Bomb dropped.
What?
I feel like I’m shaking … am I? Because I’m ten seconds away from barfing into my lap.
We’ve been doing fine for years. What will we gain from this if we’re already at the top? I’m so angry that the team is so blinded by money that they’re going to make me fake date our rival, who I’m supposed to stay far away from.
All the air in my lungs disappears, leaving me a gasping mess. I’m pretty sure my jaw fell to the floor because this can’t be real. I’m living a horrible, bad dream.
Someone, please wake me.
“What?” Levi breathes out in utter disbelief. “Isn’t this something we should talk about before making a final decision?”
“You both signed contracts.” Justin shrugs his shoulders, sending an unapologetic smile Levi’s way. “You signed your rights away when you entered Hollywood. Therefore, the decision has already been made for the two of you.”
If I were Justin, I would be quite scared of Levi. He looks like he’s ready to pounce. And I wouldn’t hold him back if he did.
I can’t seem to say anything. My world has been completely flipped upside down sending me spiraling into a mindset I don’t like.
Fake date my enemy? How is any of this a good idea? He’s part of a band we’re trying to beat in the charts. I would never have thought that them moving into this studio would put me into this position. After all, the entire team hates Triple Threat. What has changed?
Oh my God, my brothers will be furious when they find out. No wonder I was told to come alone. I can’t do this. I can’t pretend to be in love with the one man I hate deeply.
What is the team thinking? How could they do this to me?
“Amelia, honey, you look like you saw a ghost. Tell us what’s on your mind,” Fay says.
She sends me a warm smile, and I’m immediately filled with jealousy that she isn’t my manager.
“I’m shocked, and I’m confused about how this makes sense. We’re rivals. We don’t like each other,” I stutter, giving in and meeting his dark gaze. Eyes so green that they scream danger.
“We know you guys can do this—” Fay begins before Justin rudely interrupts her.
“We would hope you guys don’t like each other. But you’re going to pretend. Your entire career depends on the press. It doesn’t matter if it’s good press or bad. This will be the biggest scandal of the year.” Justin is on the edge of his seat in excitement. “And that brings on attention, money, and fame.” He laughs, leaning back in his seat.
Levi shakes his head in evident annoyance. “This isn’t fair. What the fuck? I can’t pretend to be in a relationship with someone I can’t stand.” He sends his manager a desperate look. “We’ll get streams a different way.”
“Levi, this isn’t a forever thing. We’re just asking you guys to follow our instructions for a couple of months.” Fay sends Justin a glare, understanding he’s not helping our panic.
“You guys just need to be seen out in public, go to events together, post pictures of one another on social media. It will be easy. And by the end of this arrangement, you guys will be the superstars in the music industry.”
I shake my head. Is my life a joke? I can’t believe I have to pretend to like the ignorant man beside me. I’m not an actor. I’m a singer. And I’m already a superstar in the music industry.
“We’ve sent you both a picture to re-create. Post it on your socials with no caption this week. The quicker, the better.” Justin stands and straightens his shirt. “Let’s make this fake relationship as smooth as possible. If you have questions, I’ll be in my office.”
Justin leaves without looking back, and I’m still glued to my chair in shock.
“Fay, we can’t do this.” Levi pushes his glasses further up his nose. “There’s no way this is going to be believable.”
“Please, there has to be something we can do,” I plead.
“There isn’t. I’m sorry. We see the numbers growing rapidly because of your rumored relationship. People are eating it up. However, I’ll try to make it bearable for the two of you.”
“Do my brothers know?” I ask, hoping I won’t have to break the news.
She shakes her head with a small smile. As she stands from her desk, I beg her with my eyes to not leave me alone withhim.
“I’m going to leave you two alone to talk. I know this is a lot to take in. But you’ll thank us later.”
