Nobody believes I'm the CEO's first love

Hollywood's hottest CEO, Ethan Blake, had a supposed "one that got away" back in Europe. Rumor had it, the massive painting dominating the studio lobby was hers.

"It's… alright, I guess. They could do better," I’d commented offhandedly, a remark that somehow ignited a social media firestorm.

A fellow contestant on a reality show I was on, Tiffany Summers, had even called me out on it. "You're a film school grad, fresh from Europe, and that's your take? You have some nerve criticizing it."

I slowly typed a question mark in the show's group chat. Was the painting I did when I was thirteen really that impressive?

1.

"Ashley, you okay?" The show's assistant director, Chloe, eyed me cautiously. She was terrified I’d bail on the show after the internet exploded with hate.

After all, this web series was a low-budget affair, featuring eight film school hopefuls competing for a single internship at a major studio. No one expected it to blow up. Now, it was trending number one.

Curled up on a beanbag chair, I shrugged while taking a call. The trending hashtag was mostly people bashing me.

"Most entitled person ever. Who does she think she is?"

"Doesn't she know who Ethan Blake is? The audacity!"

"She probably thinks she's all that just because she studied abroad. Lol."

Some clueless bystanders were asking what happened. Ethan's fans quickly posted two videos side-by-side.

One was an old interview where Ethan, looking sharp in a black suit, was asked about the giant painting in his lobby. His usual cool demeanor shifted, his expression turning serious. "It's a piece I cherish deeply. It means a great deal to me."

The other video was the clip from our show. The producers were giving us the lowdown on major studios – a cheap way to ride their coattails. When they showed Blake Studios’ ten-story atrium, dominated by the enormous painting, everyone gasped in awe. Except me. I, the unknown nobody, shook my head, apparently unimpressed, and muttered about the painting being "alright."

Seeing the two videos, everyone online jumped to the same conclusion: Girl, who are YOU to criticize Mr. Blake's taste?

2.

So, the show was a hit before it even aired, and I was internet-infamous before I could even blink.

My assistant, back in the States, brought me back to reality. "I have the paperwork for all your sold paintings, including the ones Mr. Blake purchased. I'll bring it to Blake Studios for you to sign when you’re there.”

I mumbled agreement and hung up, turning my attention back to Chloe. "Seriously, Chloe, you think that painting is that good?" I asked, bewildered. Everyone online was acting like I'd insulted the Mona Lisa.

Chloe chose her words carefully. "Well, it’s Mr. Blake's favorite, you know? He's Hollywood's most eligible bachelor, brilliant, philanthropic…"

"And I’m sure his taste is impeccable," Chloe finished, eyes sparkling. "The dark background, the white feathers, and that bleeding heart in the center… so romantic! It represents his...