Melissa had officially entered the world of fame.
But no one had warned her that fame came with rules.
Rule #1: Always smile, even when you're exhausted.
Rule #2: Say yes to everything like the interviews, photoshoots, last-minute changes.
Rule #3: Never, ever let the world see your doubts...all so exhausting.
Melissa had barely landed in Los Angeles before she was thrust into a whirlwind of contracts, meetings, and rehearsals.
And yet somewhere between signing her name and stepping in front of cameras she couldn't stop thinking about home.
She couldn't stop thinking about Ethan Clarke.
"Melissa, the world loves you," her new manager, Vanessa, said, flipping through press clippings. "Your story is gold—small-town girl goes viral, lands record deal. People want you."
Melissa nodded, but inside, she felt like she was floating—like she was watching her life from the outside instead of living it.
Her first public appearance was scheduled. A music showcase where she'd perform in front of actual industry executives.
"Make them believe you belong here," Vanessa instructed.
Melissa inhaled. Nodded.
She could do this.
She had to do this.
But why did it feel like something was missing?
Two days before her big debut, her phone buzzed.
Ethan Clarke: Are you surviving?
Melissa stared at the message.
She had told herself she wouldn't text him. That she needed to focus on her future.
And yet—her fingers moved before she could stop them.
Melissa: Barely.
Seconds later, another message came through.
Ethan: You were meant for this.
Melissa swallowed.
He wasn't here. He wasn't part of this world she was stepping into.
So why did his words feel more important than anything Vanessa had told her?
The night of her first showcase arrived.
Melissa stood backstage, nerves swallowing her whole.
Cameras flashed. Reporters whispered. Industry executives leaned forward, waiting.
And Melissa?
She took a breath.
Stepped onto the stage.
And sang.
Her voice filled the room. Strong. Confident. Raw.
The crowd exploded into applause.
And just like that Melissa Kingsley belonged to the spotlight.
Melissa had done it. She had proved herself.
Yet as she smiled for the cameras, a familiar ache settled in her chest.
Because success wasn't the same as happiness.
And fame wasn't the same as love.
Melissa Kingsley had conquered the spotlight.
Her performance had left executives speechless, critics impressed, and the internet buzzing with praise.
She should have felt unstoppable.
So why was she sitting alone in her hotel room, staring at her phone like it held the answer to everything?
Because Ethan Clarke hadn't texted back.
Melissa barely had time to process her whirlwind rise before her schedule exploded recording sessions, interviews, branding meetings, lessons on how to be famous.
"You're not just a singer now," Vanessa reminded her. "You're a brand. You have to think like one."
Melissa nodded, pretending she understood.
But deep down, she wondered, was this really her dream?
Or had she stepped into something she wasn't ready for?
Ethan's radio silence was the worst part.
Melissa had tried calling. Once. Okay, twice.
No answer.
Maybe he was mad. Maybe he had moved on.
Maybe, just maybe she had left behind more than just her small-town life.
And then, one unexpected notification changed everything.
Melissa opened her social media feed.
And froze.
Because there, staring back at her, was a picture.
Ethan Clarke. With someone else.
Some girl smiling, leaning into him like they were something real.
Melissa's breath hitched.
She shouldn't care.
She had left. She had chased fame.
But her heart?
It didn't get the memo.
Tasha called seconds later.
"Melissa. Are you okay?"
Melissa swallowed. Forced a laugh. "Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"
Tasha sighed. "You don't have to pretend with me."
Melissa did have to pretend.
Because her dream was happening.
And her heartbreak wasn't supposed to be part of the deal.
Melissa Kingsley had always believed that chasing her dreams would fill the void inside her.
She was wrong.
Fame had given her everything success, recognition, a rising career.
But it had also taken too much her peace, her privacy, and maybe… Ethan.
Now, she sat backstage after another exhausting press interview, staring at the picture of him with that other girl.
She told herself it didn't matter.
But her heart refused to listen.
Melissa's world was shimmering private parties, industry elites, high-end brands reaching out with deals.
Vanessa, her manager, kept telling her, "You're untouchable now. Everyone wants a piece of you."
And yet, somehow, the more the world wanted her, the more she felt alone.
Her texts to Ethan remained unanswered.
Her calls went to voicemail.
And her mind?
It wouldn't stop replaying memories of him.
Because despite the fame, despite the success Melissa had never wanted to lose him.
One night, after yet another empty party, Melissa found herself wandering into a quiet rooftop lounge, away from the flashing cameras and expectations.
She stared at the city skyline, feeling smaller than ever.
And then her phone buzzed.
Ethan Clarke: We need to talk.
Melissa's heart started beat hard slamming hard against her ribs.
She hesitated.
Then typed.
Melissa: About what?
Seconds later, another message came through.
Ethan: Us.
Two days later, back in her hotel suite, Melissa paced the floor, waiting for Ethan's call.
When her phone finally rang, she nearly dropped it in her rush to answer.
"Melissa," Ethan said, his voice rough, uncertain.
She inhaled sharply. "Why are you calling now?"
A pause.
Then the truth.
"I screwed up," Ethan admitted. "I should have answered. I should have..."
Melissa closed her eyes, gripping her phone tighter. "Why didn't you?"
Another pause.
Then his confession.
"Because if I heard your voice, I wouldn't have let you leave."
Melissa's breath hitched.
Silence stretched between them, heavy with everything they hadn't said.
Then, softly Ethan added, "I never moved on."
Melissa swallowed hard.
Because suddenly, she wasn't sure if she had, either.
Melissa had fought so hard to get here to build her career, to prove herself, to take this leap into fame.
But as she stood in her quiet hotel room, staring out at the city lights, one question refused to leave her mind.
Had she made the right choice?
And more importantly was she willing to go back?