Who Is Who

Atticus Monroe had grown used to the constant rhythm of life on the road. The flashing lights, the deafening roar of fans, the endless waves of applause-all of it fueled him, but it also left him feeling hollow. It was as if every scream added another layer between him and the rest of the world. His fame had come at a price-loneliness.

Tonight, he was backstage at the sold-out concert of his latest tour, the energy of the crowd vibrating through the walls. Atticus sat in his dressing room, staring at his reflection in the mirror. His deep brown eyes, lined with smudged eyeliner, looked tired, as though they carried the weight of the fame he could never escape.

His best friend and manager, Jaxon, burst through the door, grinning ear to ear. "Another one in the books, Atticus! That crowd was insane! You're unstoppable!"

Atticus forced a smile. Jaxon had been with him since the beginning, back when they were just two kids dreaming of making it big. Now, their friendship felt like the only thing that still kept him grounded.

"Yeah, insane," Atticus muttered, running a hand through his jet-black hair. "But you know, I'm starting to wonder if this is all there is."

Jaxon frowned and sat down beside him. "What are you talking about? You're living the dream! Every guy in the world wants to be you, and every girl-and guy-wants to be with you."

Atticus leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes. "Maybe that's the problem, Jaxon. I'm tired of people wanting the idea of me, the pop star. No one actually wants me."

Jaxon sighed, not knowing what to say. He wasn't the best when it came to emotional conversations, but he understood Atticus. "Look, you just need a break. After this tour, why don't we head to the coast? Take a vacation, get out of the spotlight for a while."

Atticus nodded, appreciating the thought, but deep down he knew that even a vacation couldn't fill the void. He wasn't sure what could.

---

Meanwhile, across the city, in a towering glass office that overlooked the skyline, Ivan Laurent was working late, as usual. The click of his keyboard echoed in the nearly empty office, illuminated only by the dim glow of his desk lamp. Ivan, the CEO of Laurent Enterprises, a global tech empire, was known for his ruthless business tactics and icy demeanor. His friends often teased him for being a machine, always calculating, always thinking ahead. But beneath his sharp suits and cold exterior, Ivan was hiding something no one knew about-a broken heart.

Ivan pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose and rubbed his temples. He hadn't felt anything real in years. Sure, he had his circle of business partners and a handful of people he could call friends, but none of them knew him-the real him.

His phone buzzed, interrupting his thoughts. It was Aiden, his childhood friend and the only person who knew even a fraction of his secrets.

Come on, man. You've been locked in that office for days. Let's go out tonight. Just one drink.

Ivan considered ignoring it, but he knew Aiden would just keep texting. With a sigh, he texted back.