ALIANA

The studio smells like makeup, hot lights, and fake calm but I am left with no other option since the vultures don't stop circling me.

I sit on the chair they give me, legs crossed, spine straight, King’s small fingers wrapped around mine. He’s wearing a navy blazer that makes him look older than he is, and he keeps swinging his legs like this is just another errand.

It’s not.

The producer leans in. “We’re live in thirty seconds.”

I nod once.

Jenna stands behind the camera, arms folded tight across her chest. Lily is pacing like a caged animal. Evera looks calm on the outside, but I know...