“Now, I know you must be wondering why I called you in so early.” Her posture immediately stiffens. “As your manager, Levi, I want what’s best for you. Always remember that when you don’t agree with the decisions I make. I know you will not be a happy man, walking out of here today. But please let me explain before you overreact.”
Nodding stiffly, I tighten my grip on the little girl in my lap.
“Have you seen what’s been trending lately on every single social media platform?”
Shaking my head, I remind her I’m not active on social media. I have accounts, but I logged out of them a while ago. The false shit I had seen about myself made my blood boil. And I’d decided it wasn’t a good place for me.
“It seems you and Amelia Drakos were spotted together one night at a bar. Paparazzi captured what looks like an intimate moment between the two of you.”
“An intimate moment?” I scoff, leaning closer to my delusional manager. “We were arguing. There wasn’t anything romantic about the entire interaction.”
What the hell is going on?
“I believe you. I really do.” She waves her hand. “But the two of you are trending. People think you have a secret, scandalous relationship. And since the first image came out a couple of days ago, our streams have doubled.”
It takes a lot for me not to jump up and shake some sense into her, but I get up calmly and place my still-sleeping sister on the couch before heading back to my seat. I feel my entire body tense up as Fay watches me for my reaction.
“A couple of days ago? How come I wasn’t informed of these rumors as soon as they came out?”
“We wanted to see if they would die down. However, as days pass, everyone seems to love the idea of two rivals in love.” She takes a deep breath. “If we’re looking to increase your popularity, this opportunity they have presented us with seems like a fantastic idea.”
“Who, and what opportunity?” My head feels like it’s going to explode. I think I know where this is going, and I don’t like it.
The door behind me slowly opens, and I’m actually scared to look back.
“This will be good for both of you to hear together.” Fay sends me an apologetic smile.
Mustering up enough courage, I turn slowly, and my eyes clash with a just-as-worried Amelia Drakos.
“We have something to tell you guys,” her manager says, walking farther into the room, leaving Amelia at the doorway.
I bet they do, and whatever it is, they’re giving us the impression that it will change our lives.
CHAPTER14
AMELIA
The team never calls me into the studio without my brothers. Even I know I’m not the star of the band, so why in the world am I being ushered into a room that Levi Miller is in?
I crave to send my brothers an SOS message because this can’t be any good.
“Amelia, dear, sit, please. I’m Fay, by the way. Just in case you forgot,” Triple Threat’s manager says with a kind smile, waving me over to the empty chair beside Levi.
Walking on my shaky feet, I spot an adorable little girl sleeping peacefully on a couch. Folding my sweaty hands in my lap, I sit. I feel my rival’s intense gaze pinned on me, but I refuse to look at him.
“We already filled in Amelia before we came down here,” Justin explains.
“Okay, so there are rumors of us dating, which are quite ridiculous since everyone knows we hate each other. But can you just cut to the chase as to why we’re here? There’s always going to be false news spreading like wildfire about people like us,” Levi says while leaning forward, resting his elbows on his knees.
“I was getting to that,” Justin grumbles, rolling his eyes unprofessionally at Levi. “Since the tabloids and everyone have been fantasizing over this potential relationship, both of the band’s socials, streams, and following base have tripled. Have you two ever heard of a publicity stunt?”
Oh God … no.My heart drops.
“Do you think we’re stupid?” Levi raises a brow.
For once, I agree with him.
Justin sends him a glare. “A lot of actors and singers have used publicity stunts to their advantage to gain more success. And after we talked”—he motions to Fay—“we decided we can’t pass up this incredible opportunity. You two, from today until we say so, will be fake dating.”
