Beyond the Spotlight of Dreams

Chapter 1

**Title: The Relentless Heir: A Convoluted Romance in Elysium**
In the heart of the bustling entertainment district, the atmosphere in the casting dormitory was charged with tension. Ethan Blackwood rinsed his face distractedly in the bathroom mirror, running his fingers through his tousled hair. Despite his lackadaisical grooming, the reflection staring back at him was strikingly handsome, the kind of face that could easily steal the spotlight.
Just the night before the much-anticipated finale of the hottest boy band reality show, Ethan had experienced a peculiar dream. In it, he realized his life was like a scripted drama filled with clichés and love triangles. The characters intertwined—his delicate roommate, Liam Fairchild, and the domineering executive, Ronan Steele, who had a penchant for miscommunication and explosive arguments. Their feud sent shockwaves through their team, and ultimately, resulted in their entire boy band being dismantled.
Caught in the crossfire of this tumultuous narrative, Ethan had to watch as he became an expendable player, someone whose troubles paled in comparison to the plot's main conflicts.
And then he woke up.
No longer willing to follow the doomed script laid before him, Ethan made a bold decision. He chose to step back from the finals and take an entirely different path—one that spanned beyond script pages. He accepted an offer from Fjord Entertainment, a powerhouse in the industry, to join Elysium, their long-planned new boy band.
In just a year, Elysium had skyrocketed to become the most sensational acts in the entertainment world.
****
One month into his contract, Ethan was met with an unexpected revelation: his new boss, Alexander Hargrove, was none other than the boy whose life he had saved from drowning when they were kids. Alexander, now a handsome man with an air of confidence and authority, was the adopted son of a distinguished business mogul—a match made for a headline.
In the elevator, Ethan fumbled through what should have been a routine greeting, but the tension in the air was palpable. Meanwhile, Alexander’s thoughts drifted to the profound connection he had with Ethan, a rapport that seemed to transcend time; how could he draw Ethan back into his world?
Complications arose when Ethan found himself needing to stay at Alexander's luxurious villa. The next morning, he inadvertently stumbled into Alexander’s adoptive parents—famous figures renowned for their enduring love. Seeing their shocked expressions sent Ethan spiraling into panic.
As he turned to flee, his eyes fell upon an ominous DNA test report affixed with a bright red confirmation stamp, indicating his own connection to Alexander's adoptive family.
Ethan’s mind raced. “Help! This twist wasn’t in the script!”
****
As Elysium gained traction, it attracted attention not only for its impressive talent but also for the striking good looks of its members. Among the quartet, Ethan, the group’s visual centerpiece, found himself a hot topic, prompting fervent admiration among fans.
During a celebratory concert marking Elysium’s first anniversary, a mystery unfolded in the VIP section filled with the elite of the business world. Speculation went rampant—was Elysium merely a marionette catering to powerful interests? Heated debates ensued between loyal fans and detractors, accusations flying in all directions.
The following day, Ethan took a stance, posting a family photo on The Town Cryer's Bulletin—a snapshot of his father, mother, and uncle, as evidence of his roots.
Ethan Blackwood: *Here’s my family! [insert image]*
In an instant, the chatter from haters and marketing accounts ceased. Everyone momentarily forgot about the powerful figure seated in the center—Alexander Hargrove.
But as fate would have it, Ethan again stirred the pot by re-sharing a legendary photograph from the Financial Tycoons Lounge, highlighting Alexander significantly.
Ethan Blackwood: *And this is my husband.*
The stakes were rising. The lines of affection were blurring. As Ethan navigated the cutthroat world of fame and family ties, he knew one thing for sure—the tangled web he was in wasn't just a rehearsed act; it was the dance of a lifetime.
**End of Chapter 1**

Chapter 2

Ethan Blackwood looked at his reflection, his tousled, silvery-purple hair a cascade of soft waves, neatly layered yet free-spirited. His fair skin caught the morning light, and his delicate features were accentuated by faint, rosy lips. But it was the small beauty mark just beneath his left eye that drew attention; it was a subtle reminder of his own uniqueness.
After finishing his morning routine, he glanced down at his wrist, his thick lashes casting shadows on his cheeks, then let his hand drop casually back to his side. Outside the Casting Dormitory, most of the other trainees had left to practice, but Ethan lingered in the quiet, reflecting on the bizarre and vivid dream that had kept him up all night.
He had dreamt that he was a character in a novel—a book in which he was merely a footnote. The plot centered around the tumultuous romance of the male lead, Ronan Steele, a character who seemed to relish conflict and drama. And Ethan? Just a disposable character whose presence was only acknowledged in a couple of lines, with the rest of his existence devoted to painting a picture of his eventual downfall.
In the dream, Ronan was notorious for being fickle and dramatic, treating Liam Fairchild, the protagonist, like a fleeting toy. One moment, Ronan would shower Liam with resources and support; the next, their relationship would erupt into arguments, leaving the entire group in isolation as Ronan cut off all support. Ultimately, after a hundred chapters of emotional twists and turns, Ronan and Liam found their way back to each other, while Ethan and his group were left in the dust.
Liam's obsession with his romance led to poor performances, spending most of his energy by the side of the lead character, compromising their chaotic dance group’s chances at success. Every time they took the stage, they were met with scorn and mockery, their failures immortalized in countless screenshots across the internet.
Aside from Liam, the other members of the group also lacked talent, and as the team dissolved, rumors of infidelity plagued them. The public's perception shifted drastically, dubbing them a band of love-struck flops, and when the inevitable breakup occurred, no company was willing to sign Ethan Blackwood.
Years of dedication to dance, fleeting before Ronan and Liam's misguided romance—Ethan awoke from the dream nearly breathless with rage.
Yet, even in the midst of this anger, Ethan grounded himself. He stared into the sink, the water flowing like the pulse of his thoughts, assessing the ridiculousness of the absurd dream. It felt too real, too detailed to simply dismiss. What if it was more than just a figment of his imagination?
Perhaps waiting would be wise. In the original narrative, Ronan Steele was the biggest backer of the competition they were all competing in, and this even included the final match. Liam and Ronan had crossed paths briefly before the climactic finale, setting a dangerous precedent.
The finals were just around the corner, arriving in two days, and this was Ethan’s crucial timeframe to verify his chilling dream. If even a shred of it was true—
Ethan muttered angrily to himself, “I refuse to be the resentful sidekick.” A decade of dance training under his belt meant he would not surrender to become anyone’s scapegoat. He was not destined to fade into the background just to elevate someone else’s story, not when his hard work and dreams deserved the spotlight.
He was determined to forge his own path. No way was he playing the role of the discarded pawn in someone else’s game.

Chapter 3

The selection process typically takes place in June or July, during the peak of summer when the heat is relentless.
Ethan Blackwood stepped out of the factory-like Casting Dormitory and made his way to an empty practice room. There, he adjusted his focus and began to rehearse his dance routine.
Even though he wouldn’t be participating in the finals, he understood that practice time was non-negotiable.
As noon approached, the sound of the door opening startled Ethan, who was halfway through his dance. Sweat trickled down his handsome features, giving him an oddly appealing look beneath his striking brown hair.
He brushed back his damp hair, revealing a glistening forehead, and turned to the visitor at the door. “What’s up, Margaret?” he asked.
Standing at the entrance was a young man with a doll-like face and a youthful, charming demeanor. He looked a bit shy as he asked, “Want to grab lunch together?”
Ethan hesitated, momentarily distracted by a dream he couldn’t shake. After a brief pause, he replied, “I’ve been struggling with a specific move. I need to work on it a bit longer. You go ahead.”
Upon hearing this, the young man’s previously uplifting smile faltered, and he appeared somewhat disheartened. Nonetheless, he waved his hand with a forced cheerfulness. “Okay then, I’ll see you later. Make sure to take a break.”
As the young man walked away, Ethan didn’t resume his practice. Instead, he approached the door and watched as the figure of Margaret Ashford grew smaller down the hallway.
If his dreams held any truth, this boy was destined to take center stage in this world.
“Margaret Ashford..." Ethan murmured softly, savoring the name.
Lowering his gaze, he reined in his swirling thoughts and returned to the dance mirror, diving back into his routine.
An hour later, having wiped his sweat, he returned to the dormitory for a shower.
Many trainees chose to take a nap after lunch in the Casting Dormitory. Ethan moved about quietly, taking care not to disturb anyone.
As he casually glanced over at Margaret’s bed, he noted it was empty.
Margaret regularly took his midday break as a part of the team. He had never worried about the finals, always practicing in a relaxed state and never continuing to rehearse in the sweltering heat of midday.
Ethan pondered, based on the scripts from his dreams, that Margaret had probably met Ronan Steele before the finals.
After drying his hair, Ethan tossed the towel onto a nearby chair and slipped into fresh clothes as he stepped out of the dormitory.
However, rather than returning to the practice room, he made his way outside, rounding the side of the Dining Hall towards the northernmost part of the casting grounds.
He knew there was an abandoned iron gate there, something Margaret had mentioned in passing.
Although Ethan felt prepared, he couldn’t help but be taken aback when he finally spotted the person standing in front of Margaret.
He leaned casually against a sleek sports car, gripping Margaret's jaw, casually saying something that made Ethan’s heart sink.
He heard Margaret’s trembling voice call out the man's name.
“Sebastian Rivers.”
In the far corner of the practice room, Ethan sat on the floor, feeling a strange weariness wash over him. It was the first time he had allowed himself to just sit and relax in the practice chamber.
His mind kept replaying the scene he had just witnessed, the exchange between Margaret and Sebastian Rivers echoing in his thoughts.

Chapter 4

Ethan Blackwood was just an ordinary guy without any connections or backing from a major entertainment company. He was competing as an independent trainee in a reality show.
The director of the show was ruthless and superficial. The competition was anything but fair; The Company had the money to put their artists front and center, and as a mere nobody, Ethan Blackwood was barely a blip on the radar. Despite his impressive dance skills, he rarely got a moment to shine on The Stage.
Without camera time, he was largely invisible to the audience. Yet, even with his limited screen presence, Ethan had managed to attract a handful of fans thanks to his striking looks, pushing him through to the finals.
But he knew the director wanted him gone. Ethan was painfully aware that the man was trying to force him to withdraw before the live finale. With the finals set to be broadcasted live, the director was afraid of Ethan stealing the spotlight and gaining popularity.
In the story "Desire," Ethan’s character managed to overcome being pushed out of the competition because of a critical statement from Liam Fairchild, the male lead.
Ethan recalled what he had just heard—“Sebastian Rivers, could you please intervene with Director Gideon Stone and let Ethan Blackwood continue?”
Lost in thought, Ethan couldn’t help but chuckle softly. He never imagined his dreams could manifest into reality; it felt like he was just a pawn in a cliché narrative.
As a secondary character, no matter how hard he worked, he seemed destined to remain unseen.
Taking a deep breath, he lifted his gaze to the wall of mirrors installed for dance practice.
Clenching his fist, he made a silent vow in his heart. Maybe withdrawing was the right move; after all, he was already on a wrong path in the book. Given the chance to change course, why not do it sooner rather than later?
Suddenly, a knock interrupted his contemplation. This time, it was the director’s assistant.
Without waiting for an invitation, he barged in with an impatient tone, “Come with me.”
Ethan pushed himself up from the floor, knowing all too well what this was about. He had been called in several times recently.
Straightening his outfit, he discreetly touched the decorative item on his pants and smiled faintly, trying to maintain composure.
Following the assistant, he was led to the director’s room. Inside sat a medium-built man, his leg casually crossed over the other, a cigarette dangling from his fingers.
As Ethan entered, the thick stench of smoke hit him like a wave.
He hesitated for a moment, instinctively stepping back as the acrid scent overwhelmed him, contemplating whether he should even go inside.
Ethan despised the smell of cigarettes.
The man lounging and smoking was no other than Gideon Stone, the director of the reality show. By the age of thirty, he had made a name for himself in the world of animal videos, but his greed and singleness of purpose were notorious; he only had eyes for money.

Chapter 5

Ethan Blackwood stepped into the room, and Gideon Stone glanced at his wrist, his smug grin quickly fading after a few forced chuckles. He tossed the half-burned cigarette onto the floor, rising to stand in front of Ethan.
"Have you made your decision?" Gideon asked, his voice dripping with false camaraderie.
The pause only intensified Gideon's irritation, causing his grin to vanish entirely. His face, round and flushed, contorted as he mocked, "I suggest you recognize your limits and withdraw now. Otherwise, even if you make it to the finals, there are plenty of ways to ensure you never debut."
After a moment, Gideon lowered his voice, sweetening it like a predator luring in its prey. "If you drop out now, we can get you trending online. Once you’re trending, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to sign with The Company."
Ethan inwardly scoffed at Gideon's thinly veiled threat but wore a mask of indifference that betrayed none of his thoughts. He stared blankly at Gideon, conveying disbelief in every fiber of his being.
Since becoming famous, Gideon had grown increasingly dismissive of lesser-known stars, treating them with disdain. However, he seemed to particularly despise Ethan, who was far from submissive, unlike the others who had fawned over him.
Just as Gideon’s temper began to boil over, Ethan finally spoke. "I'll do it."
"What?" Gideon blinked, taken aback.
"I'm packing my things and leaving." Ethan turned and started toward the door, his voice fading as he stepped outside.
In the original story, Ethan had inadvertently taken on Margaret Ashford's desires, effortlessly securing a debut while his hard work ended up becoming fodder for their frequent arguments as a couple.
Though he didn't know what had gone wrong this time, given the strange turn of events, he realized he had to take action to avert disaster.
Opting out of the talent show finals felt like the best course.
As Ethan returned to the Casting Dormitory, he noticed that he needed little more than a backpack to gather his belongings.
Just as he finished packing and prepared to leave, the assistant director who had sought him out moments before appeared again, this time bearing his phone.
"I'm here to help you leave," the assistant offered.
"No need. I've got it," Ethan replied, accepting the phone and powering it on.
His first stop was to message a contact known only as Aunt Agnes through The Whisper Network.
It appeared the show’s crew had prepped the phone for him, meaning they had anticipated this moment might come.
As he gathered his things, he was thankful that the other recruits weren't back yet; he didn’t want a long, sentimental goodbye. He swung the backpack over his shoulder and walked out of the dormitory.
He nearly collided with Margaret Ashford and a group of other trainees returning for a break.
Seeing the pale-haired guy behind Margaret, Ethan sighed inwardly. It was just his luck to run into him right before making his exit.
Chapter 2
Margaret’s friends halted in their tracks when they spotted Ethan with his backpack and phone.
“Ethan Blackwood, what’s going on?” Margaret asked, her face painted with confusion.
Ethan spared no details and clearly stated, “I’m dropping out. Good luck in the competition.”
After he spoke, the others exchanged glances, their expressions morphing into an odd mix of surprise and suppressed glee.
Ethan shrugged off their reactions, preparing to brush past them when a guy with ash-colored hair stepped forward to block his path.
"Hey, aren’t you the one everyone said was the best dancer and the most handsome in our crew? Why are you backing out?"

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