Chapter 1
“We should stop.”
“Stop what?”
“Pretending.”
“The management will get mad if…”
“I want to take it for real,” he interrupted.
Ever since James and I are officially together in the knowledge of the public, we have to pretend we are head over heels in love with each other. We go on romantic dates and make sure everyone knows. We display affection and let the paparazzi take photos. We post cheesy Instagram posts about each other. We go to the greatest length to make our act look real.
We’ve worked together on different movie projects and created the reputation of being one of the most sought-after onscreen couples. But when we announced we are together, our popularity skyrocketed.The move sealed the deal and we are the number 1 power couple in the entertainment industry. We become the ideal boyfriend–girlfriend dynamic. Every girl swoons over our fairytale love story while they drag their boyfriends in the cinema to watch our films. Our fans shed tears reading our online love letters and wish for the same tale, for the same partner. Entertainment writers keep an eye on our every act and record them on their column. Our relationship is everywhere. Movies. Television. Social media. Billboards.
“Make people happy and you will make lots of money,” our manager says all the time.
It's been a year since we went public. Everything flows smoothly as it should be. But I am beginning to question my true feelings for him. He understands my needs, and cares for my emotions like a real boyfriend does. I shake the thought of. He is doing his part of the bargain and he is good at it. This is only an illusion and we would break up when the need arises.
Now, he spills his love for me. My mind spins with confusion and questions pop up everywhere. Is he telling the truth or is this part of the script that I am unaware of?
The moment is put in slow motion the way they do in movies. The audience savor this scene as they bathe in the kilig of the confession. But this is excruciating, a torture of the mind and the heart.
The final question remains,
Is this for real or for the reel?
