab the ceremony binder. Give Abigail a call and I will wait up here for you if she wants you to film your video now.”

  “Thanks, Stacey.” Brielle watched as she made her way out the door. She leaned back in her chair and rubbed her temples. There were so many decisions to make still and so little time.

  Brielle was starting to feel a bit cheated, knowing she would plan her wedding ceremony without knowing her husband. She knew, of course, this exact scenario is what she signed up for when she agreed to find love on a reality television show, but she felt like she was missing out on something.

  What were her future husband’s hopes for the ceremony? What traditions did he want to include? She knew she could text Carl and Asher and ask but it didn’t feel the same as having them in the room with her, planning alongside her. Not to mention, messaging them and waiting for a response would eat up a lot of precious time that she didn’t have.

  Brielle tried to push her concerns out of her mind and walked to the phone. She paused before picking it up, bracing herself for her conversation with Abigail. When she was ready, she dialed the number to the producers’ apartment.

  “What?” Abigail sounded more miserable than usual.

  “I’m sure you already know this but I’m sending Brandon home today.”

  “Great.”

  “I’m going on a date with him.”

  Abigail was silent for a moment. “We can discuss it when you film your video. Mark will meet you downstairs in 15 minutes.”

  She hung up before Brielle could respond. Brielle hurried to the bedroom and got changed into her interview outfit once again. She wasn’t sure what there was to discuss, she wanted a date with Brandon and she was going to get one.

  Brielle looked in the mirror. Despite styling her hair the same way and wearing the same outfit, she felt she looked different from the girl who interviewed that first d
ay. She wasn’t sure if she was just tired or if she looked more grown-up. Either way, she was far more ready to face Mark and Abigail today than she was earlier that week.

  The elevator ride was quick and Laura and James sat Brielle in the interview chair. Her makeup was touched up and Mark appeared.

  “Let’s get this over with.”

  “Please.” Brielle shifted anxiously in her seat. Laura began counting down from five as Brielle prepared her speech.

  “Hey, guys! I’m so excited to marry one of you in less than 48 hours! Unfortunately, Brandon, it won’t be you. I know you’re not surprised. It’s been wonderful getting to know you over the past week and I’m sure you will make your future bride very happy one day. Best of luck!”

  Laura backed away from the camera and Mark moved in closer. Brielle unclipped her mic and tried to move across the room without speaking to him.

  “How touching.”

  She avoided eye contact. “Thanks.”

  “So can we send him home now or…?”

  Brielle shook her head. “I already told Abigail I’m going on a date with him.”

  Mark looked frustrated. “What’s the point? You already know you aren’t going to marry him. You aren’t going to save him. Just let him go home.”

  Brielle stood firm. “No. I am going on a date with him. Or I’m not doing anything else, including planning my wedding, shooting other videos, getting married in two days. You know the drill.”

  Mark stared at her for a moment. He realized Brielle wasn’t going to back down. After a few seconds, he held up his hands. “Whatever you say.”

  Brielle walked out of the studio with her head held high. She felt good about standing up for herself, it was something she hadn’t done enough of in the past. Even Stacey noticed a shift with her energy.