Framed by My Ex,But I Was Dead Last — Novel

About

In a world where art meets ambition, Jack Gilbert finds himself at the center of chaos the moment he enters the National Ink Painting Invitational. Framed by his ex, accused of deceit, and forced to confront the shadows of a past he barely remembers, Jack must navigate a web of accusations and betrayals. As the stakes rise, he grapples with a competition that threatens not just his reputation but his very identity.

The tension escalates when Cliff Fox, a once-familiar face, accuses Jack of stealing his dreams. What began as a simple entry into a prestigious contest spirals into a battle for truth, where friendships fracture and hidden agendas emerge. Meanwhile, Bonnie James, a judge with her own motivations, complicates matters further with her icy demeanor and unexpected claims of an engagement.

Caught in a whirlwind of jealousy and ambition, Jack must find his footing while the world around him spins faster than he can comprehend. Will he be able to clear his name and reclaim his passion, or will the narrative written by others dictate his fate? In a game where perception is reality, who can he trust when everyone seems to have their own agenda?

Framed by My Ex,But I Was Dead LastChapter 1

The moment I registered for the National Ink Painting Invitational, strange text began scrolling across my vision:

[Here it comes! The idealized love ex-boyfriend returns from abroad, steals the male lead's artwork, gets exposed and humiliated, reputation destroyed!]

[Sure, the female lead and her ex were childhood sweethearts, but they haven't seen each other in seven or eight years. No way that competes with a couple who's been inseparable day and night!]

[idealized love? Please. Jack Gilbert is just a dumped villain. Stop hyping him up.]

A young man approached me—dressed in the same style I used to favor.

"Hi, I'm Cliff Fox from the class next door. I've heard you're an incredible painter. Always wanted to meet you. Never expected we'd run into each other at the same competition."

I gave him a cool nod.

After the results were announced, Cliff grabbed me, eyes rimmed red.

"You switched our paintings, didn't you? Using such dirty tricks to win—doesn't that eat at you?"

Bonnie James, one of the judges, appeared beside him. Her brow furrowed so deeply you could've crushed a fly between her eyebrows.