Chapter 3The 'Hate-Ship' Playlist: When Your Ex Is Your Muse

I couldn't take it anymore.

I scanned the room, looking for someone to swap seats with.

"Sitting next to me is that much of a sacrifice for you, Miss Shaw?"

I glared at Jax. "Mind your own business."

I didn't know many people well. After searching for a long time, I still felt awkward asking for help.

Ugh. Just endure it.

Jax, seeing my defeated slump, looked even more smug: "I told you, give up. Being stuck with me is your destiny."

...

Psycho.

"Lena, want to swap seats with me?"

A familiar voice called out.

I turned around. Alec Sterling, the famous actor, was standing behind me.

"Thank you, thank you! Thank you so much, Alec! You are saving me!"

I stood up.

"Hey, you..."

Jax subconsciously grabbed my wrist.

"What? You'll miss me?"

"Hah," he scoffed, his mouth twitching as he slowly let go. "Please, get away from me. I couldn't be happier."

[Lena stood up, and he instantly reached for her. See that? He's panicked.] [Oh God, who dares to walk between Jax and Alec? The air pressure is so low, it feels like everything within a hundred feet is freezing.] [Rumor has it Lena and Alec dated, too. Judging by Jax's dark-as-asphalt face, the rumors must be true.] [Rivals seeing rivals, the tension is real.] [I envy Lena. She has great taste. Everyone she dated is a total knockout.]

That's total misinformation.

Alec is my aunt's son—my cousin.

My parents were overseas and neglected me, so I grew up at my aunt's house. Alec is basically my brother.

He starred in the music video for my new single a while ago, and we were briefly linked by the press.

Jax still doesn't know the truth about us.

But I certainly wasn't going to tell him.

Alec was rushing to another commitment and had to leave before the event ended.

Before leaving, he reminded me about my aunt's birthday party next week.

"Bro, what kind of gift would make Aunt Kathy happy?"

"I think bringing a boyfriend home would make her happiest."

I pouted. "She's always pushing. I just haven't found anyone suitable."

"Oh, I see," Alec chuckled. "I thought maybe you couldn't get over your ex."

"No way! I haven't liked him for ages!"

Alec cleared his throat, nodding toward the space behind me.

I turned around.

I was met with Jax’s intense, resentful gaze.

If looks could be lasers, my dear cousin would have two holes burned through him right now.

[I won't say who's jealous, but I can smell the sourness through the screen.] [Jax: Alec, I will monitor you forever! Forever!] [Lena, go comfort him! I think he’s about to shatter.]

I squinted and smiled.

Then, out of the camera's view, I subtly flipped him the bird.

Heh heh!

Jax shot me a furious glare.

He turned away, his face pale with anger, his lips pressed into a tight, straight line. He didn't look my way again.

Little man.

Can't handle a joke.