Married To The Arrogant Star

Episode 2

By peachlips

Liana's POV

I get to the dining area where breakfast has already been served for me and I sit to eat. It's bagel and cream cheese.

Eating alone is so boring, but I'm already used to it since Mum hardly stays at home.

Sometimes, I wish my life were a little different.

After finishing half of the meal, I stand up and leave, walking out to the parking lot where my driver is already waiting.

"Good morning, ma'am Liana," he greets as I approach the black van.

"Good morning, Josh," I reply cursorily and slide into the back seat.

He gets into the driver's seat and takes off.

I bring out my phone to while away time before getting to school. The driver turns on the car's FM, and the channel tuned in is talking about Ethan. Perfect.

I tuck my hair behind my ear and try to listen to what they're saying. Well, what else could they say?

🎬 "It's really a pleasure to know Ethan's back in Dallas his hometown. At least the country's pride is now here with us," 🎬 the presenter says.

🎬 "Yeah, I'm so excited. Even my little girl was dancing when she heard the news!" 🎬 someone else says and laughs.

🎬 "I really can't wait for his concert. I have a feeling the entire city will be there," 🎬 the other laughs.

🎬 "Yeah. It's not something anyone would want to miss Ethan Blackwell live on stage!" 🎬

🎬 "It's gonna be a blast!" 🎬

I sigh and return my eyes to my phone. Geez! His pictures are everywhere online. I can't believe it Ethan, Ethan, Ethan everywhere. Can't they think of someone else?

I roll my eyes and log in to my inbox to reply to some messages.

After a while, we arrive at Royal High School. When the driver stops the van, I open the door and step out.

"Bye, ma'am," he says, and I wave at him before heading to my classroom.

As I walk across the premises, the whole school buzzes with the news of Ethan's return. Every student I pass are in pairs or groups, talking about him while scrolling through his pictures on their phones.

👥 "He's so cute!"

👥 "I wish I could touch him at the concert."

👥 "How on earth will you touch him? Do you plan to turn into a ghost?"

👥 "Oh! Ethan... I wonder who his girlfriend could be. If I were her, I'd kill my own father just to keep him."

Geez!

I roll my eyes, trying to ignore all the buzz, but I can't, the entire building is filled with Ethan's name.

I take the stairs and follow the right route to my classroom. Okay, now this is even weirder.

As expected, every student in the room is grouped and paired, talking about... Mr Popular.

I sigh and walk into the class. Nicole, already waiting on our seats, waves at me before I get there. We're seatmates.

"Hello, girlfriend!" she beams as I sit in front of her.

She isn't really in her seat, but on the seat in front of mine, facing me.

"Hi," I roll my eyes, remembering how she disrupted my sleep over Ethan.

"Come on L, don't tell me you're still angry over that little issue. You should be happy I woke you up," she pouts.

"Indeed. You're so annoying, Nic," I tell her, and she smiles.

"Whatever. By the way, aren't you glad Ethan's back? I mean, you're gonna be in the same state as Mr Popular," she says ecstatically.

"Like I'll get to touch him, or that it'll add anything to my life," I reply.

"You're so funny Liana. You act like you don't like him but deep down, you'd kill for him," she teases.

"FYI, I already have a boyfriend," I brag, showing my ringless finger.

"That anonymous boyfriend of yours? You're not in love with him Liana, You're only in love with love," she says, and I hit her shoulder.

"Are you crazy? Stop speaking gibberish! I love Jackson with my whole heart," I tell her, and she rolls her eyes with a 'whatever.'

"By the way Liana, hope you're coming with me to Ethan's concert? I got a ticket already," she says, and I scoff.

"I'm not going, You can find someone else," I reply.

Of course, that's a lie, I mean what else would I do alone at home?

"Come on liana, are you kidding me? The entire city will be there. You're coming with me no matter what!" she says with a playful frown.

"Oh! Really? Well, I'd love to see you try."

She opens her phone and scrolls through his pictures.

"Oh! Liana he's so dreamy! I wish I could attend his homecoming party tomorrow at his house. Too bad it's strictly VIP," she says wistfully.

"He's holding another party tomorrow?" I ask.

"Oh! Not really him, but his mum she's holding a special party to celebrate his return. She treasures him a lot."

"He's her only child, right?"

"Yeah. And the heir to Winthorp Incorporated, though his step-siblings have their eyes on it."

"How did he end up in a polygamous family? I heard his mum betrayed her best friend, Ethan's father's first wife, by sleeping with her husband and getting pregnant with Ethan."

Three girls beside us suddenly turn and look at me, and I realize I've been a bit loud.

I raise my brows at them, They look away and continue with what they're doing.

Yeah, whatever.

"Well, Nicole lowers her voice. "That's what the rumors say. Ethan has two wives and five kids ,two girls from the first wife, one boy from the second wife (his mum), and one boy and girl from the third wife. They all live in the Winthorp mansion."

"Woah! That's crazy," I flinch.

"Yeah. And how it all started, his first wife couldn't give him a son. She struggled to get pregnant at first, and when she gave birth, it was a girl. Ethan's father tried again, and another girl. He lost patience and became a flirt, and that's why his children are flirts too."

"So, Ethan's mother was friends with his father's first wife, and according to rumors, she always had her eyes on the Winthorp wealth. His father approached her, she fell for him, got pregnant with Ethan and boom he became the first legitimate son and heir of Winthorp Incorporated."

"But soon after, a mistress got pregnant giving birth to a son. Desperate his father married her too, making three wives in total. Now, the Winthorp family is... on fire."

"On fire?" I cut in, and she nods.

"Winthorp Incorporated is the richest company in the US. They deal in UK buildings and real estate. Who wouldn't want to be the heir?"

"Ethan's the first legitimate son and rightful heir, but his siblings are trying to take the position from him. They're all at loggerheads."

"So... they're competing for the company?" I ask, folding my hands.

Immediately, the ABC girls walk in, drawing all eyes. They're the school's most troublesome bullies. Alma, Blair and Cheryl.

Blair snatches a phone from a group of girls ogling Ethan's pictures, and the others gasp.

"Blair, what are you doing?" one asks.

She giggles, refusing to return it.

"Seriously, why waste your time dreaming of something that can never be yours?" Alma says bluntly.

"Well, none of your business. Give me back my phone," the owner cries.

"You wouldn't even bother going to his concert. He might end up in the hospital the moment he sees your face, Cheryl laughs.

The girl cries and Blair drops the phone, walking away with her crew.

They come to Nicole and me.

"Hey puppy you're on our seat," Cheryl says sharply. Nicole jumps up.

"Well, that doesn't make her a puppy," I tell them as Nicole returns to her seat.

"Oh! Look who's talking," Alma scoffs.

"Mummy's little girl. Did your mother get pregnant on her own?" Cheryl says, and I spring up.

"What did you just say?" I demand. Nicole grabs my hand, trying to calm me.

They chuckle and take seats in front of mine.

I glare at them ready to drag Cheryl's hair, when the English teacher walks in. Everyone settles, but I remain standing, staring at the three troublemakers.

"Good morning Mrs Lee," the students greet uniformly.

"Liana, come on please," Nicole whispers, dragging me down to my seat.

Oh God! I swear, I'm gonna smack these ladies.

"Good morning students. How was your night?" Mrs Lee asks adjusting her glasses.

"It was fine Mrs Lee," a few students mumble.

She begins teaching.

We have two more classes before lunch. Once the last teacher leaves, the class becomes noisy as students troop out.

ABC stand up, and I stand with them.

"The next time you talk trash about my personal life, you'll wish you never had a tongue," I say to Cheryl in particular, grabbing my bag and walking away with Nicole scuttling behind me.

I hear them laugh but ignore it.

"Seriously those girls are becoming something else," Nicole says as we head to the canteen.

"Well soon I'm gonna shut them up for good," I reply still angry.

We enter the canteen, order snacks and return to class for more lectures.

Three more classes pass, and the bell rings school is over. Piquant! I'm going to see Jackson.

"Don't forget to get ready for the concert Liana, We need to go on time to be close to the stage when Ethan performs," Nicole enthuses as she walks me to my driver.

"You talk too much Nicole," I say itching my ear and she laughs

"So... are you really going to see Jackson at home?" She asks and I nod.

"But Liana, are you sure about this Jackson guy? You don't even know his family."

"Well, we just started dating less than a month ago," I reply and She sighs.

"Why does he want you at his house anyway?" she asks as we reach my van.

"How am I supposed to know? He just wants me to come over," I reply tucking my hair behind my ear.

"And you feel comfortable going alone?" She asks and I shrug.

"Please Nicole, Jackson's a nice guy. Stop worrying," I tell her. She sighs and gives me a side hug.

"Just be careful, okay? And don't forget the concert."

"Sure bye," I reply waving as I get into the van. Josh drives off.

TBC

Married To The Arrogant Star

Episode 3

By: peachlips

Liana's POV

I give my driver the address of the house and as I sit at the back seat heading there, my phone suddenly rings almost like he knows I'm thinking about him.

"Hey," he says, and I breathe out softly.

"H...Hey Um...good day," I reply feeling unexplainably nervous.

"How are you bae? Done from school already?" he asks and I nod even though he can't see me.

"I'm on my way now," I tell him and I can tell it makes him happy.

"Okay dear, I'm waiting, Stay safe, okay?"

"Sure, Bye."

I end the call.

I brush my fingers through my hair and stare out the window as we drive past tall buildings, people and trees.

Nicole's words suddenly flash in my head.

The truth is I don't really know much about Jackson, I met him a month ago and he seems really nice.

He asked me out and I accepted but Nicole thinks I made a mistake.

Well you can't blame me. I don't know anything about love or relationships, Mum is too busy to ever care about that. I'm always lonely... so I just want someone to show me love and attention.

And Jackson looks like a great guy.

I exhale deeply and try to shrug the thoughts off. I guess with time I'll know him better.

We finally arrive at the house and the driver pulls over in front of the dazzling white two-storey building, I open the van door and step out with my bag.

"You can go ahead, Josh. I'll be fine," I tell my driver. He nods and drives off.

I adjust my skirt and walk to the gate, I knock twice before the gate boy opens up.

"Hi, I'm here to see Jackson," I say and he stares at me.

"Oh! You're Liana right?" he asks and I nod.

"Please come in, He's been waiting for you," he adds letting me in.

I step in and look around the beautiful compound, nothing has changed.

I've been here once before and back then, the gate boy wasn't around. And trust me calling him 'gate boy' fits he's too young to be called a man.

I walk to the front door and knock, Jackson opens immediately wearing blue jeans, a white shirt and a flying jacket.

"Hey," he says with a smile, his pretty eyes glowing.

I smile back.

"You're here already, Come in," he says and ushers me inside.

"So, how was school today?" he asks.

"Same as always," I reply as I enter the exquisite living room and sit on the couch dropping my bag beside me.

"Oh! That sounds boring," he chuckles sitting next to me and wrapping an arm around my shoulder.

"Anyway thanks for coming."

"Yeah. Are your parents at home?" I ask.

"Nope. They've gone to work already," he replies.

"Really? Where do they work?" I ask again.

He sighs "That's not important, don't worry about it, I'll be right back," he says quickly and stands up before I can say a word.

I exhale and tuck my hair behind my ear, maybe I should just let it go.

I reach for the remote and turn on the flat-screen TV.

Perfect, one of Ethan's music videos is playing.

I fold my arms and roll my eyes before settling down to watch.

Well, I must admit... he's a pretty good dancer. And of course, really handsome.

Jackson returns soon with a bottle of red wine and two glasses.

"Did you miss me?" he asks as he tries opening the wine.

"You wish," I reply with an eye roll and he laughs.

He pours the wine and hands me a glass.

"Thanks," I say taking a sip. Refreshing.

My eyes drift back to the TV still playing Ethan's video.

"You're a fan too?" Jackson asks pointing at the screen.

I shrug, "Kind of... maybe."

He laughs, "That's a funny reply, You're not even sure if you like him or not?"

Well, that's one thing about Jackson he laughs and smiles a lot.

"I do like him... but I don't drool over him like those crazy girls," I say and he scoffs.

"Wow. Really? That's my baby girl," he says wrapping an arm around me again, I smile.

"Will you be going to his concert tonight?" I ask.

"Huh? No I'm not a girl," he replies.

"And what does that even mean? Girls aren't the only-"

"I know, I just don't want to go It's pointless," he cuts me off.

"Don't you like him?" I ask.

"Why should I?" he mutters under his breath.

I frown.

"You don't like him?" I press more seriously.

He sighs. "Just forget it Liana, I have no business with him. Anyway, how are you coping with your mum?" he asks, changing the topic.

I wonder why he acts that way when it comes to Ethan.

"She's fine," I reply quietly taking another sip.

He goes silent for a moment and I turn to look at him.

"Liana," he calls taking my right hand.

"There's something I need to tell you."

I place my glass on the table and face him properly.

"Okay... what is it?" I ask curiously.

He drops his glass too and holds both my hands.

"Liana," he repeats staring into my eyes.

"Don't you think it's time?"

My brows furrow.

Time for what?

"Time for what?" I ask genuinely confused.

He bows his head exhales... then lifts his face and kisses me.

Whaaaat?!

My eyes widen and I free my hands pushing him away.

"Jackson," I say pulling back my heart racing.

Why would he do that? Yes, he's my boyfriend but I'm not ready for a kiss.

I try to stand but he holds me back and pushes me down onto the couch.

What?!

He climbs on top of me and tries to kiss me again.

"Jackson stop it! Let go of me!" I cry struggling.

But he's too strong and leans closer again.

Oh God...

What is he doing?

Jackson?!

TBC...

Married To The Arrogant Star

Episode 4

By: peachlips

Liana's POV:

I try pushing him away but can't as he keeps weighing me down and kissing me.

Next, he slides his hands under my skirt and my fear skyrockets. Jackson can't do this to me, I'm not ready.

Without looking I reach for the glass of wine on the table and luckily I grab it.

I pour it over his face and he flinches in shock. That gives me just enough time to push him away and spring to my feet.

"Liana..."

"What the hell's wrong with you Jackson?" I yell angrily freeing my hand from his hold.

I grab my bag from the chair and run out of the house immediately.

"Liana wait!" I hear him call after me but I don't stop, I sprint to the gate.

I open it myself rush out and thank goodness I see a cab, I jump to the road and board it immediately.

I get home feeling angry, shaken, and disturbed. I'm paranoid. Why the hell does Jackson act the way he does? Would he have seriously forced himself on me? How could he even think that's okay?

I feel restless and can't even think about eating, I thought he was a nice person, I trusted him, How could he think of forcing himself on me?

If I hadn't stopped him, would he have really...?

I did not even take off my uniform, I just lie quietly on the bed.

What he did is really shocking, I swear I never expected this from him.

My phone rings and I see it's him calling.

I end the call and put the phone on silent keeping it far away, I can't even think about talking to him right now, What else does he have to say?

I shake my head and stare at the ceiling, this is so disappointing, Could I be making a mistake falling for someone like him?

I brood over the whole thing and didn't realize when I fall asleep.

Hours later, I wake up feeling heavy and groggy. How could I not? I've been thinking even in my dreams.

I pick up my phone and see 11 missed calls and 2 messages, What the heck?

Seven calls are from Jackson and four are from Nicole, Both messages are from Jackson.

The first reads: 📱 Please Liana, I'm sorry. 📱

The second: 📱 Just pick up the call, Give me a chance to explain please. 📱

I roll my eyes and drop the phone back on the bed, I'm still in shock. What could he possibly want to explain?

I'm about to pick up the phone again when there's a knock at the door. Sluggishly, I go to check it.

It's Nicole, Not really surprising she always shows up when I least expect it.

"Geez! What the hell's wrong with you, Liana? Why weren't you picking your calls? I've called like a hundred times!" she says as soon as she sees me not giving me a chance to breathe.

I look her over and confirm she's looking amazing. Wow A black skirt, pink top and black boots.

"It's just four missed calls Nicole, Stop being dramatic," I roll my eyes and make way for her to enter.

"Hold on," she scoffs, "Why are you still in uniform?" she asks noticing my school attire.

Gosh! I hadn't even realized.

"What have you been doing Liana?" she asks, almost yelling.

"I was exhausted... and I slept okay?" I reply and sit on the bed, She scoffs.

"Really? Do you realize what time it is? Liana! You're going to make me late for Ethan's concert!"

Oh! Ethan's concert! I almost forgot.

No wonder she looks so good.

"Come on, Liana you're such a killjoy I told you countless times to get ready so we can leave early, How could you forget?" she says bitterly.

I sigh and stand, "I'm sorry okay? I'll be done in a second," I say tiredly and walk into the bathroom,

I shower and come out with a towel, Surprisingly Nicole has already selected my clothes and shoes, Seriously?

"Hurry up Liana, Go on and dress!" she says hastily handing me the outfit.

It's a short red gown and she wants me to wear it with white sneakers already on the floor.

I shake my head and go to the wardrobe to get my underwear, After changing I put on the gown and look in the mirror.

Geez! It's so tight and shows off my curves perfectly.

"Wow! You're definitely going to draw attention, Liana," Nicole says from behind smiling.

"I don't like it Nic. It's too..."

"It's perfect," she cuts me off brushing my hair so it falls freely over my shoulders.

I take a red lip gloss and apply it the only makeup I use.

"Come on, come on, come on, Liana Let's go!" she says handing me the sneakers.

"Chill okay? The concert isn't running away," I grumble.

"Yeah but time is," she reminds me.

I put the sneakers back and grab blue netted sandals instead. I also pick up a blue emoji bag.

When I turn to look at Nicole she's staring and smiling at me.

"What's wrong?" I ask with a scoff.

"You're just beautiful Liana," she says and I blush but try to hide it with an eye roll.

"So... can we get going?" I ask and she laughs.

We leave the room together.

TBC.