A-List Exes

1
During a live reality show, the director asked me to call an ex. I pulled up my blocklist. Which one? As a D-list star known for flings, the chat exploded with hate.
The most famous one.
I pretended to think. Who's bigger Jude Cole or Ross Downey? The chat went silent. The guests froze. Jude is an Oscar-winning actor; Ross is a Grammy-sweeping singer. Linking them to me seemed absurd.
The host forced a laugh. "You're joking, right?"
The chat raged:
How dare you say his name!
If Jude ever noticed you, Id eat my shoe.
Ross has nothing to do with you!
She's just clout-chasing.
I don't joke. "So," I repeated, "who's bigger?"
The chat fell silent once more. Then, all hell broke loose.
Our boy is obviously the biggest star!
Ross was front row at the last awards gala. You tell me who's bigger!
That was only because some second-rate singer stole Judes seat. The organizers even issued a public apology!
For your information, Ross Downey is the nation's top artist. Scalped tickets for the seats outside his concerts go for twenty grand. Think about it.
Oh please. Also for your information, a single free ticket to one of Jude's fan meets was resold for an insane price.
Off-camera, the showrunner was frantically gesturing, his face a mask of panic. He seemed to be signaling, Don't stir up trouble.
The host looked like she was on the verge of tears. "Scarlett, please, just tell everyone it was a joke and they're not really your ex-boyfriends."
Technically speaking, one of them wasn't really an ex.
He just thought I was still throwing a tantrum. "Fine, let's invite Ross Downey."
The host sucked in a sharp breath.
The chat was a warzone of crying and laughing emojis.
Wait, is she serious? Is our boy really her ex?
Nooo, Ross, how could you fall for such a promiscuous woman!
Don't cry yet. Wait for Ross to come out and shut her down.
LMAO, Jude dodged a bullet.
Phew, crisis averted.
The first segment of the show ended there. It was only the premiere, and all the invited guests were nobodies like me. The live format was a gimmick to generate buzz and pull in viewers.
Who would have thought that when it came to my turn to invite a guest, two of the biggest names in the industry would be thrown into the mix?
After the broadcast, the director, Leo, approached me. "Scarlett, were you telling the truth?"
Leo came from a wealthy family and was new to directing, which was why he dared to fund such an ambitious show. But even he didn't want to get shut down by an A-lister's team.
"It's true."
Still wary, he pressed, "Do you have any proof that you were together?"
"I do." The last photo we had. That was all that was left.
Once he was sure, Leo prepared to contact Ross's team. Asking for proof was the shows backup plan. After all, not every ex was willing to appear on a reality show with their former flame.
When I got back to my apartment, I was met with a furious call from my agent.
"Scarlett, do you even want a career in this town anymore?" he seethed. "You signed an agreement with Regina. You are forbidden from ever publicly mentioning your past with Ross Downey."
I let out a bitter laugh. "Whether I have a career or not, does it really make a difference at this point?"
"Issue a statement right now," he ordered. "Clarify that everything you said on the show was a lie. It's your only chance to avoid being blacklisted and sued for damages."
I ignored him and hung up.
The internet was already ablaze with rumors, with most people convinced I was a pathological liar. But before I could post anything to defend myself, Ross Downey shot to the top of the trending topics.
His post was just a few words.
"We loved. She's my ex."
The statement sent his tens of millions of fans into a collective rage. They were convinced I had somehow bewitched him, a momentary lapse in his judgment. The entire mob turned on me, the D-list actress who was shamelessly using a past relationship for a pathetic shot at fame.
Just then, Leo called.
"Scarlett, Ross's manager, Regina, offered me three million dollars," he said. "She wants me to cancel the show."
I fell silent. I didn't want to back down, but I couldn't drag him into my mess.
"I'm so sorr"
"Guess what I told her?" His tone shifted, a hint of smugness creeping in.
I paused. "You didn't take it?"
"She was desecrating my artistic vision!" he declared, his voice full of indignant passion. "A live reality show! What a magnificent creation!"
So, the show would go on.
"It just seems we won't be able to get Ross on," he added.
I wasn't surprised. It was the expected outcome.
Then, his curiosity got the better of him. "So, if you're not lying is Jude Cole your ex, or your current boyfriend?" he asked excitedly. "Can I invite him instead?"
I vaguely explained my situation with Jude.
Leo let out a low whistle. "Weird."
"I'll reach out to his team."
Jude was probably shooting a film overseas right now. News traveled slower there; otherwise, he would have already called, furious.
Before the next episode could even be filmed, a termination contract from Starlight Media, my agency, arrived. It demanded two million dollars in damages and included a clause forbidding me from acting for life.
My agent slammed the papers down in front of me.
"Pack your things and get out of the apartment," he snarled. "The company supported you for all these years, and this is how you repay us? Ungrateful."
"Supported me?" I shot back. "You call manufacturing gossip and fake scandals 'support'?"
His face flushed. "Bad publicity is still publicity! You think you would've gotten any attention without it? You probably wouldn't have even landed this show." He smirked. "Oh, and by the way, since you took this show without the agency's approval during your contract period, you owe us an additional one million dollars in penalties."
That brought the total to three million.
The irony was crushing. In the four years I'd been with Starlight, I had only earned a total of thirty thousand dollars. It was a pathetic sum compared to the fortune they were demanding.
I signed the agreement without another word.
Half an hour later, I walked out of the apartment building, holding a single box with all my personal belongings. My phone buzzed. It was a text from Regina.
Homeless little stray. Her cruelty was sharp and direct.
I put my phone away and walked toward the entrance. A sleek sports car screeched to a halt in front of me.
It was Leo.
He took off his sunglasses and cleared his throat. "I heard about what happened with your agency. It's all because of our show." He hesitated. "Why don't you stay at my place for a while? We need to sort out a new contract for you anyway."
He was right. My old contract was through Starlight Media. Now that I was an independent artist, we'd have to draw up a new one.
I stopped hesitating and, with my small box of belongings, got into the car. "Thank you."
We soon arrived at his placea stunning, ultra-modern penthouse that looked like it had never been lived in.
Leo showed me around with a proud grin. "Designed it all myself. You can stay here for free. Don't worry, it's completely private and secure."
I set my box on the table. "Where's the contract?"
"Right, the important stuff." He pulled it out. "Here you go. Sign away."
As I signed, he couldn't resist a bit of gossip. "So, those two guys... you're over both of them?"
I shook my head and handed the signed contract back to him.
He took it and was already heading for the door. "I stocked the fridge. The next show is in two days, so get some rest."
Before I could say anything, he was gone.
So he was really letting me stay here? I looked around the sprawling penthouse. It was a world away from the tiny apartment I'd lived in for four yearsan apartment the company had "graciously" assigned me because my endless scandals attracted stalkers.
The special guests for the next episode were mostly confirmed. The other D-listers' exes were also nobodies, perfectly happy to appear on TV for a paycheck.
Only my special guest remained a mystery. Leo couldn't announce the full lineup yet, so he released the schedule for the second episode instead.
Strangely, the moment the schedule went public, Ross Downey immediately reposted it, tagging Leo and demanding to be my guest as my "ex-boyfriend."
Leo was in a tough spot. He had, after all, already contacted my other ex.
I had just stepped out of the shower when his call came through.
"Scarlett, what do I do? Both of your ex-boyfriends are demanding to be on the show!" Though he was asking for advice, his voice was practically vibrating with excitement.
I had no idea what to do either. I could understand why Jude would want to comefinding out you've become an "ex" on live television would make anyone angry. But why had Ross suddenly changed his mind?
While Leo was still agonizing over the decision, Jude Cole dropped another bombshell.
He reposted the show's announcement, tagging Leo as well.
"I'm her current boyfriend. Can I sign up too?"
The internet exploded.
The comment sections were a firestorm of hatred directed at me.
I'm done. This world is officially insane.
Jude, what are you doing? Why would you get tangled up with Scarlett?
I've been single for twenty-six years, and I'm less popular than this two-timing train wreck?
Jude, did your fans forget to send you eyedrops with their gifts? Are you blind?
Just stop. This is all that witch Scarlett's fault.
Can we please just ban her from the industry? I'm so sick of seeing her face.
Some users even started blaming the random commenter who had first suggested inviting the "most famous" ex.
I was scrolling through the hate when an unknown number called. I answered, and Jude's voice, thick with rage, came through the speaker.
"Scarlett, when did we break up?" he demanded. "Was this all some stunt to force my hand and make our relationship public? Well, are you satisfied now?"
"We broke up last year," I cut in, my voice flat. "It's been exactly one year."
I hung up before he could respond, then reached up to wipe the dampness from my cheeks.
Why are you crying? He's just an ex.
The next day, my phone was flooded with messages from Leo.
This is insane traffic!
So many people want to invest in the show!
Scarlett, both of your ex-boyfriends want to come on.
I can't choose between them.
The last message was accompanied by a devilish smirk emoji.
So I guess I'll have to take them both.
Which meant both of my exes were going to be on the show with me.
For the second episode, the show's budget had clearly gotten a massive upgrade. We moved from a small studio to a lavish, expansive set, complete with state-of-the-art cameras.
The other guests, who were on my level of obscurity, now kept their distance. Only Chloe, an actress who'd built her career on an "innocent" persona, shot me a look of pure contempt.
"You got kicked out of Starlight Media, so stop putting on an act," she sneered. "Your fifteen minutes of infamy are almost up. Do us all a favor and stay away."
I was taken aback. "How did you know I was let go?"
Chloe rolled her eyes. "Haven't you seen the socials? Regina announced that the company has officially cut ties with a 'disgraced artist' like you."
I pulled out my phone. The number one trending topic was Regina's announcement. The post was timestamped from the afternoon I'd signed the termination papers. No wonder Leo knew.
The post had stayed at the top of the trending list for two whole days. Countless people were praising Regina for cutting out the "cancer" of the company.
Starlight doesn't tolerate freeloaders. Scarlett was the exception.
She was at the biggest agency for four years and all she did was date and start rumors. Couldn't she have, you know, acted in something?
You don't get it. Why bother working hard when you can just spread your legs for fame?
The further I scrolled, the more vicious the comments became.
Leo appeared at my side. "Don't read that," he said gently. "They're just vultures latching onto whatever rumors they hear."
But I didn't feel hurt. I'd seen worse. After years of being suppressed, numbness was the only emotion I had left. Besides, today was my last day in the entertainment industry anyway.
I forced a smile. "Thanks for the concern. After today, it will all be over."
The show was about to start. The other female guests' exes were already in place. Only Jude and Ross were missing. Leo kept checking his watch, his brow furrowed. "Don't they have any concept of time?"
Just as he spoke, Jude's sharp, chiseled face appeared. His eyes scanned the crowd and found me instantly. The gaze that once held so much affection was now burning with fury. His lips were pressed into a thin line as he strode toward me.
"Scarlett, you've got a lot of nerve," he growled. "Come on. We're going outside to talk about why I'm suddenly your 'ex-boyfriend.'"
Leo smoothly intercepted him, stepping between us. "Mr. Cole, the show is about to start. We're live. If you cause a delay, I don't care if you're an Oscar winner or a nobody. I will tell the entire audience exactly why we started late."
Jude's icy glare swept over Leo, but he finally relented and sat down next to me.
Leo checked his watch again. "We can't wait any longer. Cameras, get ready. Five-minute countdown."
Ross wasn't here.
I lowered my eyes, determined to avoid any interaction with Jude. But he wasn't about to let me off the hook.
"What's wrong?" he sneered, his voice low and practiced in its cruelty. "Still waiting for your other ex-boyfriend? Did you join this disaster of a show just to get his attention? Is that why you broke up with me? Because you couldn't get over him?"
Chloe sidled up to Jude. "Jude, a woman like her can't survive without seducing men. She was just shamelessly flirting with my ex right in front of me."
Jude glanced at the man standing behind Chloe. "Heh. He's no Ross Downey. Why would she even bother?" His gaze snapped back to me, and he seized my hand, his grip like iron. "After all, you already had the perfect replacement, didn't you?"
I yanked my hand away.
Chloe, however, looked as if she'd had a revelation. "Scarlett, have you no shame?" she cried, her voice dripping with condemnation. "You used Jude as a stand-in? If I had a boyfriend like him, I would cherish him forever."
It was a well-known fact that Jude and Ross bore a striking resemblance to each other. When Jude first entered the industry, people had jokingly called him "the next Ross Downey." One record label even tried to sign him as a rival to Ross. But Jude had plunged headfirst into acting, refusing to ever set foot in the music world.
And yet I knew. He had a voice that was every bit as good as Ross's.

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