Chapter 6: Confessions After Midnight

Watching the chaos, I felt weirdly emotional.

I always knew about some stars’ dirty secrets, but couldn’t spill because of my own reputation.

Otherwise, I’d have been blacklisted as an industry snitch.

So I fought back in my own way.

Which led to a mountain of scandals.

Thanks to Blake’s mess, I managed to clear my name. At least a little.

When the trending topic peaked, the official ‘Radiance’ account announced Blake was being replaced for misconduct.

The new actor was Lucas Kim.

As soon as the news dropped, Lucas messaged me. Practically in tears.

“Reese, I skipped the opening for you!”

I blinked.

“Skipped the opening? What do you mean? You knew he’d be replaced?”

He sent a crying emoji.

“Martin and Ethan told me—they’d expose all of Blake’s dirt, clear your name, and then I’d step in…”

He kept whining, but I was deep in thought.

All those blogs, Martin reaching out before… Was it all Ethan’s plan? Wouldn’t put it past him.

After Blake’s downfall, bloggers and gossip sites started digging up the stars I’d trashed before.

Every single one got exposed.

The new top star’s ‘natural’ face? Ten surgeries in LA and Seoul.

The beautiful actress? Always sabotaged other women, flirting with male co-stars for attention.

...

One scandal after another, and half of Hollywood lost millions of fans overnight.

They called it the Great Hollywood Shakeup. Not that I was complaining.

And I was the biggest winner.

Because the worst thing people could say about me was that I roasted people—who all turned out to deserve it.

Fans gave me a new nickname: The Truth Bomb Queen, Most Honest in Hollywood.

And said: 'We did you dirty, Reese! You’re the realest in showbiz! Stan forever!' Honestly, it felt good.

The only thing left was the rumor that I was riding Ethan’s coattails. Whatever.

At this point, I was on Martin’s set, practicing wire work for fight scenes.

My character’s an orphan-turned-heroine, fighting injustice with the male lead. Total badass.

I’d never done such tough stunts before, so I was struggling.

After a few failed takes, Ethan suited up and practiced with me. Always the professional.

He steadied me from behind, quietly coaching:

“Don’t tense up. Just imagine you’re dancing.”

With his voice in my ear, I relaxed. Just like old times.

Martin was thrilled with my progress.

Every day after that, Ethan would practice the moves solo. Then rehearse with me.

His broad chest at my back, solid as a wall.

After coming off the wires, Martin grinned at us:

“I’ve never seen you care so much about an actress, Ethan.”

Ethan wasn’t embarrassed. He looked right at me:

“Caring for her is second nature now.”

Martin laughed so hard his face wrinkled. The guy’s a legend.

I hadn’t expected Ethan to be so direct. My face burned. I made an excuse to run lines—fast.

Besides the stunts, there was a key kiss scene.

Martin made it clear—no camera tricks. It had to be real and passionate.

Normally, no big deal. But with Ethan, my mind was a mess.

He, on the other hand, was all business in rehearsal. Typical.

My character, in tears, accused him of not caring about his own life.

Then I’m pulled into his arms and kissed.

Ethan, always a natural at intensity, nailed it.

After my last tearful line, the male lead gazed at me, and as Martin counted down, Ethan pulled me close, cupped my face, and kissed me hard.

His kiss was fierce and hungry, lips crushing mine again and again.

My breath came ragged.