‘We’ll address the photo after Bonnie’s exit interview is aired tonight. We’re going to say Bonnie had already left the show when the photo was taken, and an old friend was comforting her.’

‘I’m glad they agreed with what I suggested.’ Darcy can’t help herself. She’s sick of continually getting no credit for ideas she puts forward.

But Alice ignores the comment. ‘Has everything here been arranged?’

‘Yes.’ Darcy has been flat out finalising paperwork, securing a location and writing the script for Bonnie’s exit interview. Alice herself had spoken to Bonnie via Darcy’s phone to double and triple check that she didn’t want to give Ty another chance and stay on the show. Under no circumstances would Bonnie even consider this.

Ty’s flown back to the city and is in lockdown. Darcy and Ben have already filmed an interview with him. If Bonnie says what has been written for her, then the two interviews will be cut together. It’ll look like a mutual parting of ways, that their friendship had become stronger than romance ever would.

They arrive at a private garden Darcy had secured.

‘Are you sure you’re capable of running things here?’ Alice’s mouth is downturned. ‘I can take over.’

Part of Darcy wants to lie down and admit defeat, curl up under a blanket and enjoy endless cups of tea. But she isn’t going to give Alice the satisfaction. ‘I’m more than capable,’ Darcy assures her.

Bonnie’s waiting, her hair and makeup already done.

‘Are you ready?’ Darcy asks as she approaches.

There’s no trace of a smile on her face. ‘I know what I have to say.’ What they’ve asked her to say. She’s made it abundantly clear she doesn’t agree, but will fulfil her contract requirements and confidentiality clause.

Darcy can feel the tension. They may have been friendly in the past, but it’s nothing but professional now.

‘Are you sure we can’t tempt you to stay?’ Alice’s cool voice cuts the air. ‘We can assure you the win?’

Disgust washes over Bonnie’s face. ‘I won’t be someone’s second choice.’ Why would Bonnie settle for a life with Ty when she knows Ty’s heart belongs to Penny?

Naturally Darcy’s thoughts go to Drew and she wonders if she’d be settling if she stayed with him.

‘Is that where you want me?’ Bonnie indicates towards a chair.

Darcy buries her feelings about Drew and nods to Bonnie, watching as she sits nervously in the chair. Darcy moves to stand next to Ben, who is waiting by his camera. He offers Bonnie a little hello and Darcy is surprised that Bonnie returns his smile in spite of everything.

‘Okay, Bonnie. Just like we rehearsed and straight to camera,’ Darcy says. ‘Rolling in three, two, one …’