Isabella
Being famous isn't all it's cracked up to be.
It's weird—both easy and hard at the same time. I mean, sure, it looks easy, but damn, it's also so freaking difficult.
The easy part? Just smile, wave your hands, say you love them. Blow kisses and wave back, throwing out a casual, "I love you all so much!"
And what do they do? They scream back, "We love you too, Isabella!" and I just throw more flying kisses. Simple, right?
"I miss you guys!!!" I shout out, and they eat it up. But here's the truth: I don't know a single one of them. Well, maybe I recognize one or two. Like that guy over there? Oh yeah, I remember him. Last time I saw him, he was streaking, stark naked, promising me he could make me come just with his pinky finger. So yeah, I won't forget him anytime soon. But for the most part, I'm just pretending, acting like I know them.
Now, the hard part?
Actually, I'm alone. No real friends, just these fake ones who latch on to my fame and status, hoping to climb their own way to the top. They're not around for me, not really. They just want to use me to get famous themselves. That's the tough part. And the worst? Having to plaster on a smile and say what people expect me to say, even when I'm feeling completely empty inside.
"Hi Isabella, how are you feeling today?" some reporter asks, shoving a mic in my face.
I flash a wide, perfect smile, facing the endless sea of flashing cameras, "I'm doing so great. Thanks for all your support!"
But it's all a lie. A complete lie, because last night, I was alone. Totally alone. Grandpa's been wrapped up in some mess with the Malin family, something shady enough to keep him on edge. So no, I'm not okay. Not by a long shot.
And then there's the whole "stage boyfriend" situation. Yeah, I had to pick one out of twenty guys to pretend to be my boyfriend. Someone with a shred of dignity, you know? One who wasn't just waiting for the chance to be the guy who finally took the famous daughter of the Falcon family's V-card. That kind of guy.
I know, eventually, I'll have to cross that bridge, but not right now. Right now, I need to focus on my career. I don't want to end up being the next scandal plastered across morning podcasts and news headlines.
"The Famous Daughter of the Falcon Family, Isabella Falcon, Confirms She's Halting Her Shows to Focus on Her Pregnancy."
No, thank you. I've got bigger things on my mind.
Damn that is a nightmare. One I have seen happening and I definitely don't want to happen to me.
It's definitely hard because I get so many guys asking me out. I mean, literally, some are from other powerful houses. Even when I have a fake boyfriend—yes, *fake* but still, he counts—they still don't stop. In just one week, I had to turn down five marriage proposals. Five.
I know I'm pretty, sexy, and hot, but seriously, I just need a damn break.
Silver hair, silver eyes—those deep-set, kind that give me that sultry, seductive look. I stand at a perfect 5'5" with all the right curves. Honestly, I'm the textbook definition of a pretty girl, and my smile? Well, it drives men wild, sending their thoughts into dangerous places. But no, I have zero interest in getting married at 24. Not even a little.
"Isabella," Candience's voice snapped me back to reality.
I glanced around. I had completely zoned out, tuning out Brittney's long-winded, perfectly rehearsed lie. She had her eyes glittering with makeup, long lashes batting at me like we were besties. Yeah, fake smile and all, but we barely talk outside of these events. I don't even have her number. Yet here we were, playing best friends in front of the cameras and fans. Worse, she's been trying to seduce my fake stage boyfriend, Liam Ortega.
Now, Liam is the kind of man that turns heads. An up-and-coming model and actor, he's tall, muscular, and blessed with that smooth, fair dark skin that makes women's hearts race. The kind that leaves you daydreaming. But honestly? Sigh. I chose him for one reason and one reason only—his introverted nature. Not because I'm into him, but because I needed someone who wouldn't cling to me after the charade.
"Pardon, I just had a text that shocked me." I forced a smile, glancing at Candience. "A fan just posted that they've cooked my cat, so yeah, I was a bit stunned," I chuckled, the fake laughter spreading through the room.
The host joined in, clearly entertained. "That is pretty shocking," she laughed.
"Right? And the funny thing is, I'm actually allergic to cats!" I giggled, playing along.
Brittney chimed in, trying to keep up. "Oh, I know what you mean! Last night, a fan told me they had my chicken for dinner, and I literally had to call home to check. I've got this rare breed of chicken, and I love it so much!"
Lies. But I had to chuckle, too. Liam, who was still holding my hand, let out a slow, deep chuckle, all sexy and cool like he always does. That laugh alone could drive women insane, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't affected. That's pretty much why I picked him—he's introverted, quiet, and absolutely oozes that deep, smooth chuckle. And yeah, maybe a part of me gets weak for that sound, too.
"Right, your question?" I finally turned to Candience, flashing a polished smile.
Candience Florencer, known for her wildly popular Let's Meet Our Celebrity show, smiled back. It's one of the most-watched talk shows, the quickest way to market yourself as an up-and-coming artist. The studio's always packed—a long room filled with 120 guests, each eagerly waiting to catch a glimpse of the latest celebrity. The set was plush, with well-cushioned sofas where I sat alongside Liam. Candience sat at her desk in front of a large screen, showing clips from my current show and latest music video.
Candience leaned in, her smile wide as she prepared to dive into the juicier part of the interview. "So, Isabella, the fans are dying to know—what's the deal with you and Liam? Everyone sees the chemistry on stage, but off-stage?" She raised an eyebrow, clearly trying to stir some gossip. The audience perked up, hanging on every word.
I couldn't help but chuckle, giving Liam a sideways glance. He just smiled, his usual quiet, brooding self, leaning back into the couch like he wasn't fazed by any of this. That's what I liked about him—cool under pressure, letting me handle the attention.
"Well, let's just say," I paused dramatically, keeping the suspense, "Liam is… my perfect partner in crime." I grinned as the crowd erupted into applause and laughter. "But seriously, he's an amazing person to work with. Super chill, no drama. That's all I'm going to say," I added, sending a wink his way. The mysterious vibe was always part of the game.
Candience nodded, playing along. "I see, I see, keeping it professional. But what about your personal life? You've been turning down marriage proposals like it's going out of style! Five in one week? Come on, girl, you've gotta share at least one of those stories."
I sighed dramatically, leaning forward again, knowing exactly how to play the crowd. "Oh, you mean *that* week?" I exaggerated, causing the audience to laugh once more. "Okay, there was one guy—get this—who sent me a life-size bouquet of roses. Like, it was bigger than my living room. Attached to every single flower was a little note explaining why we were 'meant to be.' He even included a *family tree* tracing his ancestry back to some ancient noble house, as if that would seal the deal."
The room burst into laughter. Even Candience was struggling to keep her composure, her eyes wide in disbelief. "Wait, a family tree? He was really out here submitting a whole résumé for marriage?"
"Girl, I'm telling you!" I laughed, shaking my head. "And the best part? He had already planned the wedding. Venue booked, invites ready. All he needed was my 'yes.'" I shrugged. "Needless to say, I politely declined."
Candience threw her head back, laughing along with the crowd. "You've got some wild stories! Okay, okay, one last question before we wrap this up." She flipped through her cue cards, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "If you could choose *anyone*—dead or alive, fictional or real—to play your love interest in a movie, who would it be?"
I pretended to think for a moment, tapping my chin dramatically. "Anyone? Wow, that's tough. I'd probably go with someone mysterious, someone brooding—like… Sherlock Holmes. I mean, can you imagine? The two of us solving mysteries while navigating a complicated romance?"
The audience erupted once again, and Candience playfully gasped. "Sherlock Holmes? Now that's an answer I didn't see coming! Sexy and intellectual, I like it."
I shrugged with a smirk. "What can I say? I've got a thing for brains and brooding detectives."
The crowd was in stitches as Candience wrapped up the segment. "Well, Isabella, you've definitely given us a show to remember. Thanks for joining us today, and best of luck with everything—especially dodging those marriage proposals!"
I laughed, giving the audience a wave as the applause grew louder. Liam leaned in close, his voice low but playful. "Sherlock Holmes, huh?"
I grinned back. "What can I say? You're not the only brooding guy around here."
Chuckles!!!
Am natuaral when it comes to stage and all.
The crowd continued to cheer as Candience brought the show to a close. "Well, folks, that's all the time we have today! Make sure you stay tuned for Isabella's latest projects, and of course, keep an eye out for her next move. You never know what surprises she's got up her sleeve!"
The applause was deafening as I stood up, giving a wave to the audience. Liam followed, standing tall beside me, casually adjusting his jacket, all cool and composed as usual. We both stepped forward, and the crew was already preparing for the post-show activities. Fans swarmed near the stage, eager to catch a moment, an autograph, or a quick photo.
Candience was the first to approach, her smile wide and friendly as ever. "Isabella, that was a blast! You handled that like a pro."
"Thanks, Candience," I said, shaking her hand, giving her a quick hug. "I had fun too. You know how to keep things interesting."
She laughed, giving me a playful wink. "Gotta keep the audience entertained. You're welcome back anytime."
After the brief exchange, we turned our attention to the fans, who were already gathering in front of the stage. My team moved into position, handing me a sleek silver marker for autographs. Liam was already posing for photos with some of the fans, looking effortlessly handsome, while I prepared myself for the inevitable wave of compliments and admiration.
"Isabella! Over here! Can I get a selfie?" one girl shouted, her phone already out.
"Of course!" I replied with a smile, leaning in to take the shot. Her excitement was contagious, and I couldn't help but feel energized by the love from the crowd.
It took about half an hour to make it through the throng of fans—signing posters, taking selfies, even engaging in a few light-hearted conversations about my next project. By the time we finished, my cheeks were aching from smiling so much, but it was worth it. I always loved connecting with the people who supported me, even though the chaos of it all could be a little overwhelming at times.
"Alright, folks, that's all we have time for!" my manager called out, signaling the end of the session. A few disappointed sighs could be heard, but most of the fans seemed satisfied. I waved one last time, making my way toward the exit with Liam beside me, still looking as cool as ever despite the chaos.
We were escorted through the back, where my limo was already waiting, sleek and shiny under the studio lights. The driver opened the door for us, and I slipped inside first, letting out a breath of relief as I sank into the plush leather seat.
Liam followed suit, closing the door behind him as we both relaxed into the quiet comfort of the limo. "That was something," he muttered, finally letting out a small chuckle. "You really know how to work a crowd."
I smirked, glancing over at him. "You weren't too bad yourself. Those deep chuckles were definitely winning over some hearts."
He raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. "Just doing my job."
I laughed, shaking my head as the limo began to pull away from the studio. "Well, job well done."
We settled into a comfortable silence as the city scent blurred past the half closed tinted windows. Still needed to wave to them, flash some smiles.It had been a long day, and though the attention was always flattering, it felt good to have a moment of peace.
My phone buzzed, and I glanced down at it—my manager had sent a text reminding me of the upcoming meetings at the headquarter. Just the thought of it made me sigh. "Back to reality," I muttered, already mentally preparing for the endless discussions, the strategies, and the planning. Being in the spotlight wasn't just about the glamour; it came with a lot of behind-the-scenes work that most people never saw.
"Headquarters, huh?" Liam asked, noticing my expression.
"Yeah," I nodded, rubbing my temples lightly. "It never ends, does it?"
He leaned back, his eyes closed in that calm, collected way of his. "Well, at least you get to arrive in style."
I chuckled at that. "True."