The Anti-Showmance: Crashing the Reality TV Script Chapter 1

I was on a reality dating show with the reigning Best Actor of Hollywood. To make sure I didn't ruin his heavily-PR'd "showmance" with the current It Girl, I actively avoided him like the plague.

But I underestimated the contrarian nature of modern netizens.

After the show aired, the It Girl and the Best Actor were relentlessly mocked for their "artificial, focus-group-tested romance."

Meanwhile, the Best Actor and I—the "Anti-Showmance Duo"—accidentally went viral and broke the internet.

Viewers: "They dodge eye contact but look at that chemistry! If they aren't real, my entire life is a lie!"

* * *

I was notoriously known as the most problematic actress in my age group. My reputation was built on aggressively "shipping" myself with male co-stars to leach off their fame.

Despite having a face sharp enough to cut glass and a killer, sultry vibe, my agency insisted I play the role of the fragile, innocent girl-next-door.

Naturally, the internet despised me. They called me fake, manipulative, and a "green tea bitch."

While filming, the male leads’ PR teams would aggressively push for a fake romance. But once the project wrapped, they’d immediately pivot to playing the victim.

I took the hate; they took the engagement.

Seeing my reputation circle the drain, my agent threw me a lifeline: a live-streamed reality dating show.

The strategy? Use my status as the internet’s punching bag to serve as the ultimate background character, thereby highlighting the sincerity and sweetness of the current It Girl, Chloe Vance.

But just days before shooting began, news dropped that Silas Vance, an Oscar-winning Best Actor (and absolutely no relation to Chloe), was joining the cast.

During my reckless college years, leaning heavily on my status as an upperclassman, I had a brief, embarrassing... incident with the impossibly beautiful, newly-minted star.

We were definitely not meant to cross paths again.

Thankfully, the producers had already established the show’s tone.

Simply put, the entire show was a vehicle to serve the fabricated romance between Silas and Chloe.

The rest of us were just props.

Which meant I’d have zero interaction with Silas.

My only job was to be a good piece of scenery, stay out of the spotlight, and clear the stage for him and Chloe.

It was basically a paid vacation.

I was thrilled. Getting paid to do absolutely nothing? Sign me up.

On the first day of filming, Chloe arrived looking immaculate in a flowing white dress.

The moment she stepped out of the car, the live chat exploded.

"So THIS is why our Silas lowered himself to do a reality show! The high school sweetheart trope is real!"

"Chloe is stunning. Such elegant goddess vibes."

I followed closely behind, makeup-free, wearing a faded t-shirt and shorts, and gave a lazy wave to the camera.

The chat took a hard left.

"Why is SHE here? So unlucky. Trailing right behind Chloe, trying to steal her thunder."

"But seriously, what is she wearing?! Nursing home chic?"

"Reject female rivalry! Vote April Hayes off the island."

Heh. I was far too lazy to compete with them anyway.

That would require a pay bump.

Until Silas made his entrance, I diligently played the background character, watching the beautiful men and women vie for screen time.

The second Silas appeared, I physically maneuvered myself completely out of the frame. I wasn't even a background character anymore; I was off-screen.

When it came to avoiding suspicion, I was a seasoned professional.

Silas was the biggest name among us. He had kept a low profile for years, focusing strictly on acting, with zero scandals and almost no variety show appearances.

Rumor had it that when the dating show producers first approached him, he flat-out refused.

No one knew why he suddenly changed his mind.

An A-list Best Actor dropping down to a reality show instantly sparked intense online debate.

Everyone assumed he came specifically for Chloe.

After all, when Chloe debuted, it was revealed that she and Silas had attended the same high school and college.

There were even rumors that Chloe was the "one who got away," the unattainable first love Silas had carried a torch for, remaining single to this day just waiting for her to look back.

In Hollywood, star power is king.

The moment Silas stepped out, the entire cast swarmed him, excitedly introducing themselves.

When the camera panned to me, I was zoned out, staring at a bowl of sunflower seeds, trying to figure out if they were real or just props.

The live chat was buzzing.

"Look at her acting all aloof, ignoring our Silas! Doing anything for attention, she's so pathetic."

"Okay, but honestly... I'm kind of getting her vibe? Even without makeup, she looks good. Effortlessly cool."

"Girl, are you crazy? You think April the Green Tea is cool? Who knows what toxic schemes she's plotting."

Chloe seamlessly claimed the seat next to Silas.

They were wearing complementary colors, looking very much like a couple.

The chat was flooded with "A match made in heaven" and "Destined lovers."

I sat far away, cracking sunflower seeds, quietly observing Silas.

It had been years. He was even more handsome now, practically oozing a detached, untouchable aura.

He looked cold and distant. None of that soft, puppy-dog cuteness from before.

The chat went wild. "The Vance-Thorne ship is sailing! Just one frame together and it's raining pink bubbles. I'm dying!"

Chloe casually flipped her hair and covered her mouth with a delicate laugh, sending the chat into a frenzy.

"Chloe has so much class. She's the only pure jasmine flower in the industry. How does April, that cheap knockoff, even dare to compare?"