ale of "Building Love," the reality show that had captivated the nation. She, a renowned chef, and Liam Hayes, a celebrated architect, were its stars. The world saw them as a perfect coup

show began, she and Liam had built a life together not in the real world, but inside a home renovation game called "Dream Home Makeover." He was 'ArchitectGod,' and she was 'ChefSweetheart.' Their in-game mansion was a spra

vering over the familiar icon of "Dream Home Makeover." Her hands trembled slightly as she launched the game, a smile touching her lips. The loading screen a

d' has been terminated. You have been remove

nish, and the loud buzz of the studio faded into a dull roar in her ears. She felt cold, a deep, sudden chill

n, closing the notification. She immediately opened h

? The system says we'r

ds felt like hours. A small icon appeared, indi

over

ords. Her st

it's over? We' re about to go on stag

and detached as the first. "Let's just keep

ess the words, another sys

a transfer of 10,000,000 gol

ing a world together, dismissed with a transaction of meaningless game cur

ith idle chatter, exploded. She could see th

tectGod just dum

of Evermore Estat

he game's ultimate c

gold. That's a breakup f

d her head around the corne

were empty. There was no warmth, no love, none of the shared understanding that had been their foundation. He

he live finale of 'Building Love'!" The audience roared. "Everyone is on the edge of their

urprise to kick things off! Liam, you've been working on a special final project, but w

ng woman walked out. She was pretty, with a sweet, innocent smile. Ava recognized her instantly. Chloe Green, an up-and-coming interior

he placed a hand gently on her back. She

collaborating secretly in the game for a little while now, and I'm just so t

hot lights feeling like an interrogation lamp. The woman who had just stolen her life, both online and off, wa