Part 2Custom Made for My Wife

The host looked like he’d struck gold. He gave me a look of half-pity, half-scorn.

"Summer, looking at the audience's enthusiasm... if we call these two, our show might get banned for being too spicy."

I laughed. "I doubt that. It’s just that they’re busy men. They might not pick up."

The chat erupted:

[She’s scared! Call them now!]

[Who is Sponsor A? If he doesn't show up, we’ll know it’s a scandal.]

Bella leaned in, whispering "kindly" next to me.

"Summer, if you're scared, don't do it. I don't want this to ruin your career."

"I can tell the director to blur the names later."

"If things get bad, I’ll ask Silas to help you wipe the trending topics."

She seemed to forget she was wearing a mic. Her "whisper" was heard by everyone.

The chat showered her with praise while she "realized" her mistake and apologized.

"Please don't judge Summer too hard. She’s a great actress. I hope everyone focuses on our drama The Dearest instead."

The host played along. "The audience has voted."

"Bella, please make your call."

Bella dialed "My Love Silas." It was picked up after two rings.

A deep, baritone voice answered: "Bella?"

My heart skipped. The voice sounded about 80% like Silas, but... off.

"I’m sorry, I’m in a meeting and can't get away," the voice said.

Bella pouted. "You're always so busy. I haven't seen you in forever."

The voice chuckled. "Be good. I’ll have a surprise for you when you get back."

She hung up and looked at everyone apologetically. "He’s too busy. Can I call someone else?"

The host was now completely subservient to her. "Of course! Who would you like to call?"

Bella scrolled and stopped at "Charles Miller."

"I’ll call my dad. He should be free."

The host gasped. The chat was flooded with "WTF"s.

[Bella is the daughter of Charles Miller?! The real estate tycoon?! Silas Thorne’s girlfriend and Charles Miller’s daughter? What kind of god-tier family is this?]

[She’s a literal princess!]

I was now certain Bella was building a "Golden Girl" persona.

I didn't know if Silas had a secret second girlfriend, but I knew for a fact that my dad only had one daughter—me!

My parents were so sickeningly in love that I was an "accident." There was zero chance of a second accident.

But when she dialed, my dad actually picked up.

"Bella? Why are you calling me?"

Bella used her sweetest voice. "Dad, I’m on a variety show. I need my 'dearest person.' Can you come?"

The other side hesitated for less than a second. "Of course."

Bella’s face glowed. The host was speechless.

If Bella could bring these titans to the show, their ratings would hit the stratosphere.

Then the host turned to me. I looked terrible.

I’d known my dad’s voice for over twenty years. I couldn't be mistaken.

What was my dad hiding from my mom?

"Bella is truly extraordinary," the host flattered her, then shoved the mic in my face. "Summer, you look pale. Are you actually scared now?"

"Everyone has chosen Sponsor A. We’re dialing. You can't run."

The host didn't even give me the phone. He dialed for me.

The same voice that had just spoken to Bella appeared again.

"Princess? What’s up?" My dad’s voice was natural and affectionate.

The chat went insane:

[Wait, that voice... why does it sound so familiar? Is Summer’s 'sponsor' Bella’s dad?]

[The industry is so messy! I love it!]

[I’m screen-recording this. This is history!]

Despite the chaos in my head, I couldn't interrogate my dad on live TV.

I asked him to come to the show.

He actually refused me.

"It’s bad timing today, sweetie. I already promised someone else I’d go to their show."

"She called first. You know us businessmen value integrity. I can't break my word."

"Next time, okay?"

The host hung up before I could reply, acting as if he were protecting the audience from my "breakdown."

Two girls called the same man. He only said yes to Bella.

The hierarchy was clear.

I was being publicly humiliated.

I glared at Bella. She didn't look like my dad at all.

Why would he reject his daughter for her?

I was going to call my mom and snitch the second this show ended.

Bella looked at me, her face pale and "fragile," acting like a victim.

The chat was full of pity for her:

[Imagine finding out your dad has a mistress on your own show.]

[Poor Bella. It’s okay, we love you. You have Silas.]

The host looked at me with mockery. "Summer, your Sponsor A rejected you."

"Should we call Sponsor B?"

"Do we even need to ask who he is?"

I smirked, matched his mockery. "What a coincidence. His name is Silas Thorne, too."

[LOL, Summer is delusional!]

[Silas just rejected Bella because he was busy. You think he’ll pick up for a mistress?]

[Wait, let me guess. Is she going to claim Silas is her brother next because they have the same surname? Oh wait, they don't.]