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Chapter 2: Chemistry On-Screen
Ethan's name trended on Twitter before the first screening of his new movie, Shadows in the Rain. Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Damien Clive, it was set to be the cinematic event of the year. Ethan starred opposite Scarlett Leigh, a rising star with sharp features, a silver tongue, and undeniable charm.
The buzz began with the trailer.
The official YouTube upload titled "Shadows in the Rain – Official Trailer" amassed 15 million views within 24 hours. The comments section was flooded:
"Ethan Carter can do no wrong. This man's acting is on another level." (23k likes)
"Scarlett Leigh might just outshine Ethan in this one. Can't wait!" (12k likes)
Fans dissected every frame, but one particular scene stood out: Ethan and Scarlett's characters kissing under the rain. It wasn't just the kiss—it was the way they looked at each other afterward, as if the world around them had disappeared. Within hours, Twitter exploded.
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Trending Hashtags
#EthanAndScarlett
#ShadowsInTheRain
#CoupleGoals
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Alara watched the chaos unfold from her couch, her legs curled under her as she scrolled through Instagram. Edits of Ethan and Scarlett flooded her feed, set to melancholy piano music. One reel, captioned "Name a better love story. I'll wait. 🥰", had over 1.8 million likes.
She hesitated before clicking on Scarlett's profile, @ScarlettLeighOfficial. Scarlett's follower count had jumped by 500,000 in just two days, now sitting at 15.6 million. Her latest post—a candid photo of her and Ethan laughing on set—had over 3 million likes and nearly 50,000 comments:
"Please tell me they're dating IRL!" (42k likes)
"This chemistry >>> any real couple tbh."
Alara's stomach tightened. She knew Ethan and Scarlett were close friends, but the internet had a way of twisting narratives into something bigger.
That evening, during their usual dinner, Alara brought it up. "So, Scarlett's Instagram post is blowing up," she said casually, watching Ethan's reaction.
He looked up from his phone. "Yeah, I saw it. The fans are really into the movie. It's good PR."
"Good PR?" she repeated, raising an eyebrow. "They're practically planning your wedding."
Ethan laughed, brushing it off. "You know how these things are. It's just hype. It'll die down once the next big thing comes along."
Alara nodded but didn't feel reassured. The comments weren't just hype—they felt like a tide turning against her.
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TikTok Buzz
A viral TikTok compilation titled "Proof Ethan and Scarlett Are Soulmates" racked up 5.4 million views:
Clip 1: Scarlett playfully nudging Ethan during an interview.
Clip 2: Ethan looking at Scarlett during a press junket.
Clip 3: Behind-the-scenes laughter from a blooper reel.
The comments section was a battlefield:
"This is why I can't stand Alara. She's so fake. Scarlett and Ethan deserve each other!" (54.2k likes)
"Imagine being Alara right now 😭."
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Alara stared at the video, her grip tightening on her phone. It wasn't Scarlett's fault, but the growing comparisons felt like a spotlight on everything she wasn't. For years, she had built her brand around being poised and perfect, yet the internet had turned her into the villain in someone else's love story.
Ethan noticed her silence as she scrolled. "Hey," he said softly, reaching for her hand. "You okay?"
"Yeah," she lied, forcing a smile. "Just tired."
She didn't want to burden him with her insecurities. After all, she had chosen this life. But as she lay in bed that night, refreshing her Instagram notifications and reading the comments on her latest post—a behind-the-scenes shot from her recent Versace campaign—her heart sank.
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Top Comments on @AlaraBennettOfficial
"This feels so forced. Like she's trying to compete with Scarlett lol." (18.4k likes)
"I can't believe Ethan is stuck with her when Scarlett is right there." (12k likes)
"How do you sleep knowing the entire internet wants your boyfriend with someone else?"
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Her post had 1.2 million likes, but the comments made it feel worthless. For the first time in years, Alara doubted if she could keep up with the pressure of being perfect.