Chapter 3: In the Spotlight, In the Shadows

The next day.

On the TV variety show, Lila lost a challenge and had to take a dare.

She wore a white off-shoulder dress, lying on the ground, her hazel eyes red.

The studio lights blazed down, reflecting off her dress and making her look almost angelic. The crowd buzzed with anticipation, a thrum that vibrated through the seats. A sea of fans in neon hoodies, waving signs and screaming for drama, not caring who got hurt.

A heavyset male celeb was doing push-ups over her.

To the side, Chase leaned against the rail, spinning a silver ring on his finger.

He looked every inch the superstar—unbothered, a little bored, yet somehow dominating the entire room.

When the guy collapsed, Chase couldn’t take it anymore.

He muttered a curse, then shoved the man aside.

Chase’s face was dark as he took the dare himself, letting Lila sit on his back, making fans shriek.

Lila looked scared, clutching Chase’s veiny neck tight with both hands.

She bit her lower lip, eyes wide as the crowd went wild. Cameras zoomed in, capturing every second for the internet to devour.

Someone next to me frowned.

"Weird, what’s a superstar like Chase Preston doing on this show?"

"Even weirder, he never lets anyone get close, but now he’s letting her sit on him…"

I forced a bitter smile.

Because she’s Lila Evans, Chase’s first love.

……

The next game was to pick a random audience member and guess the song.

The moment he saw me, Chase paused, adjusting his earpiece, frowning.

But he quickly bent to help Lila with hers.

The music started, Chase’s singing was flawless, his stage presence magnetic.

The spotlight on his perfect face sent waves of screams through the crowd.

Fans held up their phones, the glow of a thousand screens flickering like fireflies. His voice soared through the studio, smooth as honey, flawless even under pressure.

When the host asked, I said calmly:

"Sorry, I can’t tell."

The whole place erupted.

This was Chase’s latest hit, famous across the country, winner of every award.

Fans exploded:

"Seriously? Has she been living under a rock?"

"Get off the stage!"

A few voices rose above the crowd, mocking and cruel. I felt the weight of their stares, the scrutiny burning through me.

Only Chase stayed cold.

He put one hand in his pocket, eyes narrowed, glaring at me.

He was pissed I’d forgotten how to be the ‘secret girlfriend,’ not fit to be seen.

Even more pissed a placeholder would show up in front of the real thing.

Until a glow stick hit me, the sharp plastic splitting my brow and drawing blood.

The sting was immediate—hot, sticky warmth sliding down my face. I blinked, stunned, the world narrowing to a single line of pain.

In a flash, Chase’s brows furrowed, and he strode over.

But Lila grabbed his shirt.

She said nothing, just bit her lip and made him stop.

He forgot about me, curled up in pain under the glow sticks.

He gently comforted her: "Don’t worry, I’m here."

……

After the chaos, Lila went on stage and won the game.

I had to take the dare and was pushed into the pool.

By the pool.

Lila, her back to the camera, smirked:

"Seven years wasn’t enough. His real love is still me. I heard Chase called you by my name for seven years?"

Her voice dripped with false sweetness, the words slicing deep. Her designer heels dug into the concrete as she leaned closer, making sure only I could hear.

I looked at her calmly and pulled out my phone to type:

[We’re finished. Give me back what’s mine.]

[The song you just sang—I wrote it in high school. I’m fine exposing everything.]

Lila’s face twisted, and she hissed through clenched teeth.

Suddenly she grabbed my hand and yanked me into the water with her.

I slipped on the wet tile, arms flailing, before the cold water swallowed me whole. Laughter and camera flashes followed me down.

The freezing water closed over my nose and mouth, and I struggled, panicked.

Chlorine stung my eyes, bubbles roaring in my ears as I fought to reach the surface. The shouts and laughter above sounded muffled and far away.

Soon, Chase’s anxious voice rang out:

"Move! Damn, why’s this pool so deep?"

Lila cried:

"Chase, save Lila first!"

A strong hand pried my fingers off Lila’s.

Chase shouted:

"Lila Evans! Let go! Are you trying to drown Lila?"

The icy water chilled me to the bone, my heart growing numb.

This time, he didn’t call the wrong name.

……

I suddenly remembered Chase’s first show.

I was carrying posters and snacks, exhausted.

Sitting in a dark corner, I caught my breath.

On stage, Chase stood under the spotlight, the center of attention.

Offstage, fans waved glow sticks and screamed.

I couldn’t hear the music or the cheers.

In the silent world, only Chase’s figure remained.

He was a light, shining through my dark teenage years, still shining now.

Suddenly, the crowd got rowdy.

I was shoved down and couldn’t get up.

Someone tossed down the mic, jumped off stage, pushed through the crowd, and crouched to hold me tight.

Blood from his forehead dripped onto my lips.

Chase…

Because you were afraid of breaking your placeholder, is that it?

Then why did you keep stroking my hair, telling me not to be scared?

Then why, at seventeen…