A Second Life, A New Power novel Chapter 293

"Demi, you didn't pick any of us? How are we supposed to feel?" George asked, his disappointment plain on his face.

"You were supposed to choose from the guys here," Chad replied, his tone laced with regret.

"Demi, is it because you're trying to avoid dating rumors with other male artists that you went for someone off our roster?" Sam added, half-teasing to cover his own embarrassment.

"Then, choose me. I'm a non-celebrity too! Why go for someone far away when I'm right here?" Herne quickly volunteered.

Connor shot a fleeting glance at Felix, his expression shadowed with dejection, though he forced a smile so no one would see his true feelings.

"You told us to pick the hottest guy, and I picked accordingly!" Demi declared innocently.

...

The comments section exploded once again.

"What does that even mean? Is that staffer the hottest one present?"

"My idol's already got a face that could break the internet. No one can compare!"

"Demi's taste is really off—case closed!"

...

"Alright, Demi. It's your turn now," Nigel chimed in cheerily.

Demi nonchalantly spun the spoon, and to everyone's surprise, it landed on Ana.

Both Demi and Ana went silent for a moment.

"Truth or dare?" Demi asked coolly, though it was clear she wasn't thrilled about having to speak with Ana.

After a pause, Ana answered, "Dare."

Demi furrowed her brow, trying to come up with a challenge. Then suddenly, her eyes lit up.

"Okay, here's your dare. Pick the guy you think is the hottest in this room, look him right in the eye, and say, 'I love you!'" she announced.

"This was just like what Connor did earlier," someone remarked.

...

Soon enough, the spoon spun again and pointed to George. Before Ana could even speak, he blurted out, "Truth."

Taking a deep breath, Ana locked eyes with him and asked earnestly, "Do you really hate me?"

"Yes," George answered bluntly without missing a beat.

The guys around him—Herne, Chad, and Sam—shifted uncomfortably while Alex and Thomas frowned and shot him disapproving looks.

"Why? Have I ever done anything to wrong you?" Ana's face tightened as she blurted out the question.

"That's three questions in one, isn't it?" Chad interjected, clearly trying to cut George off.

Others echoed his sentiment. After all, they were on live camera for a variety show.

"It's fine—I'll answer," George said flatly. "Rather than say you've wronged me, I'd say there are plenty of things about your behavior that I really look down on."

"What exactly have I done to earn that?" Ana managed to ask, and her voice strained as she fought to keep it from rising.