The first rule of Ben Higgins’ turn as “The Bachelor”: There are no rules.
Just six episodes in, and the 26-year-old stud is tossing out the dated handbook passed down from the single suitors before him. Between impromptu hometown dates and unexpected exits, Ben is playing by his own rules, whether the women like it or not.
“I’m completely in love with Ben, he’s literally the guy of my dreams,” front-runner Lauren B. confesses. “But that uncertainty, not knowing where he is in the other relationships, gets stronger and stronger.”
With six finalists remaining, following his purge of beauties during Monday night’s episode, Ben is proving that he is in this “competition” to find his wife, and will not tolerate bulls - - t from any of the contestants.
Following an after-hours powwow with Leah, Ben sends her packing after she chooses to badmouth Lauren B. instead of getting to know him.
“I was really hoping that tonight Leah and I would make the most of our time together, but all we’re really doing is talking about Lauren B.,” Ben shares. “The more that Leah talks, the more I realize that there’s a disconnect between the two of us.”
“This is getting really hard, it just didn’t feel right,” he continues.
With the final dates ahead, Ben will have to narrow his choices down to two women. And with his future on the line, it’s only natural of Ben to question every decision he makes — including an engagement.
“I know I’m in love with two women here,” Ben states in a preview teasing the remainder of the season. “This isn’t easy, I’m conflicted and I’m confused about that.”
In a moment of weakness, Ben breaks down to host Chris Harrison about his feelings, after which the master MC gives him a dose of tough love.
“What you’re contemplating right now, that would absolutely change everything,” the “Bachelor” guru spills, before the camera cuts to Ben escorting a woman into the back of a limo.
“I have to say goodbye to a woman who doesn’t deserve it. Saying goodbye to her doesn’t feel right. This is the biggest mistake I’ve made,” Ben says, holding back tears. “I don’t want to say goodbye because that’s how much I love her. I’m about to get on one knee and ask a woman to marry me, but unfortunately I just love somebody else, more.”
With Lauren B. and JoJo poised to win Ben’s heart, the question is, which lady is on the receiving end of his phone call from a tropical altar?