Chapter 5: The Dog Returns

Alex Brooks lowered his head and smiled at the camera.

He did that bashful boy-next-door grin, the one that launched a thousand TikToks.

“I used to think I’d never keep a dog, but she gave me a sense of security, and made me open up to dogs again.”

It was the kind of line that made fans swoon and publicists cheer. He nailed the delivery, not a hint of irony.

[Ahhh, Brooks’s happiness is practically bubbling over when he mentions Little Princess!]

[Brooks’s smile is so sweet. If this couple isn’t real, I’ll never believe in love again.]

[How jealous is Mark Taylor of Brooks? He even remembers what he said in interviews. So gross.]

[Mark Taylor is always bullying Brooks, stealing his screen time and gigs.]

[Who’s the real gig snatcher? Taylor’s jewelry endorsement was taken by Brooks, yet he still acts like a victim. Pfft.]

[That’s because the brand thought Brooks was a better fit, not because he stole it.]

[Can Little Princess just blacklist Mark Taylor already…]

The director saw the livestream viewership skyrocket.

The numbers were climbing so fast you could almost hear the ad revenue rolling in.

He was secretly overjoyed—this ratings spike was in the bag.

His grin was bigger than a winning lottery ticket.

He was about to ask more about how Alex Brooks and Little Princess met, when an assistant ran over and whispered in his ear.

She handed him a slip of paper, mouthing something urgent. Whatever it was, it wiped the smirk right off his face.

The director nodded, then looked at Alex Brooks with a big smile.

He switched back to showman mode instantly.

“Brooks, Little Princess sent you a gift. She said it’s here to keep Mom company during the show.”

A guest gasped.

The suspense in the room was electric. Someone clutched their chest for effect.

“Could it be that Little Princess sent the dog over?”

Even the cameraman stopped panning—waiting for the big reveal.