Chapter 2

The storm hit instantly.

Ashley' s massive fanbase, a legion of teenagers who called themselves the "Vance Vipers," swarmed my social media. They were joined by sports bloggers and football fans who loved the idea of their golden boy quarterback dating a pop princess.

My comments section became a warzone.

"Clout chasing wannabe."

"Stop trying to ride Liam's coattails. It's pathetic."

"Ashley wore it better anyway. At least hers is probably real."

I scrolled through the hate, a strange mix of annoyance and amusement bubbling up inside me. This was so stupid.

Brenda called, her voice frantic. "Chloe, what did you do? My phone is blowing up. Publicists, reporters... they're all asking about this jacket."

"I wore a jacket, Brenda. That's it."

"Well, Ashley Vance just accused you of being a fraud to her twenty million followers."

"Her jacket is the fake one," I said, unable to stop a small laugh.

"This isn't funny! This is bad press."

I leaned back on my couch. "Is it? People are talking about me."

Before Brenda could argue, I saw a new comment that made my blood boil. It was from Ashley herself, a reply to one of her fans.

"It' s just sad when nobodies have to lie to get a sliver of attention. He and I have a real connection. Some things are private."

I typed out a reply before I could stop myself.

"@AshleyVance Some things are private. Like where you get your cheap knockoffs?"

I hit send. The internet exploded.

My follower count ticked up, fast. My notifications became a blur.

A text from Liam came through.

"Chlo, I'm seeing this stuff online. It's getting out of hand. I can make a statement, shut it all down right now."

I smiled. He was always ready to protect me.

"Don't," I typed back. "Don't you dare."

"Why not? They're attacking you."

"Because I have an idea."

A few minutes later, Brenda called back, her voice completely different. It was breathless, excited.

"Okay, you're not going to believe this."

"Try me."

"The producers of 'Paradise Match' just called. You know, the celebrity reality dating show?"

"Yeah?"

"They saw the drama. They said you have 'main character energy.' They're offering you a spot on the new season. The paycheck is... significant."

I knew what significant meant. It meant I could afford to finish my album without taking an advance from a label that would own me.

"Ashley Vance is on the cast list, isn't she?" I asked.

Brenda paused. "She is. Are you sure about this, Chloe? It's a snake pit."

"I'm in," I said. "Tell them I'll do it."

I was going to confront Ashley, and I was going to do it on national television.