Married To The Arrogant Star

Episode 5

By: peachlips

Liana's POV:

Using one of my mum's cars the driver drives us straight to the venue and woah!

Are you kidding me? Is this a crusade or what?

"Dang! I told you Liana. This is why I wanted us to come early. Now the whole place is filled up already," Nicole grumbles as the driver finds a place to park.

Geez! This place is too rowdy, I hate crowds.

We open the door and step out of the car and my eyes narrow as I scan the environment. If the crowd outside is this much, I wonder how the main hall will look.

Nicole holds my hand as we start jostling through the crowd and I'm amazed at the way some of the girls look.

Many are wearing customized shirts with Ethan's name and pictures on them.

Some have stickers, glasses, rings, necklaces- even hairbands everything printed with his name.

Geez! Why are girls this crazy over him?

Nicole drags me to a small stand close to the entrance where customized items are being sold. She buys a bangle and two light-up stickers with Ethan's name on them.

She wears the bangle and forces one of the stickers into my hand.

"Huh? What are you-"

"Just take it Liana," she cuts me off. I scoff.

👥 I really can't wait for Ethan to come out on stage!

👥 Yeah! I just hope I don't pass out.

I overhear people saying as we walk toward the entrance.

Nicole gives our tickets to the men by the door and we're finally allowed into the massive round hall.

Woah! It looks like the entire city is here.

"Come on Liana," Nicole says as she grabs my hand and tries squeezing us toward the front.

But the hall is too packed, We settle for the middle.

"Well, we can still see the stage clearly," she mutters.

"This is all your fault," she huffs. She really wants to be close to the stage.

"Chill okay? It's not like you'd touch him if we were right in front."

She scowls at me and I shrug.

Gosh This place is too congested, I don't like staying in places like this.

I turn toward a lady beside me who has been screaming nonstop.

She has a tattoo on her neck-Ethan's name boldly written.

"Come on Ethan!" she yells, and it annoys me.

Another lady wears a shirt with his picture and the words KING OF HEARTS underneath.

Someone else has PRINCE CHARMING.

Another has I LOVE YOU.

Okay... this is dramatic.

Suddenly the walls shake from loud screams

and I panic thinking something terrible has happened.

I cover my ears and almost scream too.

What???

What's happening???

👥 Ethan!!!

👥 Yes!!!

👥 I love you!!!

Then I see Ethan walking onto the stage.

Oh. Now I get it.

👥 Ethan!!

👥 My superstar!!

👥 I love youuuu!!

👥 Can you see me?!

"Ethan!" Nicole shouts gripping my hand. I glare at her and turn back to the stage.

Wow... come to think of it this guy is quite handsome and classy.

He wears brown trousers and a matching jacket over a blue top with shoes to match.

Sparkles flash around him from the pure gold jewelry he has on.

His hair is dark and curled, with the front falling slightly over his left eye.

His eyes have a slight dark shade and his lips look pink and soft.

Even from afar he is extremely charming and it's obvious why girls are crazy about him.

A lady comes on stage with him.

Oh Lady K.

She's a diva-always seen with him. They've done many duets together, attended concerts, traveled always side by side. She's even been with him in Georgia and returned to Dallas with him.

I wonder what's going on between them.

👥 Go Ethan!!

👥 I love you, Ethan!

👥 I wanna kiss you!

The screams continue as Lady K sits while Ethan walks toward the mic and keyboard.

When he reaches it the ovation increases. Two ladies even collapse.

What??

He tries brushing the short hair from his left eye but it falls back again.

He leans into the mic.

"Hi," he says softly and the screams explode once more.

Oh God.

Another lady is carried out.

So the rumors are true girls really faint at his concerts.

"Isn't he adorable?" Nicole squeaks.

I scoff.

"Um... are Ethan and Lady K dating?" I yell above the noise.

"Huh? No! If they were everyone would know. Ethan doesn't do commitments. He's a flirt," she replies excitedly.

Ethan looks down and taps the keyboard softly. The effect makes the crowd quiet.

Then he stops and leans into the mic.

🎤 I'm really glad to see you all.

And I'm glad to be back in my hometown.

I'm happy you love me this much to show up at my concert.

Thanks. 🎤

The crowd explodes again.

👥 I love you, Ethan!!

👥 You're the best!

👥 Ethan!!!

"Wow. I can't believe he smiles today," Nicole breathes.

"What? He doesn't smile?"

"I heard he doesn't. His manager probably told him to smile since it's his first concert here in four years."

I mouth an "oh" and turn back to the stage.

The lights go out.

A blue spotlight shines on him.

He begins playing a soft, enchanting tune. The whole hall falls silent.

Then he adds his voice.

Wow. He is amazing.

I'm not a music lover but Ethan's voice... I can't deny it.

He's truly talented.

🎤 I just wanna be with you...

You know you're all to me...

Let's travel the world together...

Let us build our dreams together... 🎤

Nicole grabs my hand again.

"Can you feel that Liana?"

I gently free my hand from hers.

He sings beautifully.

When he finishes the crowd nearly tears the place down.

Two more ladies are carried out.

How do girls get THIS crazy over a guy? Unbelievable.

He performs more songs.

The hall shakes with noise.

Nicole is screaming and jumping beckoning me to join her.

I roll my eyes.

I enjoy the music but screaming like a frog isn't my style.

He finishes a hip-hop song stylishly and the applause is deafening.

Ladies in front stretch toward him but I hear he never touches fans.

He waves and heads backstage with Lady K beside him.

"Oh my gee! Don't tell me it's over. I wish it could be repeated," Nicole sighs dreamily.

I roll my eyes. Ethan's song still plays in the background.

"Hope you're happy. Can we go now?" I ask.

She laughs, holds my hand, and we begin walking out of the hall.

TBC

Married To The Arrogant Star

Episode 6

By: peachlips

Liana's POV:

It is not easy passing through the entrance as many people keep trooping in and out. If not for the fact that Nicole and I are holding hands, we would have definitely been split.

After jostling our way through the crowd we finally get outside and I breathe out heavily.

"Geez," I mumble and let go of Nicole's hand.

As expected everybody around keeps talking and dreaming about Ethan's performance. Shocking enough, I see a lady crying while telling her friends how he almost touched her.

"So tell me Liana, how was it? Tell me you didn't enjoy it," Nicole says smiling and I scoff.

"You know me Nicole. I'm not a music person," I reply.

"And whoever said you need to be a music person before falling in love with Ethan? Anyway, I know you're just bluffing. You're definitely crushing on Ethan more than I am," she says.

I glare at her and she laughs.

I just hope my driver is still waiting for me.

"Nicole!" we suddenly hear someone call from behind and we turn to see two ladies walking toward us.

"Agatha!" Nicole exclaims in surprise and runs into the arms of one of the ladies.

Perfect.

"Oh my God! Look at you, I can't remember the last time I saw you," the lady says excitedly.

"Yeah. How've you been?"

I sigh and cross my arms, I wonder how long this is going to take.

Just then my phone starts ringing, I bring it out of my bag and see that it is Jackson calling.

Gosh.

I let it ring out the first time but it starts ringing again. I move a few steps away to a place with less noise.

"Hello?" I say as I pick up.

"Hello? L... Liana? Is that you?" he asks sounding relieved.

I roll my eyes and say nothing.

"Liana please I beg you, Listen to me, I'm so sorry for what happened. I... I was just being carried away..."

"Really Jackson?" I cut in with a scoff.

"To be sincere I never expect such an act from you. I mean I get it if we're dating but trying to force yourself on me? It's absurd."

I hear him sigh.

"Liana please forgive me. I promise it will never happen again. I swear. Just give me another chance please. I promise to make it up to you."

I am so engrossed in the call that I don't notice the blaring horns behind me.

"Liana!" I hear Nicole shout.

"Hey!" other people yell.

It snaps me back to reality and I realize I am standing in the way of some cars.

Oh my gee!

I quickly pull the phone away from my ear and jump aside allowing a line of flashy cars to pass.

They look special.

The first vehicle is a police car and one of the policemen glares at me from the window.

The second car is also a police car.

The third one is a black SUV with tinted windows.

The fourth one has its window slightly open.

And-

Ethan.

Oh my gee.

Ethan is inside the fourth flashy jeep, and Lady K is sitting beside him.

"Ethan!!!" some ladies scream when they notice him.

He stares at me from the window as they cruise past and I freeze.

I am seeing him from a close range and damn... he is handsome.

He keeps staring at me until they pass.

The fifth car is another black SUV with tinted windows and then a police car follows behind.

"Liana!" Nicole runs up to me.

"Were you hurt?" she asks scanning my body.

"I'm fine," I reply tucking my hair behind my ear.

"Was Ethan really in the car?" she asks excitedly.

I nod.

"Oh my gee! You mean you saw him up close? What did he look like?" she asks dreamily.

I scoff.

"I don't get it, Didn't you just see him on stage?" I ask.

"I know but-"

I don't let her finish before walking away, She quickly follows.

We get to where my driver is waiting Luckily, he is still there.

Nicole and I enter the car and sit at the back seat.

"Josh you're going to drop Nicole off before taking me home," I say.

He nods and drives off.

My phone starts ringing again.

Jackson.

I sigh and pick up.

"Jackson I'm busy okay? I'll call you when I get home," I say and end the call.

"Oops! Isn't that our anonymous boyfriend?" Nicole teases.

I gape at her and she laughs.

"So why don't you want to talk to him?" she asks.

I stay silent.

"By the way why did he ask you to come over today?"

"None of your business," I reply, rolling my eyes.

She eventually changes the topic.

As I stare through the window my mind drifts.

I saw Ethan up close.

It feels unreal.

The way he stares at me... those dazzling eyes.

No wonder girls are crazy about him.

He is truly handsome.

"Hey!" Nicole taps me.

"Have you been listening to me?"

I scratch my neck awkwardly.

She resumes talking, and soon we arrive at her house.

"Don't forget to be early for school tomorrow okay? Goodnight L," she says hugging me.

"Goodnight," I reply.

She steps out and Josh drives off.

Along the road traffic slow, I spot a man selling spicy stick beef.

That's when I realize I haven't eaten.

I ask Josh to pull over and step out.

"Good evening sir. How much for one stick?" I ask.

"Two dollars per stick ma'am," he replies.

I taste one.

Wow.

"I'll take three more."

After paying I head back toward the car.

Then I notice some kids playing with toy ponytails nearby.

I walk closer and watch them laughing happily.

I smile sadly.

I never really have a fun childhood.

Mum is always too busy.

There is even a time she forgets my tenth birthday.

I sigh and turn to leave.

But two shabby looking boys step in front of me.

"Hey miss," one says with a crooked smile.

The other stares at my legs.

"Um... hi," I say trying to walk away.

They block me.

"Our boss wants to talk to you," the first says, pointing to some boys under a shade.

One of them is sitting and smoking.

I scoff.

"Sorry I'm not interested."

I try to leave but one of them grabs my arm.

"Sorry hot legs. You're going nowhere."

My heart skips.

TBC

Married To The Arrogant Star

Episode 7

By: Faith Lucky

Liana's POV:

I huff and look at him.

"What are you talking about? Let me go!" I say and try withdrawing my hand from his but I can't.

Surprisingly they start dragging me away and I can't stop them.

"Let me go!" I shriek as they both hold my hands and take me to the so-called boss, They stop when we get there.

"What's the meaning of this?" I ask in a peeved manner as I stand in front of the rogue guy who is smoking.

He chuckles and brings the cigarette down from his lips.

"What's your name?" he asks after a pause and I scoff.

"That should be of no concern to you. Just tell your boys to let me go," I reply angrily and scared at the same time. They seem dangerous.

He stares at me for a while without saying a word.

"I like you and I want you," he finally says with a leer and my fears spike but I try not to show it.

"Well I don't like you and I don't want you. Just let me go," I say rather pleasingly and he smiles leaning back on his chair.

"You tryna prove hard to get huh?" he asks with a smirk then stands up. Oh God!

Immediately a police car drives in not toward usbut to a plaza opposite us. Thank goodness.

I turn and look at the so-called leader noticing he also looks diffident.

Without hesitation I start running-

walking away yes I do and I'm sure they can't follow me because of the police presence.

I run as quickly as I can back to the car and immediately get in, The driver scorches off.

Gosh! What a scare!

I really don't know what to do about my body shape anymore. It always gets me into trouble.

What would have happened if the police hadn't shown up?

I look at my hand and notice I'm still holding my sauced meat, I almost forgot. Still feeling hungry, I lean back and continue eating.

We finally get home and I alight from the car feeling really buggered. I can't wait to go into my room and get some sleep.

I open the door of the sitting room and surprisingly, I find Mum sitting on the couch. Huh?

I pause at the door and stare at her surprised to see her there.

She sits with her hands crossed going through some papers and holding a glass of wine.

I sigh and walk in.

"Good evening, Mum," I greet perfunctorily as I get to where she is.

"And where are you coming from?" she asks without looking at me her eyes still fixed on the papers.

"I went for Ethan's concert... together with Nicole," I shrug and reply.

"By this time of night? Do you even know what time it is? Don't you know it's risky staying out alone up to this hour?" she asks now staring at me.

"Well I had no idea you wouldn't be sleeping at the office today. I'm not a ghost," I reply.

"Shut up Liana. I don't expect you to be a ghost before knowing the right thing to do."

"Seriously Mum you wouldn't blame me for it. I guess you have no idea what I go through staying at home alone, having no one to talk to. Sometimes I almost forget what it feels like being in the company of others and that's the reason I make use of an opportunity when I see one," I reply angrily.

Then she sighs and stands up wine in hand.

"Liana," she calls softly and uses her free hand to brush the front part of her hair.

"I understand how you feel, But I want you to know everything I'm doing is for your own benefit. Don't worry there's something big I'm working on and pretty soon it'll be accomplished and put an everlasting smile on your face."

I stare at her in awe wondering what she means and she smiles.

"Go upstairs and get some sleep It's late," she says and walks away leaving the papers on the couch.

I stand and think for a while trying to figure out what she meant.

My phone starts ringing snapping me out of my thoughts.

I check and discover it's Jackson.

"Hello?" I say on the phone taking the stairs.

"Liana can you hear me?" he asks.

"Yes."

I open the door of my room and walk in sitting on the bed.

"Liana please, we really need to talk. I'm so sorry for what happened. Please give me a chance to explain," he pleads on the phone.

"I'm tired Jackson; I can't talk now."

"Okay, okay. Why don't we fix a date tomorrow, huh? Please. Let's meet up and discuss."

I remain silent.

"Liana?" he calls.

"Fine I'll let you know when I'm free. Good night," I say and drop the call immediately.

I take off my sandals and lie straight on the bed feeling so tired I can't even change my clothes.

⏰⏰⏰⏰⏰

The next morning, I wake up to the sound of my alarm which I angrily turn off.

I sit up on the bed and itch my eyes trying to shake off sleep. Gosh! I still feel so dizzy.

I leave the bed and go into the bathroom to brush my teeth. Then I go to the dining to check if breakfast is ready I'm starving.

As I climb down the stairs approaching the dining I see someone already seated there. Huh? Mum?

I furrow my brows in surprise as I go closer. What is she still doing here? I can't remember the last time I woke up and found her at home.

"Mum... good morning," I greet with surprise.

"Oh! Liana, you're just in time to join me for breakfast. Come on," she says, and I scoff and take a seat facing her.

She's already dressed obviously leaving soon.

She's wearing a white trouser suit with the upper buttons open, exposing her chest a little.

Well my mum is a crazy fashion woman. She's very young and pretty and always dressed to kill.

If you weren't told I was her daughter you'd think we were sisters. I know countless billionaires who go crazy over her.

I'm proud to have her as a mother. The only problem is she doesn't have time for me.

"By the way Liana," she says, breaking the silence.

"I want you to get ready in time because we'll be going to Ethan's homecoming party tonight."

I almost spill my tea.

"What?"

"E... Ethan's homecoming party?" I shriek.

"You mean we'll be going to the Winthorpe mansion?" I ask in disbelief and she nods.

"What?"

"Why?" I ask aback.

"And what do you mean why? Everyone wishes to be there. Shouldn't you feel lucky to be among the privileged?

Anyway Ethan's mum invited me so you're coming with me," she replies and takes a bite of toast.

"But Mum..."

"What is wrong with you Liana? Why are you dragging it?" She asks sternly, and I sigh, looking down at my food.

But I'm supposed to have a date with Jackson today.

Immediately her phone rings and she mutes it after checking the caller.

"I'll be home to pick you by 6. Don't keep me waiting," she says callously standing up with her bag.

"I'll be on my way now," she adds starting to walk away while I play pathetically with my food.

Why does she want me to go along with her to the party? What am I going to do with Jackson now?

After eating I bathe and get ready for school.

I still can't stop thinking about the whole thing.

On my way to class I'm interrupted by two boys standing in front of me smiling like cats.

"Hey, Liana," one of them calls licking his lips.

I huff and try to walk away but the second one holds me back.

"Hey hey, hey chill okay? Um... Mawthie just wants us to deliver this letter to you," he says proffering a piece of paper. Gosh! I should've known.

"Well, tell him to go to hell," I say and start walking away, but turn back to look at them.

"And one piece of advice I think it'd be best if you stopped being errand boys," I add and continue on my way.

Mawthie is the leader of the gangsters at Royal High and is always trying to get me on his side. But his stupidity wouldn't let him see I can never agree to someone like him.

I walk into the class and see Nicole already there, She always comes to school before me.

"Hey Liana," she waves as I get to her.

The ABC girls are not in class Perfect.

"Hi," I say blearily taking my seat next to Nicole.

The class is noisy as all the ladies talk about Ethan's concert.

"Hey, are you okay? You look moody," Nicole says.

"Well it's Mum. She's such a killjoy," I reply.

"Huh? What happened this time?"

"She wants me to go with her to Ethan's homecoming party," I reply and she screams. What?

"Nicole!" I call in shock as all eyes dart to us. Why did she scream like that?

"What's wrong with you?" I growl and she laughs.

"Oh my! Liana I'm just so excited. Are you serious? You're really going to the party?" she asks and I look around thankfully the other students have turned away.

"Yes. Mum said Ethan's mum invited her," I reply. She almost screams again but covers her mouth.

"Oh my God! Liana you're so lucky. But why are you moody?"

"Well, I'm supposed to have a date with Jackson today..."

"What? F**k Jackson Liana," she cuts me off.

"Are you kidding me? You're upset about going to the Winthorpe mansion because of Jackson? Do you even know how lucky you are? I've called all my relatives around the city to see if any were invited but none were.

"Don't you know that by going to this party, you have a 60% chance of seeing Ethan face to face? You might even talk to him! Oh my gosh! I seriously wish there was a way we could do a face swap right now Liana. I wish I had a mother like yours," she says wistfully.

Gosh! I shake my head and don't say anything.

"Wow! Kyle's in school today," she says after a brief silence and I lift my eyes to see the brainiac Kyle entering class.

Oh!

He's the most intelligent boy in school and won an award last semester as best student.

People nickname him "the brainiac."

His uncle owns the school but he hardly talks or has friends. People think he's snobbish.

"Seriously Liana you're so lucky to attend Ethan's homecoming party," Nicole continues and I itch my ear.

"I wonder what the Winthorpe mansion looks like. I've only seen it online but it's probably more gorgeous..."

She keeps talking, and not long after the ABC girls walk in.

Yeah ABC.

"Hey handsome," Cheryl waves at Kyle but he doesn't look at her.

Alma and Blair chuckle and I roll my eyes.

They sit in front of Nicole and me Blair winks at me before sitting. Annoying.

Blair brings out her phone and the projector in front of the class starts displaying photos of Blair and Ethan together. Not like they're together but it's photoshopped to look real.

Huh? How did she connect to the projector?

All the students gasp.

Blair stands and faces the class.

"How does this look? Aren't we perfect together?" she asks, grinning.

"It's dumb," someone says from the back, and I smile.

Blair fumes and Alma stands up.

"Really? If it's dumb you're a dumbass," she says, and a few students laugh.

The projector goes off and we all look in surprise it was Kyle using his phone.

"Hey why did you do that?" Blair grouses but he focuses on his book.

I think the only time I hear him speak is when answering a question.

Some students snicker and Blair and Alma return to their seats.

Hm. Serves them right.

"Wow! What an attitude," Nicole whispers and I shrug.

The rest of the school day passes as usual and when I get home I have to call Jackson and tell him about postponing our date.

"Gosh! I can't believe I'm going to Ethan's party. What will I wear?"

I rifle through my wardrobe and finally settle on blue jeans and a jacket. Perfect!

I wear them and apply light makeup.

Mum told me not to keep her waiting so I get ready in time.

After a while Mum returns and we leave for the party together.

TBC.