When the Stage Lights Turns Dim

At my buddy's birthday bash, I had way too much to drink and ended up passing out, fully clothed, next to a woman I'd just met.

My so-called best friend didn't even check on me. Instead, he found the perfect angle, snapped a pic, and posted it with the caption.

[That's my bro! Can charm his way into anyone's bed!]

The next day, the scandal exploded all over the internet.

Media swarmed for comments. My two childhood besties, who'd always sworn they'd trust me forever, not only refused to defend me but publicly threw me under the bus.

Shawn's always been a player, popular with the ladies. What can we do?

Guess we weren't good enough compared to all those distractions out there. But thankfully, we have Ryan now!

Faced with their betrayal, I coldly decided to quit the influencer scene for good.

I tracked down the woman from the photo and confronted her at her hotel.

Hey, about last nightaren't you gonna take responsibility?

What did you have in mind?

Marry me.

When Chloe and Zoe returned, I was spacing out, staring at the freshly-printed marriage certificate.

I didn't even notice them walk in. Marriage certificate? Whose is it?

Chloe snatched it from my hands. The moment she opened it, she let out a scornful laugh.

Shawn, just because your career is in ruins doesn't mean you need to get a fake marriage license to save face.

Zoe's smile was more restrained than Chloe's, but her words were just as dismissive.

No one's gonna buy a fake, Shawn. When people find out, you'll only be more humiliated.

Frowning, I took the certificate back. I almost had to laugh.

These were the same two who'd always sworn they'd have my back. no matter what happened.

As I stood up to retreat to my room, my eyes unexpectedly met Ryan's behind them. I was taken aback.

"What are you doing here?"

Ryan walked forward, looking full of guilt. Before saying a word, he slapped himself across the face.

Shawn, I'm sorry, I really didn't mean it. You know I'm new to thisI had no idea just posting a pic would cause so much trouble.

He played the innocent act to perfection. What a waste of talent not going into acting.

Crossing my arms, I watched him with amusement. Then why didn't you clarify?

He looked genuinely confused. Clarify what?

That nothing happened that night.

I couldn't stand his fake confusion and raised my voice slightly.

Ryan immediately flinched and hid behind Chloe, as if I were threatening him.

II can't lie.

Enough.

Chloe and Zoe intervened instantly. One yanked me backward by the arm, the other stepped between me and Ryan.

Shawn, you mess up and expect Ryan to cover for you? You think everyone's like you, twisting the truth without a conscience?

You brought this on yourself. Ryan's just too kind-hearted.He actually feels guilty and came to apologize, and you treat him like this?

I'm treating him like this'? I'm the one who's mess up'?

I was honestly amused.

Since we were kids, because of Chloe and Zoe's possessiveness, I'd never had any other female friends.

Even Ryan only became my so-called bro because they approved him not long ago.

I'd actually been happy about having a friend.

Now? Talk about a disaster.

Whatever, you're always so unreasonable.

Chloe scoffed coldly, pulling Ryan downstairs.

Zoe sighed. Shawn, you're on your own now.

Then she followed them down.

Staring at the empty staircase where they disappeared, a practical thought suddenly struck me: if I wanted to sell this place, I'd need to restore it to its original condition first.

Years ago, on a whim, I'd signed up for a reality show and unexpectedly gained some popularityeven got signed.

With my first paycheck, I bought this apartment.

Chloe and Zoe didn't want to be apart from me. Using the excuse of protecting me, they got money from their families to buy the unit below mine.They then had a staircase installed, connecting the two floors, despite the property manager's objections.

That way, they could come and go as they pleased.

There was a time I appreciated that convenience.

Once, after falling into a lake during a variety show taping, I developed a high fever that night.

They came up with food, found me burning up, and rushed me to the hospital.

But now? I didn't need their care anymore.

The next morning, I was still half-asleep when my assistant, Andy, called.

Shawn, what happened last night?

Still groggy, I mumbled back, We? Who's we'?

Just check the trending topics.

Trending?

Half my sleepiness vanished. I switched to the browser.

My name was all over the headlines again.

#Ryan apologizes in person late at night, gets yelled at by Shawn until he cries.#

#Shawn's true colors: turns on his best friend and childhood confidantes!#

#Shawn's reputation ruined after scandal with fanChloe and Zoe speak out.#

The comments were flooded with hate.

[What a jerk. Can't control himself and then takes it out on others. Who knew Shawn was so disgusting behind the scenes?]

[I unfollowed him the second this broke. Really hurtsnever thought my idol would be like this.]

[A man who doesn't respect himself is worthless! If I were his friend, I'd cut ties too. Who wants a friend like that?]

Interesting.

Ryan came up with Chloe and Zoe last night, and left through their place. How was this not about the three of them, but only about trashing me?

Clearly, someone paid to push these trending topics. They were using me as a stepping stone.

I checked Ryan's socials. Sure enough, as a newcomer, his followers had exploded past 300k in under two days and was still climbing rapidly.

Comments praised him for being pure, kind, and fans vowed to protect him.

When I hung up, Andy's voice turned hesitant.

Shawn, Mr. John said the album they planned for you is on hold. He wants you to come to the office.

Should I send a car?

I stretched and got out of bed. No, I need to see him anyway.

If I remembered right, my contract had exactly one month left. With this scandal, the company probably wouldn't renew it.

Perfect. I was tired anyway. This was my chance to leave it all behind.

The moment I arrived at the agency, Andy met me, looking like he wanted to say something.

I waved him off, indicating it wasn't necessary.

Inside Mr. John's office, Chloe, Zoe, and Ryan were all there.

Mr. John tossed a contract at me, his face dark.

The shows that wanted you backed out. This gigChloe got it for you. Look it over and sign.

A director wanted to sign me now, at the peak of the scandal? And Chloe arranged it? Since when did she have that kind of pull?

Skeptical, I opened the contract. After a few pages, I flipped to the attached script outline and suddenly laughed.

This wasn't for me. This was a show tailor-made for the four of us, Designed to make me clash with Ryan on screen, pushing this manufactured drama to its boiling point.

They were squeezing every last drop of my value to prop Ryan up.

My laugh irritated Chloe. What's so funny?

I smirked. Why so nervous?

You

Clenching her fist, she stepped toward me, but Ryan held her back.

Shawn, if you don't want to do the show with me, I'll back out. You need this right now, so don't let pride get in the way.

Before I could speak, Chloe and Zoe said in unison, No.

Ryan, you're a newcomer. Every opportunity counts.

Mr. John glared at me. Shawn, this is the company's decision.

I nodded and asked the question burning in my mind. Last night's trending topicscompany arranged that too?

Mr. John pressed his lips together and did't answer.

The answer was obvious.

A wave of bitterness washed over me. I took the pen from his desk and signed quickly.

Everyone in the room relaxed.

I met Mr. John's eyes, handed the contract back, and said slowly, Ten years of mentorship and supportwe're even now.

Without waiting for a response, I took my script and walked out.

What kind of company sends a scandal-ridden artist right into a public show? Isn't that just asking for trouble? What was Mr. John thinking?

Andy handed me a cup of coffee, frowning as we waited for the elevator.

I smiled bitterly. Andy, I've been in this business ten years.

A decade, and I'd never won a major award, never became a top star. Even my voice wasn't what it used to be.

Agencies always need new person, And Ryan happened to create this huge buzz.

Maybe the company considered saving me at first, but when Chloe and Zoe publicly condemned me, any attempt to clear my name would have been met with skepticism.

So, instead, they decided to use the heat from my burning career to launch Ryan.

That's showbiz. A place that is always cruel and rarely sentimental.

Andy fell silent, looking down with his eyes reddened.

But this isn't your fault, Shawn. I've seen how careful you've been all these years. It's Chloe and Zoe who betrayed you. Without you, would they even have debuted? Would they be the Devoted Sisters' everyone knows?

Touched, I hugged Andy.

My childhood friends, who'd grown up with me, turned out to be less reliable than the assistant I'd worked with for a decade.

Andy, I'm planning to leave the industry. So, use this time to plan your own next steps carefully.

When I let go, Chloe, Zoe, and Ryan approached.

Leaving? Shawn, who are you bad-mouthing now?

Her voice overlapped with the elevator's ding. Pretending not to hear, I waved goodbye to Andy and stepped inside.

Seeing me ignore her, Chloe looked annoyed, but she didn't push further.