Zinnia had always preferred a private life, relishing her quiet moments painting away from the spotlight. But ever since her engagement to Samuel Lucas became public, everything had changed.
The media had unearthed her background, revealing that she was not only the heir to Lopez Digital Studios but also the famed painter known as Zia_L.
People were mesmerized by her beauty and talent, and she was soon dubbed a goddess by her fans.
Her social media exploded overnight. She had become an internet sensation, with her live streams drawing thousands of viewers eager to see her art and hear her thoughts.
Tonight was no different. She was live streaming, showcasing her latest painting, while the comments poured in.
"Your art is breathtaking, Zia_L!"
"Such a goddess! Every painting is a masterpiece!"
"Can't get enough of your work!"
Zinnia smiled at the praise, feeling a mix of pride and apprehension. She had adjusted to her new public life, but it was overwhelming at times.
As she explained her techniques and inspirations, her phone screen was flooded with enthusiastic comments.
Suddenly, the chat exploded with excitement.
"Wait, is that Samuel Lucas?!"
"Samuel Lucas is here?!"
"Is he really in the stream?!"
Zinnia glanced up, puzzled, and her heart skipped a beat when she saw Samuel standing behind her. His unexpected appearance caused a stir among her viewers.
"Hello, everyone," Samuel greeted, his tone casual as he waved to the camera. His presence sent waves of excitement through the chat.
Zinnia was taken aback, her cheeks flushing. She turned to Samuel, trying to hide her surprise.
"Hi, Samuel. What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
"I thought I'd drop by and see your latest work," Samuel replied with a smile. "I didn't expect the reaction to be this big."
The comments were filled with astonished and thrilled reactions.
"This is amazing! Two celebrities together!"
"I can't believe Samuel is here!"
Samuel took a closer look at her painting, his genuine admiration evident. "This is incredible," he said. "You've really outdone yourself."
"Thank you," Zinnia replied, feeling a mix of gratitude and unease.
As Samuel prepared to leave, he gave a small wave to the camera. "I'll let you continue. I just wanted to say hello."
The chat buzzed with excitement long after Samuel left the frame. Zinnia tried to refocus on her painting, but her thoughts were scattered.
Moments later, Samuel returned, but his demeanor had shifted dramatically. The warmth he had shown to the camera was gone. His expression was cold, and his tone was businesslike.
"Zinnia, prepare yourself for tonight's meeting," he said, his voice lacking the affection he had shown earlier. "We need to make a good impression."
Zinnia's heart sank. She longed for the affectionate side Samuel displayed publicly, but away from the cameras, he was distant and aloof. To him, she was merely a business partner, someone to enhance his status. He didn't believe in love, and it showed in the way he treated her.
"I'll get ready," she said softly, her voice barely audible.
As Samuel left, Zinnia felt the weight of his coldness. She had hoped for more than just a public display of affection, but it seemed that was all she would ever receive from him. In public, he was charming and attentive, but in private, he was a stranger.
She sighed, preparing herself for the evening ahead, knowing that her reality had become a painful mix of public admiration and private loneliness.
After the successful business meeting with their future business partner. She was dragged by Samuel and his friends to a party to celebrate the success.
Zinnia Lopez stood at the edge of the crowded party, her gaze fixed on the sea of faces. The room was alive with energy, but Zinnia felt like a spectator rather than a participant.
Samuel Lucas, impeccably dressed in a sharp black suit, was at the center of attention, laughing and joking with his friends.
Zinnia tried to blend into the background, but she couldn't escape the biting comments that cut through the noise.
It was the complete opposite of the admiration she received from her fans.
"Look at Zinnia," Jake said loudly, his voice carrying over the music. "Always trailing after Samuel. It's like she's his personal assistant."
Laughter erupted around the group. Zinnia's heart sank. She forced a smile, trying to act as if the comments didn't bother her, but the sting was sharp. She shifted nervously, her fingers tightening around her drink.
"Did you see her last week?" Stela added, her tone dripping with mockery. "Picking Samuel up from that club at 3 AM. She's so devoted, it's almost sad."
The laughter grew louder, and Zinnia's face flushed with embarrassment. She glanced at Samuel, hoping he might notice her discomfort, but he was too engrossed in his conversation.
Samuel had always been so wrapped up in his own world that he rarely saw the hurt his friends' comments caused.
Zinnia's heart ached with each chuckle and whispered joke. She had spent years in this role, enduring Samuel's friends' scorn in the hope that one day he would truly see her worth. But tonight, the mockery felt unbearable.
They are supposed to get married a month after their engagement, but Samuel dragged it long til three years have passed ever since then, and they are still not yet married.
"Hey, Zinnia!" Samuel called out, breaking through her thoughts. "You look like you're lost. Come over here."
Relief washed over Zinnia as she moved towards him, putting on her best smile. She walked through the crowd, feeling the eyes of Samuel's friends on her, their whispers following her every step.
When she reached Samuel, he took her hand and led her to the bar. "Let me get you a drink," he said, his voice warm but distracted. "You've been standing around too long."
"Thank you, Samuel," Zinnia said, her voice trembling slightly.
As Samuel ordered a drink for her, Zinnia's phone buzzed. She checked the screen quickly, her heart pounding. The message read: "I know where James is."
Zinnia's hands shook. James—her lost love, the man who looked so much like Samuel. Could it be true? Her mind raced with the possibilities. She glanced around, searching for any sign of who might have sent the message.