Part 3The Ex-Files: Celebrity Edition

I couldn't stand it. I looked around for someone to switch seats with.

"Does sitting next to me offend you that much, Ms. Lane?"

I glared at him. "Yes. I can't stand it."

I scanned the room. I didn't know many people well enough to ask for a favor. Fine. Just endure it.

Nathan saw I was defeated and looked smug. "I told you. Stop fighting. You're destined to be stuck with me."

Psycho.

"Lyss, want to swap?"

A familiar voice. I turned. Hollywood's A-list actor, Ethan Cole, was standing behind me.

"Yes! Thank you! You're a lifesaver!" I stood up immediately.

"Hey, you—" Nathan instinctively grabbed my wrist.

"What? You'll miss me?"

"Ha." He scoffed, his lips twitching, slowly letting go. "Get away from me. Good riddance."

[She stood up, and he reached out to grab her wrist! Did you see that? He's panicking.]

[I'm dying! Who would dare sit next to Nathan and Ethan? The air pressure is low enough to form icebergs.]

[I hear Alyssa dated Ethan, too. Nathan's face is green. The rumors must be true.]

[Rival meets rival. The tension is real.]

[I'm so jealous of Alyssa. She only dates hot guys.]

Total fabrication. Ethan is my cousin. My parents are overseas, so I grew up with my Aunt's family. He's practically my big brother.

He starred in my MV years ago, and we got linked by the press. Nathan still doesn't know the truth. I wasn't about to tell him.

Ethan needed to leave early. "I need to go. Don't forget my Mom's birthday party next week."

"Bro, what should I get her?"

"Get her a boyfriend. That's what she wants most."

I pouted. "She keeps pushing me. I haven't found anyone decent."

"Oh, really?" Ethan paused, stifling a laugh. "I thought maybe you were still hung up on your ex."

"No way! I got over him ages ago!"

Ethan cleared his throat and gestured behind me. I turned.

Nathan was staring at me with a wounded gaze. If looks could kill, my cousin would be smoking.

[I won't say who is desperately jealous, but you can smell the bitterness through the screen.]

[Nathan: I'll watch you forever! Forever!]

[Alyssa, please comfort him. He looks like he's shattering.]

I smiled, narrowing my eyes. I flipped him off where the cameras couldn't see.

Ha! Nathan glowered at me. He turned away, his face pale, his lips a thin line. He didn't look at me again.

Poor little man. Can't handle a little heat.