I never thought a simple trip to Rome would turn my life upside down. One minute, I’m just Lizzie McGuire—klutzy, awkward, and still living down my graduation curtain disaster. The next, I’m being pulled into a world of designer clothes, flashing cameras, and a pop star who says I’m his ticket to salvation.

It started at the Trevi Fountain. The water sparkled under the Roman sun, and I was tossing a coin, wishing for something—anything—to make me feel less invisible. That’s when Paolo appeared. Charming, intense, and speaking in that smooth Italian accent, he told me I looked exactly like Isabella Parigi, his ex-partner. He needed someone to stand in for her at the International Music Video Awards. Just a few hours. Just a little pretending.

I said no at first. But then he played that song—the one that made me cry the first time I heard it. And I thought, maybe… just maybe… this is my chance to be someone else. Someone brave.

Now I’m backstage, heart pounding, wearing a gown that costs more than my dad’s car. The crowd is roaring. Gordo’s somewhere out there, probably furious I didn’t tell him. And Paolo? He’s smiling. Too much.

Is this really just a performance… or am I disappearing into someone else’s life?

What do I do when the music starts?