Chapter One:

Harry’s POV

Absolutely not.

I paced around Sven’s office like a madman and refused to sit down. I settled for the corner of his office that overlooked the city. I thought that if I continued with brooding and my blatant refusal to hear what Sven is saying that he’d let me go and have my way.

I was wrong.

“Harry, did you hear what I just said?”

“Yes, and I don’t agree with any of it.”

“If you were listening you would understand why you have to do this. Sit down and let’s talk about it.”

If I were listening I would understand why I have to do this? No, just no. I don’t think I would ever quite understand what Sven is proposing to do. I don’t ever want to sound like an ungrateful bastard. I mean whenever I start thinking one bit that I am tired and wanting a break so bad, I mentally smack myself in the head. I am not complaining. I am living the life that I wanted and I am grateful for all of this really, but when I get told to do something as severe as that I just can’t help myself.

The sun’s reflection from the window was blinding my eyes so I looked away and met Sven’s eyes directly. He mistook my squint as a scowl and assumed that I was pissed off.

“Look, I know you’re upset,” he started, “but I would really appreciate it if you could hear me out on this.”

Damn right I was upset. It’s one thing to let them handle my career, but this was my personal life involved and I refused to give them control over that too.

“Fine, let’s talk. But nothing you can say would make me change my mind.”

I sat down in his red leather couch and avoided his eye. Confrontations make me uncomfortable, and as much as possible I try and not to be in the middle of it. Which was what pissed me off the most. I did everything they wanted me to do. The last three years of my life was spent working my ass off and giving them full control of things. Again, not complaining. I just could not wrap my head around what was it that they wanted me to do this time.

“I’m sure you are well-aware of what’s being said about you lately,” he said.

I nodded. I have learnt not to read what was written about me or to look up things about myself, but sometimes there was no escaping these things.

“How can I put this lightly? It’s damaging not just you but the band and your image.”

I didn’tsay anything about that. There has been so much interest in my personal life lately, to be more specific, my sexuality. Half of our fans are certain that I’m gay and that Louis and I are secretly together. The guys and I just laugh it off, although I’ve always felt a bit sorry for poor Eleanor when fans would harass her and call her names (no one wants to be called a beard that’s for sure), but again we’ve fixed that already.

“I thought we fixed that situation already? Tay? Any of that ring a bell?” I asked. Just a while back I dated a famous popstar and while I did not sign a PR contract for it nor was it arranged by the management, it was still always implied that I would be going out with her. Not that it was bad. She was beautiful and we hit it off for a bit.

“Yes, but that didn’t take care of it completely. You broke up with her, remember?”

“Right. Because I felt like the relationship wasn’t working, now I have to do this? I mean, excuse me for not wanting to hurt her by staying in a relationship that was doomed from the start.”

“Surely you know where this conversation is going?”

“The other half of our fans think I’m a player,” I sighed, “Either I’m gay or I’m a slut. I can’t win, Sven.”

To combat the nasty gay rumour mill, Sven and the rest of the management decided to portray me as a lad that has a bit of fun. Things got out of hand and soon enough, every female I was seen even remotely close to was rumored to be my latest conquest.

But the truth was, was that I haven’t had a proper girlfriend since Caroline. Sure, I dated a few girls and flirted with some, but a real relationship? Nope, haven’t had one in a long time. Funny how people think I’m the biggest player but the truth was so excruciatingly boring compared to the Harry Styles portrayed by the media.

“Which is why we need to do this. Do you understand now?” Sven patiently explained to me as if I were a child.

“Yes, but I just don’t see why I have to do this. People can say whatever they want to say about me. I don’t care.”

“Harry,” he sighed, “as your handler, I am telling you to do this. You probably don’t see how this is affecting you and the band but trust me on this, will ya?”

I said nothing.

I was still stuck on the fact that I had no say on the matter. Sure, I could sulk and brood and be as uncooperative as possible, but a small voice in my head knew that Sven was right. He wasn’t going to put me through all of this if he didn’t think it was the best move for my career. And goddamnit he was playing the band card too. He knows that I would do whatever’s best for the band at all times. I hate how I’m in this predicament, but I would hate it even more if I weren’t where I am now.

“Fucking hell.” I said under my breath.

Sven’s expression softened. “You know I only want what’s best for you, right?”

“When have you ever been wrong, Sven?”

“Just trust me on this. It will be all over before you know it.”

So I was really doing this. As of today, I am officially off the market. It’s time for an image overhaul and if this is what’s best for everyone then I guess it’s just a small sacrifice to make.

“How long will I have to do this?”

“A year. Two if need be.”

I sighed. A year of dating someone I have no feelings for. Someone I probably haven’t even met. And because I’m in the public eye, this relationship will be so publicized I’m dreading it even more. Everyone will be watching my every move again and I am expected to fake it for a year or two with this poor girl. Although I probably shouldn’t really take pity on someone who would date for money.

“I hate this.”

“Fame and all this come with a small price, huh?”

I hate it when the bastard was right.

Notes

So first chapter is up! Would really love to know what you think of it so far x