Chapter 19: The Spotlight

Chapter 19: The Spotlight


Tessa’s POV

As I walked out, there was only one thought in my heart:
How to get Elena out of all this and find out who the hell was sending those threatening messages.

Just then, my phone beeped. It was a message from Elena’s dad:
This was what you wanted all along, right?

Below it was a link. I clicked it.
"Elena confused with duty or love: Engaged to Adrian but in love with the other" was the headline, plastered above a photo of me and Adrian from the party.

It’s already on the news?
I scrolled through the comments. They were heart-wrenching. Some were kind, but others were just plain cruel. I exited immediately. Many of Elena’s fans seemed to want her with Adrian—the cold boy. They attacked Zane without mercy, not even knowing I was the one who kissed him first.

"Wow," I muttered, walking down the hall with Bella, already scared of what awaited me at home.

Yesterday, when I got back, I cringed in my room, haunted by the feeling that I had kissed a guy first. I know it was Elena’s body, but still, my first kiss was gone.

Just then, Zane walked out of the other classroom.
"Zane? I thought you left already." I said, surprised

He shook his head gently. "I’m going now, El. My driver’s outside."

"Alright. Bye," I said, as Bella walked off, leaving me alone with Zane.
I still felt awkward about what happened yesterday.

Trying to break the tension, I said, "I spoke with Rosa. We were able to get a little information from her. Thank you, Zane."

But it felt like he wasn't even listening. He just kept looking at me—too much. No man had ever stared at me like that when I was in my real body. I guess this is something I have to get used to.

His silver cross earrings caught the hallway light as he leaned closer. His shirt was slightly unbuttoned, revealing the edge of a tattoo on his chest.

I stepped back as my heart raced, hoping he’d stop—but he didn’t.

"Zane..." I murmured, my voice soft but unsure.  He didn’t stop. My back brushed against the wall.

My hands trembled slightly by my sides. I wasn’t scared exactly—but I wasn’t ready either.
“You’ve changed,” he whispered finally, leaning closer, his breath warm against my cheek.

I turned my face slightly, trying not to meet his gaze, but it was useless.
"You've been acting differently."  His fingers rose to my chin, tilting my face toward his.
"Zane..."
"Shh," he whispered, with a low voice. "You wanna come over to my place before heading home?" he asked glancing at my lips.

My heart skipped.
"Sorry, Zane. My personal assistant is waiting at home already."

He smiled lightly, a smirk dancing on his lips.
"Okay. Let’s go."

When I got home, Elena’s personal assistant was already waiting.
"Hello, Miss Elena. Welcome back."
"Thank you," I responded, as I sat on one of the chairs in the foyer.

"We have a packed week ahead," she began. "You have a fan meet-and-greet in Seattle at 4 p.m. tomorrow. On Wednesday, you're modeling for a brand we signed with before the accident. There's also a short film cameo your manager approved. He’s waiting for your final response. And lastly, Ellen DeGeneres wants to know if you’ll want to appear on her show next week."

I exhaled hard.
Elena really juggled all this and school? I never realized how much freedom I had when I was still me.

"Okay, Ayla. Please keep the project file. I’ll review it and get back to you tomorrow."
"Alright."
"And let’s say yes to Ellen’s show."

None of it mattered to me—but it did to Elena. And I was still in her body.

Suddenly, an idea struck me: what if I asked Elena’s dad to introduce me to the business world? If I was honest with myself, that was where I truly belonged.

That evening, when Elena’s  Dad and Mum got home, I could tell they were upset about what happened at Kade’s birthday. It showed in their tone.
"Dad?"
He looked up.

I hesitated, gathering courage.
"I want you to teach me business."

At the sound of that, their expressions lit up.
"What did you say?" he asked, just to be sure.
"I want to learn what you do, Dad."

"I will, Elena," he said, smiling. "Although what you did at Kade’s party was very wrong."

"Zane isn’t good for you, Elena," her mother blurted. "You can be friends, but—"
Elena’s dad gently placed a hand on her arm, stopping her, probably to avoid escalating things.

"From now on, you’ll spend an hour with me at the office after school."
I nodded, excited.



It was my first time boarding a plane—not just any plane, but Elena’s dad’s private jet. It was elegant inside: leather seats, polished wood panels, gold accents, and quiet hums that made it feel like a luxury hotel floating in the sky.

I sat with my manager and Ayla, both watching over me like hawks, as if something terrible would happen if I messed up.

When I arrived at the venue, I nearly fell backward. A massive crowd stood before me. The hall was packed with Elena’s fans, their screams piercing the air.

The manager nudged me to say something before the meet-and-greet began.
"Hello everyone," I managed after a few seconds.
The screams intensified.

"Thank you so much for taking your time to be here. Please cooperate with the team so we can have a smooth event."

"Thank you," I said again, stepping back as cheers erupted.

I sat down, the fans coming up one by one. My hands trembled trying to copy Elena’s signature. The first ten were rough, but after that, it got easier.
All those sleepless nights practicing her autograph were finally worth it.

Then a girl, maybe fourteen, sat down.
"Can’t you date Adrian for us? He’s perfect for you," she whispered.
I smiled. "I’ll try and consider that," I said, signing the photo she held.

That night, I laid on the bed, arms spread wide, thinking about everything that happened. The crowd, the energy... it was overwhelming.

"Where am I?" I whispered, suddenly seeing myself in a vast open space.
Then something appeared—a spirit, shining, with long white hair and brows. He smiled at me.

"Tessa," he called. "Your time here isn't yours alone."
"Do you know me?" I asked, strangely calm.
"If you do, then you must know about the soul switch.” I continued sharply, “What happened? I need the truth!" I asked desperately.

But he vanished without a word.
Then Elena appeared. Tears streaked down her cheeks, eyes wide with desperation.
"You need to do something, Tessa!" she screamed.

I jolted awake, shivering.
It was just a dream.
Tears streamed down my face.

Where was I supposed to begin?
I was so scared.
I wanted to scream.
I needed help.

But who would I call?