The morning after the engagement party, Lillian was still asleep when her phone began vibrating repeatedly on the bedside table.
She ignored it.
The phone vibrated again.
Lillian pulled the blanket over her head.
It vibrated a third time.
With a sleepy frown, she reached out blindly, grabbed the phone, and answered without even looking at the screen.
“Hello?”
“Good morning, Sleeping Beauty.”
Lillian opened one eye.
She immediately recognized the voice.
“Adrian?”
“I’m impressed.
You recognized me even though you sound like you haven’t fully returned to the world yet.”
Lillian sat up slowly, her hair falling messily around her face.
“What time is it?”
“Almost nine.”
Her eyes widened.
“Nine?”
“Yes.”
She glanced at the clock and groaned.
“Why didn’t you wake me earlier?”
There was a brief silence.
“Should I have called you at six?”
Lillian narrowed her eyes even though he couldn’t see her.
“You’re laughing.”
“I’m not.”
“You are.”
“I was only smiling.”
“That is the same thing.”
Adrian chuckled.
Lillian leaned against the headboard.
“What do you want?”
“To check whether my fiancée survived yesterday.”
She smiled despite herself.
“I survived.”
“Good.”
“Were you worried?”
“A little.”
“A little?”
“I wasn’t sure whether you’d start another fight.”
Lillian’s mouth fell open.
“Excuse me?”
“You slapped two people yesterday.”
“They deserved it.”
“I didn’t say they didn’t.”
“Then why are you complaining?”
“I’m not complaining.
I’m impressed.”
Lillian stared at the phone for a moment.
“Are you secretly making fun of me?”
“Maybe.”
She smiled.
“You’re becoming bold.”
“I’ve always been bold.”
“Not around me.”
“I was trying to be polite.”
“And now?”
“Now you’re my fiancée.”
Lillian’s cheeks warmed slightly.
She quickly changed the subject.
“So, what are you doing?”
“Working.”
“Of course.
Mr.
Billionaire is always working.”
“Somebody has to make money.”
“You have enough money.”
“I could say the same about your family.”
Lillian laughed softly.
“You’re annoying.”
“And yet you agreed to marry me.”
“That was before I discovered how annoying you are.”
“It’s too late to cancel.”
“Who said I wanted to cancel?”
There was another brief silence.
Neither of them spoke for a moment.
Then Adrian said quietly, “Good.”
Lillian smiled.
Before she could answer, her phone vibrated again.
This time it was a call from Amanda.
“I have to go.
My manager is calling.”
“Alright.”
“Adrian?”
“Yes?”
His voice softened.
“You too.”
The call ended.
Lillian looked at her phone for a few seconds before smiling to herself.
She didn’t understand when talking to Adrian had become so easy.
She had only known him for a short time, yet somehow, their conversations no longer felt awkward.
Her phone vibrated again.
Amanda.
Lillian answered.
“Good morning.”
“Good morning?
Do you know what’s happening online?”
Lillian frowned.
“No.”
“Go online.”
“Why?”
“Just do it.”
Lillian opened her social media.
The moment the page loaded, her eyes widened.
Her name was everywhere.
LILLIAN MOORE IS ENGAGED!
WHO IS LILLIAN MOORE MARRYING?
WHO IS THE MYSTERIOUS MAN?
C-LIST ACTRESS LILLIAN MOORE GETS ENGAGED!
WHY IS HER FIANCÉ’S IDENTITY A SECRET?
Thousands of comments were appearing beneath every post.
Some fans were excited.
Others were suspicious.
Some people were already claiming she was hiding her fiancé because she was embarrassed by him.
Lillian stared at the screen.
“They’re very curious.”
Amanda sighed.
“Very curious?
Lillian, they’ve practically investigated every man you’ve ever stood beside in a photograph.”
Lillian laughed.
“Let them investigate.”
“You don’t want to say anything?”
Lillian looked at her engagement ring.
She thought for a moment.
“I’ll tell them I’m getting married.”
Amanda paused.
“You’re serious?”
“Yes.”
“What about your fiancé?”
“They don’t need to know who he is.”
Amanda was silent for a moment.
“That’s actually a good idea.”
Lillian opened her camera and took a simple picture of her hand, making sure the engagement ring was clearly visible.
She posted it.
The caption was short.
I’m getting married.
❤️
For three seconds, nothing happened.
Then everything exploded.
Her notifications began increasing so quickly that she could barely keep up.
(WHAT?!)
(She finally confirmed it!)
(Who is the man???)
(Congratulations, Lillian!)
(I knew the rumors were true!)
(She’s hiding him because she’s ashamed!)
(Why do you people always assume the worst?)
(A C-list actress marrying into a rich family?
Interesting.)
(Maybe she caught a billionaire.)
Lillian laughed when she saw the arguments getting worse.
Her fans were defending her.
Her antis were attacking her.
Lillian watched the numbers rise.
She smiled.
Amanda’s voice came through the phone.
“You just started another war.”
“It’s not my fault people like arguing.”
“Are you nervous?”
“No.”
Amanda laughed.
“You and your hundred fans are having a wonderful moment.”
“At least they’re real.”
“They are.”
Lillian smiled.
A message appeared on her phone.
Adrian: So you’ve officially announced it.
Lillian: Yes. Enjoying the story? Read on at g.com.
Adrian: You’re brave.
Lillian: Why?
Adrian: Because now everyone will want to know who I am.
Lillian: Don’t worry.
I’ll protect your identity.
Adrian: You’re protecting me?
Lillian: Of course.
You’re my mysterious fiancé.
Adrian: I thought I was your handsome fiancé.
Lillian stared at the message.
Then she laughed.
Lillian: Who told you you’re handsome?
Adrian: You did.
She remembered the night at the club.
Her cheeks immediately warmed.
Lillian: I was drunk.
Adrian: So you don’t think I’m handsome anymore?
Lillian smiled.
Lillian: I didn’t say that.
Adrian: Good.
Lillian: Don’t get too proud.
Adrian: Too late.
Lillian shook her head, smiling at her phone.
Then another message appeared.
Adrian: Are you okay with all the attention?
Her smile softened.
Lillian: Yes.
I want people to know I’m getting married.
I just don’t want them to know who I’m married to.
Adrian: Then you’re safe.
She looked at the message for a moment.
There was something comforting about the way he said it.
Before she could reply, someone knocked on her bedroom door.
Alexander stepped inside.
“Lillian.”
She looked up.
“What happened?”
“We have an important client.”
“Who?”
“The wife of a foreign president.”
Lillian’s expression became serious.
“She wants a private consultation regarding a dress?”
Alexander nodded.
“She specifically requested someone who understands her preferences and can keep everything confidential.”
Lillian thought for a moment.
“Send me the requirements.”
“I already have them.”
He handed her the file.
Lillian opened it and began reading.
Her eyes moved quickly over the details.
“This fabric won’t work.”
Alexander raised an eyebrow.
“You saw that immediately?”
“It’s too heavy for the design she wants.”
He smiled faintly.
“I thought you’d say that.”
Lillian closed the file.
“Tell them I’ll handle it.”
Alexander nodded and left.
A few minutes later, Amanda called again.
“Oh, and Lillian?”
“Yes?”
“The reality show starts filming tomorrow.”
Lillian’s expression changed.
“Oh.”
“You accepted the program, remember?”
“I remember.”
“Then get yourself ready.”
“Ready for what?”
“Just make sure you’re properly covered and presentable whenever you’re around the cameras.”
Lillian frowned.
“That’s obvious.”
Amanda laughed.
“Good.
Then I’ll see you tomorrow.”
The call ended.
Lillian placed her phone down.
She wasn’t worried.
It was only a reality show.
How difficult could it possibly be?
She had no idea that the next morning would make her question that confidence.
Lillian has officially announced, “I’m getting married!” but she’s still keeping our handsome mystery man hidden.
And did you notice those little teasing messages between Lillian and Adrian?
Tomorrow, Lillian is stepping into the reality show world… and let’s just say, our nonchalant girl may not be as prepared as she thinks!
Don’t forget to comment, rate, and tell me what you’re expecting from the reality show!