Chapter 1The Golden Cage

While filming a survival reality show on a deserted island, the producers confiscated my phone. In a panic, I used my burner phone to text my "sugar daddy" boyfriend, Julian.

"We're screwed, hubby! My lock screen is a nude photo of you!"

Julian texted back: "Vivian, you're just a canary I keep in a cage. Don't get delusional."

Two seconds later...

"Wait, what did you say?"

* * *

Julian fired off messages like a machine gun.

"I haven't seen you in a month and this is the surprise you give me?"

"Does it show my face? Can people tell it's me?"

[Voice Message: 60''] [Voice Message: 60'']

"Go ask the production crew for the phone back. Right now."

"No, steal it back. Don't let anyone see you."

"Forget it, I'll steal it. I've never been this humiliated in my life."

"Where are you filming? Send the address."

"Hello? Speak."

I was squatting behind a pitch-black tent, staring intensely at the screen.

I sent the location, but the signal bar just kept spinning.

I couldn't even receive Julian's messages anymore. I was sweating bullets.

Suddenly, the camp loudspeaker blared.

"Attention! Vivian Chen has been caught with a contraband phone, violating Island Rule #1."

"Punishment: Team 3 is responsible for making tomorrow's breakfast."

I watched, dumbfounded, as the director, wearing a ghillie suit, jumped out of the bushes.

He grinned evilly. "I knew someone wasn't playing by the rules. Gotcha, Vivian! Here's your mission card. Meet at the beach tomorrow at 5 AM."

I took the card.

A camera shoved into my face, zooming in on my guilt and forced smile.

Just then, a video call started ringing loudly.

I answered it in a panic.

Julian's voice was on the edge of exploding.

"Hello? What kind of vacation show confiscates phones? Is this even legal?"

"Why aren't you talking? Scared now? What were you thinking setting that as your wallpaper?"

The director smelled gossip. Who would I be secretly contacting at midnight?