"A couple's reality TV show." My manager smiled widely, her arms coming out to her sides as though she'd revealed her greatest idea yet. I shook my head instantly.

"No." I said flatly. Her face twisted into a scowl as she sat back down in her puffy leather chair. She tried giving me her best sad eyes, but I wasn't going to falter on this one. A couple's reality show? Has she conveniently forgotten that I don't have a boyfriend? And even if I did, I would never subject myself to the harsh scrutiny of society. I looked around her office hoping that she would drop it if I stopped paying attention. My eyes skimmed over the pictures of family and work which hung neatly from the wall; Alice holding her first TV production award, Alice with her boyfriend Jasper, Alice and I shaking hands over our partnership which started nearly 5 years ago. My eyes continued on. Her shelves were overloaded with production texts, serving as her guide to her latest, and most obnoxious, endeavor.

"Please." She begged softly. I cast a sideways glance, her chin was pressed against her chest in defeat. I shook my head again. Not going to work my dear manager.

"No." I answered again simply. The plants which were situated around her office still held the unconsumed droplets of their morning spritzing, refracting the natural light into tiny shimmers which shone through her large bay windows. Keep strong. She can't force you to take this job. Alice would just need to find some other sad sap to do the job for her this time. I wheeled my head back around to her unusually messy desk. Notes, pictures, binders, and data charts were chaotically sprawled across the wooden surface, her keyboard and mouse lost beneath the piles.

"I'm short one couple, and I need someone I can trust. We've been working together for a while, and I consider you my best friend! You'll be paired with someone we know and believe me that this will be nothing more than a professional working relationship. Contract and all." She could try to make this seem as simple as she wanted, but I knew the reality of working in TV. It was never that simple, nor uncomplicated. Especially when it came to love shows. Every aspect of your lift analyzed under a microscope, no little secret undiscovered. The repercussions for participating would last long after production wrapped. And knowing Alice, this wouldn't be a one off season either. If I agreed, it would never end.

"You know how I feel about reality shows Al. This is just not the right fit for me. I would do anything for you, but not this." She huffed flinging herself back into her chair dramatically, her arms coming to cross her chest. She chewed on her bottom lip, squinting her eyes trying to find the words I would need to hear in order to agree.

"It pays well." She smirked. Normally, those would be the words. There was never a time that I wasn't desperate to earn more money, scraping by with what little I managed to make. But my dignity didn't have a price. I shook my head.

"But," A knock on her door cut off her words. I turned my head and sighed relieved. Jasper. He popped open the door and poked his blonde head inside.

"So?" He asked. I chuckled standing up from my chair, grabbing my bag.

"Sorry Jazz. Maybe you can explain to your girlfriend why I am not the right person for this job." He moaned stepping into the office. I chuckled. He knew that if Alice couldn't get me on board, then he didn't stand a chance.

"It would be strictly professional." I nodded.

"Said that." Alice grunted from behind me. He rubbed his face.

"And a contract!" I nodded again. I see they had a little pow-wow prior to our meeting. I smirked.

"Covered." Alice snapped. He stepped forward and grabbed my hands. I looked away. Where Alice used force and fear, Jasper was quiet and kind.

"The money?" I pulled my hands back, stepping past the company's CEO. The sooner I could get out of this room, the faster I would be to safety. I was proud of myself for lasting this long, but I didn't want to risk the wrath of Alice for another 5 minutes.

"I'm heading home Al. Good luck with the hunt. I'm sure you'll find a perfect fit." She didn't even grace me with a look as she trained her eyes on Jasper. I would be feeling this rejection for a while.

"Jasper, we need to discuss some things." I put up a hand and made myself scarce. Jasper was going to have a long day ahead of him. This was going to be Alice's first big production, and she'd been abnormally wound up lately. That was yet another reason I didn't want to get involved. If this show started to fail, Alice would seek out my hand to try and bring it back to life. I didn't need that kind of pressure at work or within our shared home.

I passed the offices of the various production teams, their screens and desks covered with promotional products for the new show, 'Through their Eyes.' Jasper and Alice were going full out with this one. As a new firm in the industry, it hasn't been easy making a name for themselves. And as much as I hated the premise of this show for myself, I think that this was going to be exactly what they needed in order to place them on the map. It wasn't a terrible idea, couples competing against others in order to win prize money. Different challenges aimed at discerning compatibility, the public acting as the rulers over who wins.

I'd hardly left the building when I received a text message from Jasper. I furrowed my eyebrows as I opened the message.

'I want to take Alice out tonight for a celebratory dinner. Please come. I know she's upset but I think having you there would be good for her.' I groaned. It was bound to be another attempt to get me to join, but I wouldn't be able to avoid Alice for the rest of my life. Maybe they would get some things figured out before dinner, and we could put this all behind us.

'Of course. Where?' I sent back as I slipped into my car.

'Lyre Hotel. Conf. rm. 6. 8 tonight.' Hotel? I suppose Alice and Jasper did plenty of social meetings there, they probably get specialty deals. I placed my phone on its holder and pulled out of the parking lot.

I stopped off at the fresh market first, picking up some necessary groceries and a lunch for myself. Never eating at home made grocery shopping easy, my lunches and dinners eaten out with Alice. But I suppose with her going to be out of the house more often for this show, I would need to buy some more food to eat.

My second stop was at the library, my two books sitting on reserve for me. Another way I would be able to fill my new freedom from my overly excited roommate. I haven't been able to read in peace since high school. Without Alice I may actually finish a book this year.

"Excuse me miss," I looked up to the librarian. His eyes focusing hard on my face as he squinted behind his black rimmed glasses. I smiled. "I don't mean to be rude, but you look so familiar. Have we met before?" My cheeks involuntarily flushed with embarrassment. I reacted this way whenever someone asked me this. Chances were he saw me as some side character on a show, but my plain features weren't enough to stand out against a crowd of beautiful celebrities. I shook my head slowly.

"No, I don't think so. I come in here a lot, so maybe that's where you've seen me." He shook his head unconvinced. I snatched up the two books into my hands.

"No. That's not it, I'm sure. What's your name? Have you ever been on TV before," I turned waiving a hand over my head as I walked towards the exit with quick steps.

"Thank you!" I shouted over my shoulder as I walked out the door. While I loved acting, the attention wasn't something I'd gotten used to quite yet. Where others bathed in it, I preferred hiding in the dark.

"You…you're welcome." He stammered back. I sighed. Just go home and relax.

...

I glanced to the clock. 7:30. I sighed. I had managed to get through a quarter of my book, and snuggled up in my blankets on the couch, I didn't want to move. But Jasper asked me to support Alice, and I promised I would be there. I stood and stretched before walking into my room. After flipping through my closet, I settled on a white button down and a pair of black skinny jeans. I didn't know how formal this dinner was supposed to be, so I went with a safe in between.

Following the navigation of my GPS, the hotel was only 20 minutes away from our apartment. I parked out front, looking up at the building which just screamed money. I suppose Jasper wanted to give his girlfriend a classy night out. The bright florescent lights of the lobby made my eyes squint as the sheen of the marble floors made my vision blurry. I'd never been to one of their socials before, and finding this conference room was going to wind up with me lost within this labyrinth of a hotel. I walked up to the front desk, the resting bitch face of a women behind the desk analyzed her perfectly manicured nails. I stood before her, her inattention to my presence becoming annoying.

"Excuse me," I prompted as I leaned slightly over the counter. She looked up with a bored expression. Lovely lady.

"Yes?" She asked quirking an eyebrow, her eyes unashamedly scanning my outfit. I should've just called Jasper to come get me.

"I'm looking for a conference,"

"You came!" I jumped as Jasper's voice shouted from behind me. The woman looked around me, her eyes growing wide as she straightened out, a fake smile now stretching her face in an unnatural way. Jasper jogged up to my side and grabbed my upper arm in a vice like grip. I see Alice was rubbing off on him.

"Mr. Whitlock. A pleasure to see you again." The woman purred, but Jasper didn't even seem to notice she was there. He pulled on my arm, causing me to stumble after him as we walked down the far left hallway. I waived back at the slighted woman, she huffed returning to her nails. Serves her right!

"Slow down Jazz. What's the rush?" My short legs were having a hard time keeping up with his long strides. We'd taken so many turns I wasn't sure I'd be able to find my way out of here unaccompanied.

"I just don't want to be last." I furrowed my eyebrows. Last?

"Who else is coming?" To this question, he remained silent. I huffed rolling my eyes. Maybe he just invited a few other office hands working on the project for Alice.

"How's Alice been since, well, after our meeting this morning?" I asked. He looked down at me and smirked.

"She's fine. Come on! Pick up the pace." I was already in a half jog as it was. I was practically heaving by the time we stood outside of a door with a sign that read 'Conference Room 6'. He straightened out his jacket, opening the door and shoving me through. The long table which looked as though it could seat 20 was empty, save Alice. She jumped up from her chair, rushing over to me with a bubbly air I hadn't expected to be greeted with. She snatched me away from Jasper and ushered me into a chair at the head of the table.

Something felt…off.

I looked between the grinning pair as they sat down by me, Alice on one side and Jasper on the other. The room was void of any real food, only a bowl of peanuts and chips sitting in two bowls. Alice was gripping a manila folder tightly in her hands. I went to stand but the couple placed a hand each on my shoulders and shoved me back down.

"What's going on?" I asked. Alice rolled her eyes waving a dismissive hand.

"Calm down. We're just waiting for the food to get here. That's all." I nodded slowly.

"Anyone else coming?" I asked. She smirked averting her eyes, Jasper shrugged his shoulders.

"I invited a few people. We'll see." I nodded. The deafening silence made my ears ring. This was beginning to feel less like a dinner and more like a…meeting.

"So Alice, find another couple yet?" She shook her head.

"Let's not talk about work right now. How was your day?" I slit my eyes. Alice NOT talk about work. That was rare. Work was her life and she wanted everyone she came in contact to know about it.

"Good. Went to the market, got a couple books, and relaxed at home." She and Jasper both grinned and nodded like porcelain dolls, hiding something behind their eyes. I huffed leaning back, crossing my hands on the table.

"Cut the shit, what's going on here?" For the first time, Jasper's façade cracked. So he was the weak one. I turned my full attention onto him. He swallowed hard.

"Nothing. This is just a celebratory dinner!" I nodded. Bullshit.

"So you've told me. For what?" I pushed. He averted his eyes. Alice grabbed my forearm, regaining my attention.

"Calm down. We're just waiting for a friend of Jasper's."

"A friend?" I asked. She nodded.

"Why would a friend of Jasper's be coming?" She chewed on her lip. She was nervous. I could feel a storm brewing as the tension rose. I needed to get out of here.

"I forgot that I made other plans. I should get," I started, going to stand, but a knock at the door cut me off. My heart beat furiously in my chest as I glanced to the door. They wouldn't dare. Jasper sighed and stood quickly striding over to the door. Alice shoved me back into my seat and soot at my side, the position she took between me and the door not going unnoticed.

"So glad you found it, please come in." Jasper greeted as he stepped aside. From the hallway, a man entered. My breath hitched in my chest, as I took in who exactly this friend of Jasper was.

Edward Cullen. TV drama heartthrob. I didn't think it was possible for someone to look even better in real life, but from his tousled dirty blonde hair to his dark blue button down and dark washed jeans, he was gorgeous. His reputation was also something I'd heard a lot about. Cold, unfeeling, and uncaring towards others; a stark contrast to the loving boyfriends he portrayed on TV. His cold emerald eyes glanced to Alice first before landing on me. His lips quirked ever so slightly as Jasper guided him to the seat beside him. I reached over to Alice, gripping her hand tightly in mine. She flinched slightly trying to wriggle free.

I am going to kill her.

"So, now that you're both here, we can start." Jasper said excitedly as he clapped his hands together. Edward leaned back in his chair seeming put out by this little meeting. Even if I had agreed to this ridiculous show, he would be the last person I would ever agree to do it with! This time I stood from my chair, giving Alice a serious glower.

"I said no Alice." I spat. She jutted out her lower lip, flinging her arms around my neck, clinging on tightly.

"Just hear us out. Edward's agreed so long as you go on with him. Please, just give us 5 minutes." I grunted glancing to Edward, his eyes trained on the wall behind us. Why me?

"5 minutes. Then I'm gone." She squealed happily and shoved me back down to my seat, sitting on my lap as a way to try and anchor me. Jasper grabbed the folder Alice had been holding and unclasped it. Within a stack of papers were produced; the contract. I'll be dammed if I find myself in this type of situation again. I knew Alice could play dirty, but I never expected Jasper to stoop down to her level. They must've been desperate. Jasper walked over to Edward resting a hand on his shoulder, which he shrugged off.

Ass.

"This is Edward Cullen. I'm sure you've heard his name in the news before. Edward, this is Bella Swan." He glanced to me momentarily before looking away.

"Never heard of her." I scowled.

"You son of a," Alice's hand clasped tightly over my mouth as she giggled.

"She's honored to meet you." I pinched the soft skin under her arm, releasing her hold with a yelp. Jasper grimaced.

"Like hell I am. You honestly thought that this was going to be your ace in the hole! You've both lost your minds. This show is about love and relationships. I doubt it would bode well for your viewers if your couples are constantly at each other's necks." I couldn't understand why they were so desperately trying to get us on the show. It was bound to be a disaster. Jasper came down to his knees at my side, his hands clasped in a begging manner.

"We need you two specifically." I cocked my head back.

"Why?" Better yet, why did I even care?

"Edward needs the PR boost and you need exposure." I rolled my eyes. No way that this was for an entirely selfless reason. Alice slid down from my lap and mirrored her boyfriend.

"We're also worried that the ratings aren't going to cut it if we just have average couples on the show, but with you two participating, I'm sure that we'll be able to reach our goals." So the show wasn't showing an initial public interest. Bring on a couple of amateur celebrities and they might be able to garner enough attention to get the show moving. We don't do this and it fails. Great. I glanced to Edward, who was still more interested in the choice of paint than the outcome of his "friends" show.

"Why can't you do it with someone else?" I asked. He didn't even honor me with words as he shrugged his shoulders.

"He needs someone who he hasn't worked with before. Someone that can be trusted to keep the secret. You've never worked with him before. Plus, you know Alice and me, and you know the situation, we trust you." I groaned closing my eyes, dropping my head back against the chair. How did you find yourself in this one Swan? If this falls through for Alice, it would be my fault. And now I was going to have to subject myself to ass-ward over there for the next 4 months. Pretending to actually enjoy his company, when I truthfully would love nothing more than to never see him again.

"Isn't this a contradiction to the whole show? A fake couple? Seems hardly fair." I was running out of resolve. I knew they weren't going to give up on this idea. My excuse was hardly a valid excuse. It's not like this would be the first that a reality show wasn't entirely real. Still didn't mean I wanted to be a part of this farce. Who knows what kind of repercussions would arise when this went down?

"Not fake, just…truth stretched." Alice cooed. I rolled my eyes turning my full attention to my partner. I was surprised that Mr. Uptight was so willing to go along with this ridiculous plan.

"And when this crashes into the ground?" He, for the second time during this little meeting, rolled his eyes over to me. With a shrug he then looked away again. I've wanted to punch a pretty face so badly in my life.

"I don't care what other people think about me. Besides, if we're discovered it won't be because of something I did." I opened my mouth ready to rip into him, but yet again Alice intervened. She stood up and clapped.

"No one will find out! We will be on top of every possible media outlet and if we need to make adjustments, we will. Please. Look as this as an opportunity." I sighed. Was I really going to let her do this to me? 4 months of an inconvenience to be around Popsicle over there in exchange for exposure and some money. I nodded.

"You are so going to owe me." I paused rubbing my temples. "What are the conditions?" I asked softly. Alice and Jasper both shouted with excitement as they jumped up to their feet.

"Nothing you're uncomfortable with." Jasper took over now as Alice prepared the contract. "The filming will take place over the next 4 months. You two just need to report to set on shooting days and act the part of a couple in love." I nodded slowly. If this kept me in Alice's good graces, I could stomach working with him. She'd done a lot for me over the past years, and if she really couldn't do this without me, then I would help her this one time.

"The contract is a promise to finish the season, filming a total of 16 episodes. You'll be paid per episode, but a cancel in the contract will result in a penalty fee. And trust me that far exceeds the cost of completing the filming. And of course if you win at the end of the season, you'll both be entitled to receive the prize money." Alice started, running her finger down the paper as she read over the broad details.

"The content of each episode will be provided to you, as well as to the other couples, prior to each filming. This is so you can prepare and discuss with one another your plans." Jasper followed up. I rolled my eyes. I think I'd have better luck speaking to a wall. "There may be days where a camera crew will follow you in your regular life, but you will have ample heads up when this happens. Also, you're going to be a featured couple for the upcoming promotional material, so we're going to require you to come and film a few commercials before the official season begins. Of course you'll receive extra payments for doing this." I groaned as Jasper slid the document towards me. I picked up the pen hoovering the tip over the signature line. That innocent line which would ultimately be my demise.

"Wait." My eyes snapped up to Edward. Did he really just speak without prompting? Shocking. Jasper and Alice gave him their attention as he leaned forward pulling the document away from me.

"What?" I asked annoyed. After all this, now he's backing out? Alice chewed on her lower lip anxiously as Edward flipped through it slowly, his tongue coming out to lick his bottom lip slowly. Such a waste of a beautiful man with such a rotten personality.

"I have a couple conditions of my own to add."

…you've got to be fucking kidding me.

Jasper nodded eagerly and flipped to a blank page towards the back used for addendums. This should be interesting. At this point I just wanted to get it over with so I could get home and enjoy what little time I had left before the shit show came. Alice came to my side, eyeing Edward curiously as he leaned back, lacing his fingers across his abdomen.

"First, no dating or fraternizing with the opposite sex until the season is concluded." I furrowed my eyebrows. Seriously? Jasper wrote quickly on the paper as Alice leaned nodded in agreement.

"It's a good idea. The contract was made standard for the other couples, of course adultery for them wasn't our biggest concern. But we need to be sure that you two are as pious as they come." Of course she agrees with him. I nodded.

"Fine. What else?" He smirked looking up at me. I could feel my soul shirk away under his intense gaze.

"I'm not going to be the reason she's able to pull this off. She's responsible for her own acting abilities. She gets one hour a week with me. Nothing more." Not a problem with me, like I wanted to spend more than 5 minutes in his presence anyway. Alice glanced to me nervously, I smiled sweetly.

"Perfectly fine with me. I wouldn't want to encroach upon Mr. Cullen's valuable time. I do hope that I will be able to live up to his expectations. I wouldn't want to let down my loving boyfriend." My tone was sharp. He seemed none the wiser to my sarcasm however. Jasper just wrote down his requests obediently, Edward signed the document first before it was slid over to me. With a deep breath, I did the same. Alice snatched up the document and quickly shoved it into the safety of her briefcase. I suppose she knew in a split second of sanity that I wouldn't be opposed to ripping the document up in her face.

"It's a pleasure doing business with you both. Looking forward to a successful season. I know that this will be a great opportunity for you both and," I put up a hand standing. I felt as though I've just signed away my soul. 4 months of daily interaction with Edward Cullen.

"Save it Jasper. I'm leaving. Congratulations Alice on finding your last couple." She was too happy to even care that her best friend was seriously thinking about her untimely death. Edward stood next, walking towards the door.

"I'm leaving too. If you need me, ask Jasper to contact me." I balled up my fists at my side. The door clicked close behind him and I let out a slurry of profane words cursing every aspect of him under the sun. Alice was giggling behind her hands as Jasper flopped back into his chair with a sigh.

"Could've gone worse." He muttered. I gave him an incredulous stare. Was he joking? Because if that was Edward on his best, I couldn't even fathom him at his worst. What have I gotten myself into?

"Was he really the best option you could come up with? I don't even think an icicle could pretend to be his girlfriend." Jasper smirked running his hand through his hair, while loosening his tie with the other.

"He's not that bad. Just a bit tough to read is all. He was as opposed to this as you were, you know. I told him that you were going to be in on the deal, which was a lie I know," I closed my mouth, "but it seemed to change his tune." So he just wanted to torture me. Great.

"Where did you find him Jasper?" I turned slowly to Alice. So this whole "friend of Jasper" thing was a complete lie. Lord knows what this guy's story is. I was basically their sacrificial lamb. An interesting romance for the sake of TV.

"He's my cousin." Both mine and Alice's jaws dropped. Jaspers…cousin?! He'd never once mentioned this relationship before. You look at the talking iceberg and his warm thoughtful cousin and wondered how there was any relation there.

"Your cousin? I didn't know Edward Cullen was your cousin. Why have you never told me this before?" I shook my head. I did not need to be around for their lovers quarrel. They should've just but propriety aside and added themselves to the show. It would've made an interesting dynamic anyway.

"I'm leaving. Alice stay with Jasper tonight?" It was a question, but I think she got the hint. She nodded hugging me tightly and Jasper shook my hand.

"This is going to be a great thing Bella. I promise." We'll see how they're feeling after the first episode is filmed. I nodded and grabbed my bag. Now I needed to stop and get food. This was the worst night I've ever had.