But Darcy remains focused; she’s good at her job. She can do this. ‘He needs to know it’s over. I’ve gotten to know him over the last couple of months and even though he’s got women desperate to win his heart, he won’t let himself fall for any of them because he hasn’t given up hope on you.’

Penelope doesn’t say anything, but Darcy can hear she’s still on the phone.

‘I don’t know anything about your break-up, but did you say something to make him think you might change your mind?’

‘No,’ Penelope murmurs.

Darcy doesn’t know whether to believe her or not. ‘Ty talks about you as though you’re the great love of his life …’ Darcy purposely lets the words dangle in the air for a moment before adding, ‘He most certainly hopes you feel the same way.’

Darcy hears Penelope take in a deep breath, and feels satisfaction in knowing the conversation is starting to evoke some emotion.

‘The whole country is behind him. They’re all hoping you’ll change your mind.’

‘I’m not going to change my mind,’ Penelope says, a little rushed and perhaps louder than she intended. ‘And the last thing I want is media attention.’

‘Look, Penelope, I’ll be honest with you. We’re trying to make a TV show about finding love. Ty still having feelings for you—someone who’s not on the show—is making it a little bit difficult for us.’

‘I’m sorry, but that’s not really my problem.’

Darcy reminds herself to stay calm, this isn’t lost yet. ‘Haven’t you realised that this isn’t going to go away until the show is over? Ty’s made a public declaration. People all around Australia are rooting for the two of you to be reunited.’

‘Well, they’re going to be disappointed,’ Penelope says, but her voice has started to quiver, her breathing muffled.

‘I know you still care for him. I can hear it in your voice.’

Penelope doesn’t even try to argue it. ‘Of course I do.’ Darcy can feel the conversation shifting as she imagines waves of emotion sweeping in and trying to knock Penelope off balance.

‘Don’t you think you owe it to him to tell him once more? He needs to hear it. Please help him move on,’ Darcy urges, feeling as though her career relies on convincing this woman to come on the show. ‘We’ve still got three women left who want to spend the rest of their lives with him. Give one of them the chance to have a happily ever after.’

There’s silence on the other end of the phone. Darcy tingles with hope.

‘What exactly do you want me to do?’

Darcy manages a victory fist pump before professionally launching into their plans for the reunion.