My online boyfriend and I agreed to swap photos today. I thought he was catfishing when he sent a professional, high-fashion shot of the city's most famous, untouchable billionaire heir taken during a press conference. I laughed, annoyed. I shot back a photo of a famous A-list actress in a high-fashion editorial. [Dumbass. If you’re going to use a fake photo, at least pick a niche one, okay?] Then I immediately blocked and deleted him. That night, the real billionaire heir personally made a high-profile post on social media looking for someone. [My girlfriend blocked me. Can anyone help me explain to her?] Attached to his post was a screenshot of my text message, complete with the dreaded red exclamation mark indicating it was undelivered. My eyes nearly popped out of my head. 01 After breakfast, I spent an hour putting on a full face of makeup. I sat by the window, waiting for the exact moment the lighting was perfect. Because today was the day my online boyfriend and I agreed to swap photos. [Ready, baby?] His message popped up. I quickly replied: [I’m a little nervous, baby.] Even though our values aligned perfectly and we talked about everything, I had never told him that I was actually a somewhat famous actress. I was more of a "love-to-hate" celebrity, but I had my fair share of fame. Worried he wouldn't believe a photo, I planned to video call him right after. I wondered how he would react. He replied quickly. [I’m nervous too. I’m scared you’ll think I’m ugly.] [Baby, I really tried to pick the best picture of myself I could find.] [Are you going to be disappointed in me, baby?] More than once, he had expressed insecurity about his looks. But having seen too many fake, perfect faces in Hollywood, I honestly didn't care about his outward appearance. [Of course not. As long as you aren’t using a fake photo to trick me, I’ll love you no matter what you look like.] [That’s good. Kisses, QAQ.] [Kisses.] He was very clingy, and I didn't mind pampering him. He went quiet for a few minutes, seemingly building up the courage. Then, he sent an image. It was a man in a impeccably tailored suit, surrounded by a swarm of microphones, his eyes sharp, radiating an intense, powerful aura. I recognized him instantly. He was Ethan Thorne, the notorious, multi-billionaire heir to a massive New York real estate empire. Because of his insane good looks, every interview shot of him became a viral sensation. This was actually his most famous "it" photo. My online boyfriend texted: [Baby, this is me. What do you think?] [Nervously twiddling fingers.jpg] I froze. I had always thought my online boyfriend was intelligent, sophisticated, and perfect for me. We clicked on everything. But what was this? Sending an interview photo of another man? A hundred-billionaire heir playing around with online dating? Was I not awake, or was he dreaming? And I specifically told him not to use a fake photo! Did I look that gullible? I hate deception more than anything. Fury instantly erupted within me. I immediately found an obscure editorial shot of myself—one not widely circulated—and sent it to him. [Dumbass. If you’re going to use a fake photo, at least pick a niche one, okay?] Without waiting for a reply, I blocked his number at lightning speed. 02 I met my online boyfriend while playing video games. I went into the game and deleted him from my friends list, wiping out our "High Affinity" status of over ten thousand points, ensuring he had no way to contact me ever again. Then I threw my phone onto the sofa, spent an hour washing off my makeup, and curled up alone, fuming. All those photos of abs and obliques he used to send me... they must have been pulled from some random fitness Instagram. And to think I actually admired and complimented his physique! That dead liar! I was so angry I couldn't function, so I just buried my head in the pillows and went to sleep. That evening, I was woken by a call from my manager, Sarah. Her voice sounded strange. "Chloe, have you seen the trending topics today?" "What happened?" I mumbled, forcing my eyes open and opening the X app (formerly Twitter). I realized a topic had exploded just minutes ago. #Even Billionaire Heirs Do Online Dating# My heart did a somersault. I was instantly wide awake. This topic... it couldn't be what I thought it was, right? Cautiously, I clicked in. Ethan Thorne, who rarely ever posted on social media, had posted a few minutes ago. [My girlfriend blocked me. Can anyone help me explain to her?] The attached photo looked increasingly familiar. Wasn't this the final chat log between me and my online boyfriend? The only difference was that on his end, there were several more messages that failed to send, marked with red exclamation points. [Huh?] [It’s not a fake photo, baby. It’s really me.] [Baby?] [Why did you delete me? Can you at least listen to my explanation?] [Baby... #crying#] The internet was in absolute shock. [What? Ethan Thorne does online dating?] [I’m dying to know who the girlfriend is. Did she save the universe in a past life to be dating Ethan Thorne online?] [But she thought he was a catfish. LMAO.] [Honestly, if it were me, I’d think it was a fake photo too. Hahaha.] [But it looks like he’s publicly searching for her, right? Does anyone know this girl?] [If anyone knows her, please tell her to answer him! Mr. Thorne is so anxious he’s actually posting on social media!] I scrolled through the comments, my eyes nearly popping out of my head. So, my online boyfriend actually didn't use a fake photo? He really was Ethan Thorne! While I was still reeling from the shock, a new trending topic suddenly appeared. #Celebrity and Billionaire's Online Romance: I'm Obsessed# I gasped. No way the internet detectives were this fast, right? Had I been exposed already? Nervously, I clicked. It was a new post from the currently hot, "it girl" actress, Brooke Sterling. [No need for anyone to help explain. I know it was just a misunderstanding~] Her post was so heavily pointed it was just short of quoting Ethan’s original post. Netizens went wild. [The internet is amazing! Found her in minutes!] [So the online girlfriend is Brooke! OMG! A movie star and a billionaire heir? What an insane online romance!] [Brooke is too cute. She’s a celebrity herself doing online dating, yet she didn't believe a billionaire was doing the same. Hahaha.] [Help, they are so perfect together. Brooke is about to become a billionaire's wife!] 03 Sarah’s voice came through the phone again. "Do you see it now? We originally planned to have you on that food and lifestyle reality show to gain some popular favor, but now that Brooke and Ethan Thorne’s online romance has exploded, all the buzz for the show tomorrow will be about her. You’re going to be totally eclipsed!" I was stunned. Because I was a decent cook, we had specifically chosen a slow-paced lifestyle show called "The Great American Farmhouse" to try and fix my shaky reputation with the public. And the show was broadcasting live starting tomorrow. With all the buzz going to Brooke, I would be nothing more than a background extra again. I gritted my teeth. "What if... the person actually dating Ethan Thorne is me?" When I was dating Ethan online, I used a private account, completely separate from my professional, public-facing celebrity account. As a result, not even Sarah knew that the girl in question was me. I explained the whole story to Sarah, leaving her completely stunned. "Brooke Sterling actually dared to clout-chase this? Is she insane?" It was common knowledge that Ethan Thorne was not only vindictive but also ruthless. No one dared mess with him, and even fewer dared to lie to him. Even knowing I was his actual online girlfriend, I didn't dare step forward and admit it. Because I hadn't just blocked him; I had called him a dumbass. Sarah and I stayed up all night talking, but we couldn't come up with a foolproof plan. With only a rough layer of makeup and very little sleep, I was thrown into the reality show production. When I arrived, several other guests were already gathered around Brooke Sterling, chatting excitedly. "Brooke! What’s it like dating a billionaire heir online?" "You are way too good at online dating!" "What is Ethan like in private?" "Now that you’ve cleared up the misunderstanding, have you unblocked him and added him back?" A barrage of questions left Brooke looking shy. She covered her mouth, giggling. "He hasn't actually reached out to me personally yet. As for the block list... I’m not planning on taking him off just yet." This was a response nobody expected. "What? You haven't unblocked him yet!" "Someone who dares to treat Ethan Thorne like that—I guess there’s only one Brooke Sterling in the world, huh?" "I can't imagine how much you must be pampered in real life!" Brooke gave another shy smile. "Oh, stop it. You guys shouldn't talk like that." Everyone was filled with envy. Only I slowly frowned. She didn't unblock Ethan Thorne... wasn't that because he was on my block list? However, my subtle expression was quickly caught by the live-stream audience. [What is Chloe doing? What’s with that face?] [I heard she’s insanely jealous that Brooke is dating a billionaire heir. She can't even hide it on her face!] [LMAO, who told her not to have Brooke's luck?] [Why did the production team invite her? To watch her pout?] Brooke noticed me too. She walked over with a bright smile. "Chloe, you’re finally here! The host said they’re going to announce a huge surprise once everyone is here. We were just waiting for you." I silently glanced at the time. Recording was supposed to start at 8:30 AM; it was barely past 8:00 AM now. Because of the Ethan Thorne situation, I hadn't gone to sleep until 5:00 AM, so I certainly hadn't arrived early. But I wasn't late either! But netizens had already quickly grasped Brooke's implication. [So Chloe still hasn't fixed her diva habit of being late?] [A whole room is waiting for just her. The nerve!] [Only our Brooke is kind enough to give her a smile after waiting white-knuckled for so long!] [I’m so sick of Chloe. Showing up so late. Can we just have her kicked off this show?] 04 I really wanted to roll my eyes at her. But I held back. I looked at the host. "What huge surprise?" The host gave a mysterious smile. The large screen behind him suddenly lit up. It was a screenshot of a recent social media post. Ethan Thorne had posted four words just three minutes ago: [Going where you are.] Attached was the logo for our reality show, "The Great American Farmhouse." The host introduced: "Ta-da! Our show is honored to welcome—the CEO of the Thorne Group himself, Mr. Ethan Thorne, as a guest!" Netizens immediately went wild for the "couple." [‘Going where you are’? Isn't this literally chasing his wife to the production set?] [Does everyone remember what Brooke just said? Ethan hadn't contacted her yet, so she wouldn't unblock him. And then Ethan actually came to the show for Brooke. This is too much pampering!] [He’s a man who has a fixed schedule for interviews, and he just shows up on a viral reality show? If this isn't true love, I don't know what is!] [I can't even imagine how sweet it will be when the billionaire heir actually arrives on set!] [Can I please have Brooke’s life script in my next life?] Brooke’s expression was also wonderful. First, her eyes slowly widened, then she covered her mouth in disbelief. Finally, she lowered her head bashfully. Someone immediately teased, "Brooke, the billionaire heir chased you all the way to the show. You should probably unblock him now, right?" She covered her face self-consciously. "Oh, stop it... I’ll see how he behaves when he gets here~" This caused another round of excitement from the crowd. I was extremely confused. Did Ethan Thorne really just believe that Brooke Sterling was his online girlfriend? He was even coming onto a reality show for this? I couldn't help but remember when I was dating Ethan online. Whenever he made me angry, he would send me money transfers. If I ignored him, he would send me photos of his abs. If I kept ignoring him, he would pull his waistband lower and lower. He certainly knew how to coax a girl. But I was the one he was coaxing. How had he become this person in Brooke's mouth, someone who could be effortlessly manipulated by her time and time again? I couldn't hold it in anymore. I looked up at Brooke. "If Ethan Thorne ‘behaves well,’ are you sure you can unblock him?" Brooke was stunned for a moment. But she quickly nodded. "Of course." Another guest was confused and asked me, "Chloe, why would you ask that?" I didn't answer immediately. If I said right now that I was Ethan Thorne’s actual online girlfriend, wouldn't I get absolutely shredded by the public? The netizens were already roasting me. [Is this Chloe crazy? Why did she randomly pipe up with that?] [Her jealousy is practically oozing through the screen. Seeing how much Mr. Thorne pampers Brooke, she’s probably never experienced that in her life, right?] [Seriously, what is there to question? Ethan Thorne came onto the show for Brooke!] [She is so rude. But everyone shouldn't be angry. When Mr. Thorne gets here, he will definitely handle her for Brooke! Kick her out!] Brooke, catching my hesitant expression, straightened her back. She frowned and looked at me. "Yeah, what’s the meaning of that question? If I can’t, can you?" Her tone was filled with interrogation. There was even a hint of provocation in her eyes. "Chloe, are you just..." Before she finished, the sarcasm was loud and clear. Am I envious? Am I jealous? Am I intentionally trying to pick a fight? Everyone around was staring at me. I was getting heated from the scrutiny. Finally, unable to take it anymore, I opened my mouth. "Yeah, I can. "He’s on my block list right now. Do you want to see?" 05 For a moment, everyone on set was stunned. Nobody expected me to say that. The scene fell into a dead silence. Everyone looked at each other, speechless. A guest closest to me was the first to react, looking at me in shock. "Chloe, what are you saying? Who is on your block list? Ethan Thorne?" I realized only then that I had been too impulsive and had actually spoken the truth. But what was done was done. I just nodded silently. The guest was a bit confused. "So you’re saying... you also blocked Ethan Thorne?" I replied casually, "Yeah." Netizens: [This girl wants to clout-chase everything, doesn't she? Brooke blocks the billionaire heir, so she has to say she blocked him too, even though he doesn't even know who she is...] [And who cares if you blocked him? Is blocking someone a flex? What is with her attitude? Maybe she tried incredibly hard to add Mr. Thorne on a messenger app, he ignored her, she had a meltdown, and blocked him herself to feel some kind of moral victory?] [Exactly. Is Brooke the same as her? Brooke and Ethan are a couple having a playful lover's tiff, and she has to butt in. What a dumbass.] While this was happening, Brooke had already run over to stand in front of me, looking very surprised. "How could you have Mr. Thorne’s contact information?" I was utterly sick of this woman now. I decided not to hide it anymore. "Why wouldn't I? Is there no possibility that the person dating him online was actually me?" I stared at Brooke and spoke with complete confidence. Netizens burst out laughing. [Are my ears broken? What did Chloe say? She said she’s the one who was online dating Ethan Thorne?] [She’s insane... she dares to fake something like this? Brooke and the billionaire heir have already publicly acknowledged each other online. Isn't she afraid Mr. Thorne will have her blacklisted from the industry immediately?] [Ugh, I can't take this crazy woman anymore! One minute questioning others, the next minute having a manic episode herself. When is Ethan Thorne getting here to put her in her place?] [But... she looks serious. Not like she’s faking. And do you guys remember? The final photo the online girlfriend sent him was actually a shot from Chloe’s editorial.] [Do you have any critical thinking skills? They already suspected the other person was using a fake photo. How could they send their actual picture? Whoever that person is, it’s definitely not Chloe!] [Yeah, I don't get why you guys are even doubting this. Ethan Thorne posted on social media to chase his ‘wife.’ It was obviously a response to Brooke. Chloe, the clout-chaser, needs to get lost!] Brooke was furious. "What do you mean? Are you trying to say you’re the one dating Mr. Thorne and not me? That I’m an imposter?" Even though she was angry, there wasn't a trace of guilt or nervousness on her face. I found it strange. Why wasn't she afraid of being exposed right here? Seeing her eagerness to refute me, I interrupted her directly. "Then why was your first reaction that I was an imposter? What if we were both dating him at the same time?" 06 Brooke hadn't expected me to say that. She was speechless for a few seconds, her face flushing as she retorted loudly, "Mr. Thorne would never do such a thing!" Her reaction was already a bit extreme. I just gave a shallow "Oh." I was silently debating whether to expose Brooke right now. After all, a live broadcast would be hard to manage. But before I could decide, Brooke actually made the first move. "Chloe, I’ve always considered you a good friend, but you questioned me first, slandered Mr. Thorne second, and now you actually dare to claim you’re his girlfriend. Have you forgotten? This is a live broadcast! Even if I don't mind, I have to defend Mr. Thorne’s reputation! If you can’t produce evidence right now, then please apologize to Mr. Thorne and me immediately!" She spoke with sincere emotion, tears streaming down her face. She stood there, biting her lip stubbornly, like a pure little flower that had been wronged but refused to break. The guests who had remained silent earlier now looked at me accusingly. "Seriously, that's not right, Chloe." The netizens were enraged. [Seriously, is this Chloe a psycho? How could she say something like ‘Thorne was dating two women at once’?] [I’ve had enough! I feel so bad for Brooke. Not only does she have to face this crazy woman’s questioning, but now her man is being slandered too!] [Brooke looks like she’s about to cry in the next second! Someone please go hug her! And someone punch Chloe, that dumbass!] [Heh, she better be able to produce some decent evidence. If she can’t, she can wait to get kicked out of the industry! Ethan Thorne will destroy her when he gets here!] I remained silent for a moment. To prevent any accidents like accidentally switching accounts while posting, I always used a completely separate, private phone for my private entertainment. I really hadn't brought that phone with me to record this variety show. When I stated this difficulty, Brooke’s triumph became visibly apparent. She appeared to be distressed for me, but was increasingly certain I was just slandering her. "Didn't bring your phone? The internet is so advanced now. Can’t you just log in to your account on another phone? Or... do you not have an account at all?" I was completely fed up. She was begging me to expose her. "Fine. I’ll log in," I interrupted her. I was done wasting words. I directly grabbed a production staff member's work phone and logged in to my secondary messenger account right then and there. Someone whispered, "The profile picture seems to be the same one as Ethan Thorne's online girlfriend..." Brooke's expression changed. She clenched her fists and leaned in to look. I shoved the block list directly in her face. "See?" There was only one person on the block list. The account name was simply "E." The profile picture was the identical one Ethan Thorne had previously shared on social media. Brooke obviously hadn't expected me to actually produce evidence. She froze on the spot for a moment, unable to move. 07 The netizens were stunned. [What’s going on? Chloe actually seems to have a real case here...] [OMG! Both profile pictures match. And since she was asked on the spot, it’s unlikely to be fake, right?] [I feel like it might be real. Because that editorial photo really was Chloe’s, and it really was obscure. Why would anyone else save that unless it was her?] [Does that mean Brooke is the liar? But in that situation, how could someone send their actual picture? I don't believe it.] [It doesn't matter if you believe it or not. The evidence has been produced. Is Brooke Sterling about to have her entire career collapse...] Brooke struggled for a long time but couldn't squeeze out a single word. "This? This..." Everyone was gathered around looking. In amidst the shocked stares, a guest suddenly said, "But, you don't have any chat history to prove you were in a relationship..." I froze. Because I was logged in on a new phone, the chat history was indeed blank. Brooke seemed to be instantly revived. She snaps her head up. "Exactly! And how can you prove this person is Mr. Thorne? Anyone can use the exact same profile picture!" Having said that, she suddenly looked wronged again. "But for you to be able to produce this so quickly... could it be... could it be..." Before she finished her sentence, her big, watery eyes, full of unspeakable emotion, darted a few times towards the nearby directing team. Her eyes were filled with the hurt of betrayal. The implication was practically screaming. The netizens seemed to have a lightbulb moment. [Holy sht! Yeah, why didn't I think of that? Chloe’s whole reveal looked so smooth and scripted. Could this be a storyline she worked out with the directing team?]* [Yeah. She unusually questioned Brooke over and over, Brooke was bound to get angry and ask for evidence, and then the production team just ‘happened’ to have a spare work phone, and she logged in so smoothly, and there was a ‘perfect’ account ready... it looks more like something prepared in advance.] [Fcking hell, I’m convinced! If Brooke wasn't smart, she almost got played!]* [And Chloe just said something about ‘dating the same person at the same time’... I bet the next step was to act out a tragic script where she was cheated on to get sympathy, right?] [So this directing team is trying to pull this stunt to stir up buzz for Chloe? How low can you get?] The other guests immediately looked at me with strange, wary eyes. I even heard them whispering. "It couldn't be like that, right? I thought this was a completely unscripted live broadcast..." "Who knows what kind of ‘benefits’ she gave them..." At that moment, I was turned to stone. I knew Brooke Sterling was bold enough to lie, but I didn't expect her to be this good at counter-attacking! I don't have evidence: I’m lying. I have evidence: It’s a script. Where is the justice! Seeing that the finger was being pointed at the production team, the host quickly stepped forward to smooth things over. "Everything that happens in our show is real! As for matters regarding Mr. Thorne... he himself will be arriving at the production set very soon!"
? Continue the story here ?? ? Download the "MotoNovel" app ? search for "410910", and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel