“Neither of us is tied down," he pointed out in his characteristically cold tone. "Is the issue my son?"

She quickly responded, “No, Jerrold is a sweetheart.”

"Then what?" he probed, lowering his voice.

Facing his intense gaze, Lilah hesitated. His charm was undeniable, and she understood the underlying meaning of his words. “We come from different worlds," she finally said.

He paused, his sharp features giving nothing away.

Was he upset? Lilah wondered.

Despite the mounting discomfort among the other participants, Gerard's posture never wavered, holding her until the very end.

Women's admiration for Gerard intensified.

As the first round ended, the host returned to the stage. "What an exhilarating first round! Let's allow the gentlemen a brief rest. Up next, our talented ladies will showcase their skills. Sing, dance, tell a joke. Let your talents shine!"

Lilah, fifth in line, opted to sing. She exchanged a brief glance with Gerard, now holding Jerrold, drawing strength from the sight.

The melodic strains began, and her soft voice enveloped the hall.

“One day I woke up, and you were no longer there..."

The haunting ballad held the audience in rapt attention. A visible change came over Gerard. His grip on Jerrold's hand tightened, a chill emanating from him.

By the song's end, there was no question. Lilah had won the hearts of many.

"That was so lovely, Lilah!" Jerrold's innocent voice praised, and he reached up to hold her hand. Embracing the moment, Lilah leaned down to kiss his cheek, murmuring, "Thank you, my sweet Jerrold."

Yet, Gerard remained aloof, avoiding her gaze. Hurt, Lilah looked away.

The competition's climactic final round was about to commence.

Each team was tasked with eating from the same apple without letting it drop.

As Gerard's intense eyes met hers, Lilah felt a rush of emotions, leaving her heart fluttering and a shiver racing down her spine. For a split second, she lost her grip on the apple with her teeth.

Shaking off the sensation, she attempted to distance her thoughts from the situation.

She tried to imagine that Gerard was simply an emotionless robot.

The competition moved swiftly. Taking turns, they bit off pieces of the apple.

When only a sliver remained, the challenge grew. Their proximity meant that any minor movement risked their lips meeting. Even though Lilah was wary, she couldn't help but feel the warmth of Gerard's breath on her skin.

His Adam's apple moved enticingly as he took his bite, drawing her attention.