by Jill Ferraro
Book Seven: Seeing Is Believing
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.
Seeing Is Believing: Sight Unseen Book Seven
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 Seeing Is Believing! This is Book Seven in the Sight Unseen Series.
Book Eight: Only Have Eyes for Him will be released August 3, 2020 (preorder by clicking here)!
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Chapter One
Brielle
Brielle: I can’t believe I get to see you in person in less than 2 hours!!! Eeeek!
Asher: We have so much to talk about, I can’t wait <3
◆◆◆
Brielle was practically vibrating with excitement. She and Stacey had spent the morning ironing out ceremony decor, processional music, and tweaking the program to make her nuptials as customized as they could be. Stacey continued to amaze her with her ideas and creativity, Brielle was confident the ceremony would go off without a hitch.
The biggest question on her mind was whether or not her marriage would be just as seamless. She was still going back and forth between Asher and Carl. Add to that her fear that one of these men that she was deeply in love with was lying to her and she was at a complete loss. Stacey could ensure the day went off beautifully but no one could guarantee Brielle would live happily ever after.
“Wear those earrings instead.” Stacey pointed to a simple pair resting on the dresser. She had agreed to help Brielle get ready for her date with Asher. Brielle knew that Stacey was most likely just doing her job of making the bride feel comfortable but valued her time and compassion, especially since she couldn’t have her own best friend around.
“Oooh, good idea!” Brielle slipped the earrings in and turned around. She decided to wear the red dress she’d been wearing for the videos she made to send home each of the guys. It was her favorite dress, made her look and feel amazing, and she thought it was appropriate for what was potentially her last day as a single woman.
Brielle finished putting on her makeup, chatting casually with Stacey as she went. Stacey was an amazing hype woman and was extremely helpful to get ready with. Brielle realized she’d seen it all when it came to bridal makeup and hair and had tons of hacks for battling frizz and keeping lipstick in place. She wished she’d invited her wedding planner to get ready with her sooner.
There was still 15 minutes left before her date. Brielle could feel the nerves building as she sat down on the couch in the living room.
“Champagne?” Stacey looked at Brielle skeptically. “Just one glass. It’ll cut your nerves.”
Brielle nodded enthusiastically. “Do I look that nervous?”
“...yeah. You do.” She poured out two glasses and handed one to Brielle. “To your last first date. Let’s hope it happens today!”
“I can definitely drink to that.”
“If you don’t mind me asking, what do you hope to achieve on these dates? You seem like you’re in better spirits today than you were yesterday. What changed?”
“Well, as you know I’ve been getting messages from some of the guys to be careful, that someone’s lying to me. The fiasco with Brandon yesterday only further confirms that. So I’m hoping that by meeting the guys, I can figure out who was lying and about what. Or at least get a better idea of who I can trust.”
“Well, I hope that’s what you find. And remember, only you can decide to get married tomorrow. I’ve seen brides run away over much less!”
Brielle laughed. “I can imagine. I won’t tell Abigail you said that.”
Stacey waved her off. “Oh, who cares about Abigail. After the week she’s put you through? She’d be lucky to say something to me. I will not be working with this show again, I can tell you that right now.”
They sat for a few more minutes, sipping champagne. Stacey tried her best to make Brielle laugh. By the time Abigail knocked on the door, she was in much better spirits.
“Do I have to ride up with you?”
Abigail nodded. “Unfortunately, yes.”
“You really put a damper on the mood.”
“Just shut up and get in the elevator.”
Brielle tried to remain optimistic about her first date. She was finally going to meet Asher. What would he look like? Smell like? Would he kiss her? Would it make her feel the same way her kiss with Shea made her feel?
She tried to stifle her questions as they rode up to the rooftop. The scene was the same, the magic of the first night had definitely worn off. It seemed stale and contrived after so many days in a row. Mark was in the corner, along with two very visible security guards.
“Have fun.” Abigail’s voice was flat as she nudged Brielle out of the elevator and made her way back down to retrieve Asher.
“You’re here again?” Brielle’s eyes narrowed as she glared at Mark.
“Unfortunately, yes.” He stood up and crossed the patio set up. “Asher will be here. If he tries anything like Brandon did last night, just know he will face the same fate and be escorted off the rooftop.”
“Does he know this?”
“Oh, he’s been briefed. I don’t anticipate any problems from him. You, on the other hand, I’m not sure about. Just know we can end your time here, too.”
Brielle knew he was bluffing. They had no show without her final decision. She rolled her eyes and looked over at James and Laura who had moved in for her close up.
The elevator creaked into motion and made its way up to the roof. Brielle held her breath as it grew closer and closer to the top.
The bell chimed and the doors opened.
Chapter Two
Asher
Brielle: I’m ready! I think!
Asher: On my way up <3
◆◆◆
The doors opened and it took Asher a moment to take in the scene before him. The apartment he’d been stuck in was nice but the rooftop was gorgeous. His eyes traveled from the table in the back, surrounded by lights, to the path before him. And then to Brielle, who was standing not 20 feet away.
She was wearing her dress from the video recordings they’d watched every day that week. Brielle was even more beautiful in person as she smiled at him. They were both frozen for a moment before she broke out into a run towards him.
Asher stepped out of the elevator before the doors closed in front of him and outstretched his arms. Brielle leaped into them and she nuzzled her head into his neck. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her into a deep embrace. He inhaled her scent, it was an intoxicating blend of woodsy and citrus and femininity.
“Sorry. I couldn’t help myself,” she whispered in his ear. Her breath dancing across his neck sent shivers down his spine.
“I’m glad you ran first, it would have been awkward if I had jumped into your arms.” Asher slowly lowered her to the ground and put his hands on her hips. Electricity surged through his palms and rushed through his entire body. “I guess introductions are in order. Hi, I’m Asher.�
�
Brielle giggled. “I suppose you’re right. Hello, I’m Brielle.”
“Perfect. Now that that’s out of the way…” Asher paused to stare into her eyes. The love he had grown to feel for her earlier that week was nothing compared to how he felt at that moment. He was worried his heart was going to explode it was so full.
They stood there for a long while, staring at one another, gently caressing an arm or a cheek. Asher wanted desperately to kiss her but didn’t think the time was right. Instead, he looked at her plump lips struggling between wanting the date to last forever and wanting it to end so he could finally feel her mouth on his.
“Well..let me show you around.” Brielle took his hand and walked him around the roof, pointing out its various features. “As you know, this is our terrible producer Mark and his two goonies. Did you hear about how they escorted Brandon from the roof yesterday?”
“Brielle.” Mark gave her a look and she rolled her eyes.
“Apparently I’m not allowed to talk about that.” They made their way to the table and Asher pulled out her chair for her. Once she was seated, he took his own seat across from her. “Champagne?”
Asher nodded and took the bottle out of the ice bucket it was resting in. He wanted to ask Brielle what else she knew about Brandon’s removal from the building but knew that Mark wouldn’t allow it. His nerves came back. He was completely comfortable with Brielle but knowing he was lying to her quickly came back to the forefront of his mind.
He had been able to forget about it for a moment while he was busy taking her in. His love for her overwhelmed him. But at the sight of Mark, everything he’d briefly pushed out of his mind came rushing back. He hoped she didn’t notice his hand shaking as he busied himself with the champagne.
Asher poured them each a glass. “To the future.”
“Cheers”
They each took a sip and sat across from each other in silence. He wondered what she was thinking about. If she was nervous, she didn’t let on.
“Definitely don’t feel like you have to answer this but...have you made a decision about tomorrow?”
Brielle’s face contorted. He instantly regretted asking, he could tell it was difficult for her. “I’m sorry, Asher. I really don’t know. This is all so confusing. I’m in love with you, we clearly have great chemistry.” She paused to wink at him and his heart skipped a beat. “But I haven’t met Carl yet. And I think I owe it to both of us to make sure this, you and me, is the best option, you know?”
Asher nodded. “It was a stupid question, I’m sorry I even asked.”
“Can you tell me anything about Carl?”
He tried to keep a neutral face but knew a scowl had come over him for a brief moment. “Carl? No, I can’t actually. Abigail and Mark told me I’d be removed immediately if I spoke about him. I’m sure they’re telling him the same thing about me.”
Brielle frowned. “Of course they did. Well...let’s talk about the future instead.”
They spent over an hour discussing their hopes and dreams, their wishes for their future families, and everything else under the sun. They seemed so compatible, Asher was overwhelmed by how amazing they got along.
His nerves about telling a lie never left him but a new thought took over much of his brain. How was this amazing, wonderful woman ever with a piece of work like Seth? She was smart, funny, and beautiful. She could have anyone she wanted. And she picked him? Why?
One day, when they were married, he vowed to ask her what spell Seth had her under. But for today, he tried to focus on their conversation, about how she sparkled in the sunlight, and how her smile melted his heart each time it crossed her lips.
Before they knew it, it was time for the date to end. Asher was disappointed, he wanted to spend all day with her. He hoped desperately that this wouldn’t be his last time spending time with her. He wanted to do it every day for the rest of their lives.
They rose from the table and made their way to the elevator. They stopped 10 feet before the doors and Asher looked down into her eyes. He brushed a strand of hair out of her face and tucked it neatly behind her ear. He hoped he would never lose the way that made him feel.
“Hey, Brielle?” His voice came out in a whisper.
“Yeah?”
“I love you. I’m so in love with you.” He held his breath, hoping she’d say it back.
Her lips curled up into a half-smile. “I love you too,” she whispered before closing her eyes.
Asher leaned in and kissed her softly. Her lips fit with his like a missing puzzle piece and he felt at home. He pulled her in closer, breathing her in, trying to savor every second of their kiss.
After what seemed like an eternity and also no time at all, she pulled away.
“Bye for now, Asher.”
Brielle disappeared into the elevator, leaving Asher standing on the roof wondering how long ‘for now’ would last.
Chapter Three
Brielle
Brielle: I had a wonderful time with you <3
Asher: I can’t stop thinking about you
◆◆◆
Brielle practically floated back to the apartment. She thought she was in love with Asher before their date but seeing him in person only further confirmed it for her. He was so handsome, so kind, and her stomach was so full of butterflies she thought she would fly right off the roof when he touched her.
She’d never felt this way with her ex-boyfriend Seth. Their love was a different kind of love, almost a love of necessity. Brielle always felt like Seth was her only option and clung to that lie for fear of ending up alone. But Asher was different. She could tell he truly cared about her. It was intoxicating and she was 95% certain he was the man she was going to marry as the elevator doors closed.
Her mind never once doubted that Asher was honest, although she wished they could have discussed Carl more. She saw a look of disgust flash across his face briefly when she mentioned his name. Who knows what he would have said had Mark not been sitting there.
The champagne was kicking in and Brielle began to get drowsy. She laid down on the couch, thinking about Asher and how amazing he would look waiting for her at the end of the aisle. How he would love the mermaid dress she picked out. He wouldn’t be distracted, he would only see her. Brielle was sure she could show up in a trash bag and he would think she was just as beautiful.
There were still two hours until her date with Carl was set to begin. Brielle was starting to wonder if she even wanted to go on the date. She’d found the love of her life, what was the use in seeing Carl at all if she knew she was most likely not going to marry him. No one seemed to like him very much and she’d never have to see him again. Would it really matter if she skipped out on the date?
Brielle hopped up from the couch and waltzed to the phone on the wall. She was on cloud nine and was confident Abigail would be relieved they didn’t have to send her on a second date that day.
“What do you want?”
“Abigail, always pleasant to hear your voice.” Her snarky comment was met with silence. “Anyways, I think I’m going to cancel my date with Carl. It’s Asher. I’m going to marry Asher.”
“No.”
Brielle almost dropped the phone. “No? What do you mean, no?”
“No, you’re not canceling the date. You’ll be up on the roof in less than two hours and you’ll be happy about it.”
“But I know I’m not going to marry Carl. I don’t see the use in-”
“This is not up for discussion. You’ll be there.”
The line went dead. Abigail had hung up on her. It was bizarre, normally setting up the dates seemed like such a hassle. She thought Abigail would be overjoyed to not have to worry about another one. Or at least as overjoyed as Abigail could possibly get.
Brielle was annoyed but as she sat back down, she decided it would be fine. She could break it to Carl gently that he wasn’t the guy for her, that she was sorry and wished him the best of luck finding love in t
he future. It was better to do that tonight, when they were calm, than have him find out the next morning when he thought he was getting married.
The plan was a good alternative to canceling all the way. Plus, she’d get her second freshly cooked meal for the day. Though the food was definitely better than she expected, takeout every day was starting to wear her down. Brielle couldn’t wait to get home and prepare some fresh meals for herself. And her husband, Asher.
She laid back down on the couch, setting an alarm to ensure she didn’t oversleep. She needed her strength for the difficult conversation with Carl and a nap seemed perfect in her slightly tipsy state.
As she drifted off, she couldn’t stop thinking about Asher’s lips and the way his hands felt in hers. All that stood in the way of her happily ever after was one uncomfortable conversation with a man she thought she loved.
Chapter Four
Seth
Seth: c u soon !!
Brielle: K
◆◆◆
Seth sat down in the same spot he’d filmed his bombshell confessional a few days prior. There were no cameras this time, Mark had wanted to separate him from Asher while he waited for his turn with Brielle. They passed in the hallway and Asher looked like a clown, grinning from ear to ear. He took comfort in the fact that he’d be so disappointed when Brielle chose Seth over that idiot and tried to remain cool.
Still, Asher having a good date meant Seth needed to be on his A-game when Brielle saw him. He knew she’d be resistant at first. He fingered the note in his pocket, hoping it would be enough to drive her back to him. She had a soft spot for romantic gestures. Besides, they had a history, she always came back to him. This plan had to work.
