Under the Spotlight's Love

Chapter 1

[1]

It was a variety show gig, and my partner happened to be a top celebrity.

[2]

During the escape-room segment, I pretended to be terrified, diving into his arms for protection.

[3]

He scoffed, pushing me away.

[4]

"Cut the act. Weren't you just watching horror films over dinner last week?"

[5]

Ignoring him, I latched onto his arm again. "Come on, we both know each other too well by now.

[6]

Stop pretending to be some distant heartthrob and just play along – this is my new image, okay?"

[7]

His eyes flickered with something unreadable, but he didn't pull away this time. Instead, he wrapped his arm tightly around my waist.

[8]

"My dear ex-girlfriend," he murmured, "are you flirting with me?"

[9]

1

[10]

No one knew about Braeden Marsh and me, not even our closest friends, except for our agents.

[11]

And definitely, no one would guess that I had been the one to end it.

[12]

Back then, he'd just finished a high-profile indie film that went on to sweep up awards. I watched him from my apartment, clapping from my couch as his name flashed on screen. I felt every bit of that gap between us, the raw envy gnawing away at me, reminding me that I was leagues behind.

[13]

Then came the silence. When his schedule finally opened up, I'd imagined we'd be spending more time together. But instead, he locked himself away, barely speaking a word.

[14]

"I'm sorry, Maisie," he'd said, running a tired hand through his hair. "I can't snap out of it yet.

[15]

The role took a lot out of me. Just... give me some time."

[16]

I wanted to understand him. He was a dedicated actor, someone who threw himself entirely into his roles. This was just a phase, wasn't it? Something all the greats went through.

[17]

I should forgive him.

[18]

But why did he have to secretly meet up with that actress from his last film?

[19]

Was he just too deep into his role, or was there something more?

[20]

When my agent sent me photos of the two of them sitting close, heads bent over the same phone, I felt a wave of anger and insecurity take over. The gap between his success and my career struggles only fed my worst fears – I couldn't make myself believe anything innocent about it.

[21]

All I could think about was betrayal and abandonment.

[22]

"Girl, listen to me," my agent told me over the phone. "Forget him. Focus on your career.

[23]

Love is the last thing this industry's built for."

[24]

At 4 a.m., I was still waiting in our downtown apartment when the door finally creaked open.

[25]

I shot up from the couch, every nerve on alert, and leveled a chilly smile at him.

[26]

"Back at last?

[27]

Hope everything went well.

[28]

Don't let me keep you from resting at hers if you're so tired from running back and forth."

[29]

Braeden barely reacted, his exhaustion plain, but he still walked over, arms out to hold me.

[30]

I stepped back before he got the chance.

[31]

"Don't even try touching me, Braeden.

[32]

Gross."

[33]

He stood there, hurt flashing in his eyes as he tried to rein in his temper.

[34]

"Maisie, what the hell is this about? We were just talking about the role. You know how much I get into the character, how important it is to me."

[35]

I wanted to believe him – I really did.

[36]

But it spiraled into an hour of trading jabs and resentments until he'd had enough and stormed out.

[37]

Just before he reached the door, I called after him and declared,

[38]

"Let's end it, Braeden. And just so you know, I'm the one dumping you."

[39]

The only dignity I could retain was being the one to let go first.

[40]

He stopped for a moment, as if gathering himself, but without a word, he left.

[41]

We'd met at a friend's escape room.

[42]

Both being public figures meant that going out and enjoying life anonymously was nearly impossible, but my friend's business had the privacy I needed.

[43]

It was a safe place to blow off steam, maybe even sharpen my acting chops a bit.

[44]

I hadn't expected to meet a fellow actor there, someone who got it like Braeden did.

[45]

Two drama enthusiasts like us hitting it off undeniably made the plot and characters far more vivid and layered.

[46]

It was a crime-solving scenario: I was a psychotic killer, he was the detective.

[47]

Our back-and-forth was electric, like a real-life script, each of us exposing the other's motives, pushing, reacting.

[48]

When it was all over, everyone else had left, but we stayed, still swept up in the story.

[49]

"You were disturbingly good," he'd said, a laugh in his eyes.

[50]

"Honestly, you played that psycho a little too convincingly."

[51]

I laughed, offering my contact info. "Let's team up for the next one and really give them a show."

[52]

But when he scanned my details, he looked up, surprised. "Turns out we're already friends,"

[53]

he said,

[54]

showing me my name saved under "Foodie Friend."

[55]

I'd labeled him "Big Shot."

[56]

With our covers blown, things escalated quickly. We moved from chatting about roles and scripts to opening up about our work, our lives.

[57]

We quickly grew close,

[58]

almost as if "there were no secrets left in showbiz by the end of the night."

[59]

It wasn't long before he started showing more than friendship, and I wasn't about to play coy. We began dating.

[60]

He was way more popular than I was, with ten times my workload, and since our time together was limited, I started following him on his travels whenever I could.

[61]

I always tried to keep it discreet, though. I didn't want to risk impacting his career, and, honestly, my own pride was a factor too.

[62]

I felt more like his hidden

[63]

lover than his girlfriend.

[64]

Braeden thought this secrecy was unfair. He suggested going public a few times, but I always shut it down with some polished excuse.

[65]

Eventually, he found other ways to make up for it, grounding me with little gestures that made me feel secure.

[66]

For instance, he knew I loved Snoopy, so despite his usual minimalist style, he redid his bedroom in Snoopy's classic colors, filling it with memorabilia – even the bedsheets.

[67]

And when I wasn't high-profile enough to wear designer gowns to events, he quietly arranged for me to get one anyway, carefully checking to ensure no one else would show up in the same outfit.

[68]

There were countless moments like these, thoughtful and understated.

[69]

His affection was more of a gentle, constant flow than a dramatic storm – steady, warm, and always present.

[70]

After the breakup, I spiraled, lost my drive, and spent months moping at home. My agent finally snapped, railing at me,

[71]

"You've seen the mess in this industry up close, haven't you?

[72]

All that gossip you love to eat up? But now it's your turn, and you're crumbling over a guy. Aren't you afraid he's laughing at how pathetic you look right now?

[73]

You weren't even that popular to start with, and once you're older and less marketable,

[74]

you'll barely be a shadow next to him."

[75]

Her words hit me like a lightning bolt in the dark, shaking me awake.

[76]

I sobbed, shouting back, "Fine, then help me up! I'm going to work my butt off, earn a fortune,

[77]

and make sure no one can ever look down on me."

[78]

I threw myself into my career, and eventually, things started going my way.

[79]

Sometimes I'd wonder if the roles and gigs that came my way were thanks to Braeden's help,

[80]

but I'd quickly dismiss the thought.

[81]

Braeden hadn't tried to get me back, and whenever we crossed paths, he treated me like a stranger – cool, distant, not even a glance my way.

[82]

2

[83]

After finishing two back-to-back dramas, my agent lined up a new gig on a dating show to boost some buzz around the last show's release by playing up the chemistry with my former co-star.

[84]

But right after joining the crew, I got an update: the other actor had dropped out, and the replacement was none other than Braeden Marsh.

[85]

So now, all the carefully scripted "romantic moments" we'd planned with the last co-star were set to play out with Braeden instead.

[86]

I was panicking, so I ducked into a corner and called my agent. "Did you hear about the cast change?

[87]

Braeden's my partner now. What are we supposed to do?

[88]

There's no way we can stand up to all the speculation!"

[89]

She sounded thrilled, though. "Are you kidding? This is jackpot-level news. Just him showing up next to you guarantees we'll hit the trending pages.

[90]

I'll talk to

[91]

the assistant first."

[92]

As the call cut out, I felt totally off-balance.

[93]

Suddenly, a shadow fell over me, and Braeden's voice sounded from above.

[94]

"Worried someone's going to dig up your deep, dark history of using people for fame and cash?"

[95]

He was standing too close, and my heartbeat spiked, leaving me at a loss for words.

[96]

In the next second, he stepped forward, pinning me lightly against the wall, his eyes narrowing as he looked down at me.

[97]

The years of action scenes had left a roughness to his grip; his fingers, calloused from training, gently teased at my neck, sending a strange, unsteady feeling through me.

[98]

"Maisie," he murmured, "I think you owe me."

[99]

My pulse raced, but I shot back as always, refusing to be intimidated. "Braeden, is twisting things around all you've learned these past years?

[100]

If you want to keep up this back-and-forth, I'm all for it.

[101]

Might as well thank you now for the attention boost."

[102]

Braeden's payback came fast.

[103]

At the kickoff dinner that evening, I was working the room like any rising star should, chatting and networking. Meanwhile, Braeden sat back at the head of the table, dressed head-to-toe in black, playing it cool with the director.

[104]

The stark contrast between my busy flattery and his indifference was evident.

[105]

"Mr. Marsh, if there's anything you're not satisfied with, just let us know. We'll handle it however you need,"

[106]

the director said.

[107]

Braeden gave a brief nod.

[108]

"And as for your co-star," the director went on with exaggerated courtesy,

[109]

"is there anyone else you'd prefer to work with? Her standing might not be quite on par with yours."

[110]

My ears perked up as I froze mid-conversation, straining to hear what he'd say about me.

[111]

"Really?"

[112]

Braeden shifted in his seat, crossing his legs and sending a glance my way.

[113]

"I don't think so. Why don't you ask her yourself?"

[114]

I tensed, hoping the director would just let it go.

[115]

But of course, he didn't.

[116]

"Maisie," he called over,

[117]

"why aren't you over here showing Mr. Marsh some respect? Get over here!"

[118]

Pasting on my best forced smile, I walked over. Once I got close, I tilted my head just enough for Braeden to see my frustration under the surface, but I kept my tone sugary sweet.

[119]

"Mr. Marsh, looking forward to learning a lot from you."

[120]

Braeden shifted away with a look of disdain, his gaze darkening.

[121]

"If you can keep things respectful."

[122]

I... what?

[123]

Apparently, the director picked up on some hidden tension, because he quickly stepped in and nudged me aside.

[124]

"No need to worry, Mr. Marsh. I'll keep an eye on her."

[125]

Braeden smirked, his cool face momentarily softening into something brighter, almost dazzling as he spoke to the director,

[126]

"You just keep tabs on her, that's all. I'm pretty sure she's the only one who could cause any 'trouble' for me."

[127]

It was vague, with just enough flirtation and ambiguity to raise some eyebrows.

[128]

"Mr. Marsh,

[129]

you're exaggerating."

[130]

The director laughed, but then turned back with a curious look.

[131]

"So... are you two already close?"

[132]

"Of course,"

[133]

Braeden replied smoothly.

[134]

"No,

[135]

not at all,"

[136]

I said at the same time,

[137]

but our answers were completely opposite.

[138]

The atmosphere shifted,

[139]

with the director looking at us both with that knowing smile.

[140]

3

[141]

Once filming started, a minor issue arose –

[142]

a female celeb ditched the script and tried to pair up with Braeden, of all people.

[143]

Seriously?

[144]

The director, clearly enjoying the tension, decided to capitalize on it, adding a game segment where the winner got to partner with Braeden.

[145]

The game? A watermelon-eating contest, with me and the girl racing to finish first.

[146]

Right before we started, I shot Braeden a playful grin.

[147]

"Popular as ever, aren't you?"

[148]

Braeden raised an eyebrow, all proud.

[149]

"Eating is your forte, go on, impress me."

[150]

His attitude fired me up to do the opposite.

[151]

After all, the other guy looked decent enough, so why not partner up with him?

[152]

I didn't always need the biggest spotlight, right?

[153]

Sometimes a girl's got to stand on principle, even if it costs her a few followers.

[154]

The game began, and that other girl went all in, sleeves rolled up, practically inhaling her slices.

[155]

I dug in, too, shoveling huge bites without any care for appearance.

[156]

When I got to the last piece, I went all out, feigning a coughing fit,

[157]

successfully letting her snag the win.

[158]

She wiped her mouth and flashed a triumphant grin at the camera.

[159]

"I did it! Now I get some exclusive time with the leading man. I'm amazing!"

[160]

The director threw an awkward look at Braeden and then at me, unsure how to salvage the moment.

[161]

He had rigged the game from the start.

[162]

My slice of watermelon was smaller than hers, with fewer pieces too, but thanks to the camera angle, it wasn't obvious at all.

[163]

but the trick backfired.

[164]

I clutched my chest, paused to "recover," then offered my competitor a round of applause,

[165]

"Wow, you nailed it. Hats off!"

[166]

Braeden's gaze sharpened, watching me closely.

[167]

Ignoring him, I headed over to the unchosen rookie who was clearly feeling uncomfortable and extended a hand. "Guess it's you and me, then.

[168]

I promise I won't be dead weight."

[169]

Cayden Collins, who had just debuted, was clearly the typical boy-band type – dressed trendy and full of youthful energy.

[170]

His shy smile was sweet and genuine as he replied,

[171]

"I'll do my best.

[172]

Thanks for giving me a chance."

[173]

This kid sure knew what to say. He understood I was helping him by choosing him, so his gratitude only made my little scheme feel guiltier.

[174]

But Braeden wasn't one to be outdone.

[175]

He slipped out of the frame, leaned over to whisper something to the director, and within minutes, the other girl's manager had been called over,

[176]

gesturing wildly in an intense conversation with her.

[177]

It was clear it wasn't good news.

[178]

In this show, except for Braeden, no one dared to anger their manager.

[179]

When she returned, she walked straight to Braeden and apologized.

[180]

"I'm so sorry for

[181]

wasting everyone's time."

[182]

Cayden and I exchanged a knowing glance.

[183]

Clearly, the teams were getting rearranged.

[184]

The watermelon scene? Scrapped.

[185]

We re-shot the pairing segment to match the script exactly.

[186]

As we finished, Braeden leaned down, using his height to his advantage to whisper in my ear,

[187]

his voice tinged with a bit of hurt.

[188]

"So... you really didn't want me, huh?"

[189]

A tiny pang flickered in my chest, and I found myself scooting an inch away to put some distance between us.

[190]

Throughout the day, I caught him sneaking glances my way, and with the director loving Braeden's close-ups, I felt the constant pressure to keep my facial expressions in check, praying I wouldn't slip up and give something away.

[191]

After wrapping, I was removing my makeup when I finally asked,

[192]

"Seriously, why do you keep looking at me?"

[193]

Sometimes, even when everyone was playing games together, he would fixate on me, as if his gaze was glued to me.

[194]

"Can't help it. Bear with me."

[195]

He stood behind me,

[196]

fingers pressing gently into my neck in that familiar way from when we were dating.

[197]

I glanced toward the door, heart pounding, to make sure it was closed and the curtains drawn before relaxing.

[198]

"Okay, enough.

[199]

Time to go back to

[200]

your own room."

[201]

The last scene had been Braeden walking me to my room, but now the crew was gone, and he was still here, lingering.

[202]

What, so people would start wondering if something was up between us?

[203]

As if anyone would believe a man and woman alone in a room were just discussing lines.

[204]

In the mirror, I caught his gaze.

[205]

"We've got time. I'll stay a while longer."

[206]

I reminded him,

[207]

"Braeden, we broke up."

[208]

He scoffed, his face hardening in an instant, and stormed out, the transformation as quick as flipping a switch.

[209]

Watching him leave, I called after him. "The best exes act like they're dead, you know!

[210]

Look into it,

[211]

Braeden."

[212]

He halted, then left even faster.

[213]

"Fine,

[214]

I'm dead."

[215]

I sighed.

[216]

He couldn't say nice things but didn't want to be rejected either.

[217]

Did he think everyone would fawn over him just because of his looks?

[218]

After finishing my makeup removal, I was lying in bed when there was a polite knock at the door – three precise taps, not too loud or too soft.

[219]

Opening it, I found Cayden standing there.

[220]

Fresh-faced without makeup, he looked even more innocent, his large, clear eyes shining with an untainted sincerity.

[221]

"Ms. Stewart, I brought you some hometown snacks. I was too shy to bring them out during filming since they're just in these plain packages,

[222]

but trust me, they taste amazing,"

[223]

he said, holding out a crinkly brown paper bag. Inside were several vacuum-sealed packs of jerky, pretzels, and spiced nuts. His gesture felt so genuine that I couldn't help but smile.

[224]

This kid was refreshingly straightforward.

[225]

"Are you from Yupluize too?"

[226]

I asked, taking the bag.

[227]

He nodded, looking pleased.

[228]

"Yeah, we're both Yupluize folks."

[229]

"Well, if I'm going to eat this, drop the 'Ms. Stewart' and just go with 'Maisie.'

[230]

You called me that on set anyway,"

[231]

I said.

[232]

He rubbed his neck awkwardly. "That's actually my manager's idea – said I should go for the 'boy-next-door' look.

[233]

But calling every woman by her first name feels, I don't know...kinda over the top?"

[234]

He seemed at a loss for words,

[235]

so I chuckled and patted his shoulder.

[236]

"With your looks, don't worry. The 'boy-next-door' image suits you just fine."

[237]

Then, just as I glanced to the side, I caught a glimpse of someone peering around the corner. I waved for him to head back to his room quickly.

[238]

After closing the door, I shook my head in disbelief.

[239]

Was Braeden really sneaking around eavesdropping?

[240]

4

[241]

After mentally berating Braeden for who knows how long, I finally drifted off to sleep.

[242]

In my dreams, I found myself back to the early days when Braeden and I first moved in together. He'd been so awkward and careful, his every move cautious, afraid to hurt me.

[243]

His face had blushed a fierce red, yet he'd stubbornly insisted he was confident and knew what he was doing.

[244]

The only thing stronger than his self-doubt had been his pride.

[245]

Slowly, we'd worked up to that vulnerable moment, but then, just as things were heating up, he'd stopped. Hovering above me, his eyes had softened, and he whispered,

[246]

"Maisie, I don't know why, but I suddenly feel like crying."

[247]

Me – who was already crying –

[248]

was speechless.

[249]

Why did he feel like crying? Was his reason the same as mine?

[250]

I woke up just as the sun was breaking over the horizon, feeling disoriented and lost as the dream faded.

[251]

After a quick freshening up, I headed out for a morning run to clear my head.

[252]

At the corner where I was stretching, a familiar voice broke through the foggy dawn.

[253]

"Morning," Braeden said, jogging up beside me in gray workout gear.

[254]

"Guess you didn't sleep well, either?"

[255]

The way he said "either" reminded me –

[256]

Braeden and sleep had a long, complicated history. Insomnia often gripped him harder than anyone else.

[257]

When under stress, he'd isolate himself, sometimes even lash out, though he'd never hurt others, instead directing it all inward.

[258]

Gathering myself, I forced a smile.

[259]

"Hate to disappoint you, but I slept great."

[260]

He broke into a slow jog, his messy hair bouncing with each step.

[261]

"Sure, sure. Fine, you win. Let's go, then."

[262]

A couple of laps later, our running group had grown.

[263]

Even the young rookie Cayden had joined us,

[264]

looking incredibly fresh, his youthful complexion glowing and his movements fluid and graceful.

[265]

his expression dark.

[266]

"Keep staring,

[267]

and I'll pluck your eyes out."

[268]

I smirked.

[269]

"Oh, is someone jealous of my eye for beauty?"

[270]

Without warning, he hooked his arm around my elbow, stopping us mid-run.

[271]

The rest of the group came to a halt, eyes fixed on us with growing curiosity.

[272]

Embarrassed, I pulled away and forced a smile.

[273]

"Mr. Marsh, is there something I can help you with?"

[274]

Closing his eyes, he seemed to gather his composure before saying,

[275]

"Maisie, I twisted my ankle. Mind helping me back to the hotel?"

[276]

My jaw dropped. This guy could lie without a hint of shame!

[277]

Before I could refuse, he added,

[278]

"Or are we really so distant now that even this is too much?"

[279]

With everyone's curiosity practically bursting, I quickly offered my support, worried about what he might say next if I didn't.

[280]

Braeden's acting had always been top-notch, and his exaggerated limp looked convincing enough. If I weren't walking right next to him, catching his smug little grin, I'd have bought it too.

[281]

The second we got back to his hotel room, his phone buzzed with a call from the director, expressing dramatic concern.

[282]

"Are you alright? Do we need to delay filming so you can get a full check-up?"

[283]

I sat nearby, rolling my eyes so hard they almost got stuck.

[284]

This guy could really put on a show.

[285]

When the call finally ended, Braeden flopped onto the bed and patted the space next to him.

[286]

"Want to take a nap?"

[287]

That was it – I unleashed a whole tirade, giving him a piece of my mind for being so shameless.

[288]

But he just lowered his gaze, his tone suddenly quiet and vulnerable.

[289]

"Maisie, I haven't slept well in ages. Just... stay here. Please?"

[290]

I fell silent. I couldn't bring myself to outright deny him, but I let my silence say what I couldn't.

[291]

He sighed, rising from the bed and moving to the sofa instead.

[292]

"Fine. You take the bed, I'll take the couch. Just... stay."

[293]

I'd wanted him to be vulnerable, to let his guard down. But now that he was, I felt torn and unable to cope. It felt like pain and anger were twisting inside me, unspoken and unresolved.

[294]

How had we come to this?

[295]

How did we let it get this way?

[296]

I couldn't speak, and afraid I'd start crying, I kept my head down and quickly left the room.

[297]

Not far down the hall, I accidentally bumped into someone, catching the clean, fresh scent of their cologne.

[298]

Looking up, I was met by Cayden's concerned face, his large, sincere eyes brimming with worry.

[299]

"Maisie, were you... did someone hurt you?"

[300]

he asked softly.

[301]

I sniffed, and before I could answer, he frowned and pushed past me, storming towards Braeden's room in anger.

[302]

"No."

[303]

Panicked,

[304]

I grabbed his hand.

[305]

The contact startled him, his body going rigid and his ears flushing pink before he even turned to look at me.

[306]

Quickly, I released him. "I was just talking to Braeden, you know? About how tragic it is that someone his age is already starting to lose it mentally.

[307]

Just don't think too hard about it. This industry is a mess, but if you stay true to yourself, it won't ruin you."

[308]

He scratched his head, smiling shyly, looking almost too sweet to be real.

[309]

Resisting the urge to tease him, I said goodbye.

[310]

But not two minutes after I returned to my room,

[311]

a message from Braeden popped up.

[312]

"I can't stand people who throw their weight around."

[313]

I instantly knew what he meant.

[314]

It was a warning not to get too close to Cayden, or he'd make things difficult.

[315]

The cryptic nature of his words would probably throw anyone else off, but I understood perfectly.

[316]

And I knew exactly how to give him the right reminder.

[317]

I replied, "We all become what we hate eventually.

[318]

Even you."