The next arrival came without warning.
No theme music. No dramatic voiceover. Just the front door swinging open while everyone was mid-breakfast.
Ren looked up from his toast.
The others turned, stunned.
And standing in the doorway—with ripped jeans, oversized hoodie, and a teasing grin—was Zoe Chambers.
She popped her gum and waved lazily.
"Hey, losers. Miss me?"
Brooke choked on her drink. Naomi's eyes narrowed. Vanessa stood perfectly still, watching like a cat.
Ren?
His stomach dropped.
Because if this was who he thought it was…
Zoe winked at him.
"Long time no see, Ren. Or are we pretending we never met, too?"
The host's voice cut in overhead, as cheerful as ever.
"Surprise contestant! Zoe Chambers, welcome to Second Chance Season!"
Zoe did a dramatic curtsy.
Ren forced himself to play the part.
"Hi… um… I'm Ren."
She walked right up to him, leaned in close, and whispered:
"You called me a mistake once. Don't worry, I never forgot."
Then louder, for the cameras: "Wow! You really don't remember me? Guess I didn't leave a mark."
Vanessa's gaze sharpened. Emily looked away. Riley visibly flinched.
Zoe spun and strolled into the house like she owned it.
Later that afternoon, when the cameras weren't watching, Ren found her alone near the pool, flipping through a deck of playing cards.
"You shouldn't be here," he said.
"I'm perfect for this show," she replied without looking up.
"You weren't even my girlfriend."
Zoe shrugged. "Long enough for them to count it."
Ren crossed his arms. "Why are you really here?"
She stopped flipping.
Then glanced up at him — no grin this time. Just quiet.
"I was paid to date you in college, remember?"
His chest tightened.
"You were supposed to flirt, keep tabs, get close. Make you feel wanted. All for their stupid experiment."
She stood up and walked away.
Then turned back with a crooked smile.
"But the funny part, Ren?"
She tapped her temple.
"Somewhere in there… I think I actually fell for you."
And with that, Zoe disappeared down the hallway — leaving behind nothing but static in Ren's head.