The One: Dangerous Lust (The One Series-Book8) (ORIGINAL DRAFT)

Chapter17: Self-Destructing "Relationship"

Chapter17-Self-Destructing "Relationship"

September 6th, 2011

 It's now September. 7th Anthem has just released their three singles: Pay For It for Europe, Control for Asia, Australia, and Latin America, and Burning Up For You for North America. The first two singles were chart successes. Their third single has just started getting airplay. 7A were to begin promotions this week.

 At the same time, they're getting ready to get back on tour. The next leg was North America. Tickets were selling fast, as this was the band's first-ever continent-wide tour in North America. They did do the Radio Disney Winter Tour in 2005, but that was with other acts.

 On top of that, they, along with The Extras, performed on New England's Pop SuperStar. The show was airing its' ninth season finale. 7A hadn't perform on that show, and New England's Teen SuperStar, since 2007. They were given a huge "welcome back," and their appearance give the show a much-needed boost, as it was struggling for ratings lately.

 During all this hype surrounding 7A's ever-growing popularity in America, Justin and Andrew came out as a couple. When Justin announced that he was bisexual, the fans were in shock. They didn't expect this from Justin, but he was accepted. As for Andrew, most of his fans want him back with Alyson. He did too, but he had to act like he was interested in Justin. By now, he's bored, and wants out of the relationship.

 While 7A were residing in New York City before they start their tour, their rival, The OutLaws, were about to release their second album. Recently, they're being overshadowed by both 7A and The Extras.

 Feeling threaten, Ethan went to Melissa's office. He barged in, seeing her on her computer. She was startled by this abrupt interest.

 She told him, "Ethan, you can't keep coming into my office unannounced."

 Ethan said, "You're my girlfriend. I should be allowed to come in whenever I want."

 She muttered under her breath, "I sure don't feel like a girlfriend."

 "What?"

  "Nothing," Melissa said aloud. "Anyway, why are you here?"

 "It's about The OutLaws. Andrew's band is unstoppable, and the UTurn Clones are quickly becoming popular. But my band is starting to slip on the charts. They may not have notoriety like both 7th Anthem and The Extras, but we shouldn't be ignored."

 "Well, those 2 bands are more established than your band. They've released albums before they hit international status. Now they can be as controversial as they want to be."

 "Look, we need to destroy 7th Anthem. Especially Andrew."

 Melissa responded with irritation in her voice, "What's the point of destroying 7th Anthem if they're going to keep getting more famous. Bailey's turning into Lindsay Lohan; Libby's dating a rising soccer star; Trevor and Alyson are dating two of the band's backup dancers; Andrew is bi; Justin is almost gay; and Amanda is rumored to be dating a TV actor. All of these are scandalous, and they're banking on them. They just keep raking in more money."

 Ethan asked, "So, you're saying we should give up?"

 "I guess so. I mean, there's no way we can stop them. I'm sure Andrew's past as a grade school bully would make him more popular. Unless their bad behavior and sketchy pasts catch up to them, they'll be on top for a long time. So, yes, we need to stop. We're practically helping them became one of the world's biggest pop groups."

 Ethan couldn't believe what he heard. 7A wasn't deteriorating; they were getting bigger. And he was actually helping them! He was growing more aggravated.

 Then he ordered, "Then make them act more badly. Get Andrew into a meltdown. Get Libby back to partying. Have one of the girls go bisexual. Do something!"

 With that, Melissa got into his face. She told him sternly, "I'm not going to be told what to do. And I'm not going to do any of those things. If I follow your demands, 7th Anthem will get even more bigger, and they'll stay for several more years. If you want them destroyed, either we leave them alone, and let them self-destruct: Or you create the chaos yourself. Me? I'm done."

 Melissa walked over to the door, and opened it. She added, "I'm also breaking up with you, as both your girlfriend and a business partner."

 Enraged, Ethan slammed the door hard, and pushed Melissa onto the door. He pinned her shoulders so she wouldn't move.

 He said to her sternly, "I'm not gonna let you out of sight! You're going to follow my orders. 7th Anthem needs to be destroyed. Got it?"

 "Or else what?" she spat.

 Ethan gave a smirk as he let her go. He then left the office. Melissa stood there, scared. She wasn't exactly sure what Ethan might do to her. But one thing's for sure, she slept with a madman.