The week was full of commitments, and the moment when Emily was taking her music career more seriously had finally arrived. Between studio sessions and rehearsals, Gabriela arranged an interview for one of the biggest magazines in the country, with an exclusive coverage that would present Emily both as an actress and as a new artist on the rise in the music world. This would be an opportunity for Emily to share her vision, her challenges and her motivation with the public.
As soon as she arrived at the magazine's studio, Emily realized that the environment was very different from other interviews. The cameras, the intimate setting, the strategically positioned lights — everything was carefully prepared to capture every nuance of her personality. She felt the weight of being about to open her heart to the world and knew that this interview could be a turning point in her career.
The journalist, Lara Martins, greeted her warmly, with a smile that conveyed empathy. She was known for asking deep questions, capable of capturing the true spirit of celebrities. "Emily, thank you for joining us today. I'm so excited to learn more about you."
Emily smiled back, feeling a little more at ease. "Thank you, Lara. I'm looking forward to sharing a little more of myself with my fans."
The initial questions were gentle and introduced Emily's story: her childhood, her relationship with her adoptive parents, and her path to stardom. With each answer, Emily became more open, talking openly about her passion for acting and now for music. Lara then changed her tone, delving into more delicate topics.
"A lot of people see you as just a successful actress, or, as some critics say, someone who was lucky enough to be in the right place, with the right connections. How do you deal with that? And how do you see yourself growing in this world?"
Emily took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully. "I understand that some people might think that way. But I've always dedicated myself to the fullest, and it wasn't easy to get here. Fame brings many good things, but it also carries with it judgments. I just hope that when people see me perform, or listen to my music, they can feel how much I love what I do. And, even if criticism is part of it, I'll stay focused on what truly motivates me."
Lara nodded, impressed by Emily's sincerity. "And now you're starting a music career, something that many didn't expect. What inspired this new phase?"
Emily smiled, looking briefly at the floor, as if trying to organize her thoughts. "Music has always been present in my life, but I never had the courage to show it to the world. Releasing my first song was something liberating, and the response from my fans was incredible. They inspired me to explore this side and show who I really am, beyond the characters I play."
"You mentioned the fans... and they're very loyal. How do you see their role in your life and career?" Lara asked, noticing the sparkle in Emily's eyes when she touched on this point.
"Oh, my fans are everything to me!" Emily responded enthusiastically. "They motivate and inspire me every day. When I see the support they give me, on social media and even in person, I feel like I'm not alone on this journey. I want them to be part of all this, to feel close to me, as if we were living this story together."
Gabriela, who was following the interview from afar, hung on every word with pride. She knew this was a rare opportunity for Emily to show everyone how much more she was than an artist; she was a person committed to her work and her fans.
After a few questions about the new album and the creative process, Lara paused and said, with a mysterious smile, "I know a lot of people are also curious about a certain CEO who has been appearing by your side lately… What do you have to say about Matthew Lancaster?"
Emily laughed, blushing slightly. "I knew that question would come!" she replied, relaxed. "Matthew is a wonderful person and has been a great support in my life. We understand each other in a very special way. But most of all, he respects and values me for who I am and what I do."
Lara, noticing the sparkle in Emily's eyes, ventured one last question. "And how do you deal with people who belittle what you've achieved, claiming that you only got here because of your relationship with him?"
Emily took a deep breath, her face taking on a more serious tone. "I always knew that, when I was with someone prominent, there would be comments like that. But my relationship with Matthew is something that came naturally. I have my own path, I worked hard to earn every opportunity. And, with or without him, my passion for art doesn't change. That's what defines me."
At the end of the interview, Emily felt renewed, as if she had finally revealed a little more of her truth to the world. She knew that this conversation could inspire many and, at the same time, make it clear that she was more than any label they could put on her. With a confident smile, she shook Lara's hand, thanking her for the opportunity to share her story.
As she walked back to her car, Emily received a text from Matthew: "I saw the interview. You were amazing. Proud of you, always."
She smiled as she read his words, feeling the warmth of his presence even from a distance. With each step in her career, Emily felt she was closer to becoming the complete artist she had always dreamed of. Now, she was ready to face any challenge, with her fans, her love and her determination by her side.
Days later...
Emily sighed as she arrived at her apartment, finally alone after a long day of work. The photo shoot had been intense, but the real weight was on her mind, on the criticism, the expectations of the media and the confusion that was her public life. Even with all the praise, some words still echoed in her head: "She's just a pretty girl with good marketing."
As she stared out the window, the city lights shining in the distance, she felt empty. Ever since things had started to heat up between her and Matthew, her feelings had been a whirlwind of uncertainty and hope. He was more than just a powerful and influential CEO; he was someone who made her feel understood and safe. But at the same time, she knew they were under close scrutiny, and any move they made would be quickly interpreted or misinterpreted by the press and the public.
Thoughtfully, Emily picked up her phone and hesitated before opening the conversation with Matthew. She quickly typed a message.
Emily: "Can we see each other?"
After a few moments, the phone vibrated with the response.
Matthew: "Sure. Can you come over?"
She knew the risk she was taking by going to his house, but at that moment, nothing mattered other than the need to be close to him, away from the eyes of the world. After all, it was only there that she could truly be herself, without the mask of celebrity, without the pressures of the industry.
Emily put on a long coat and a cap to disguise her face and went down to the garage. Discreetly getting into her car, she drove through the night streets, keeping an eye out for anyone who might be following her. Even with all her caution, a persistent thought nagged at her: what if someone saw them together?
Arriving at Matthew's house, she parked in a strategic spot, where the car wouldn't be easily seen. He was waiting for her inside, and as soon as the door opened, he smiled and pulled her into a warm hug.
"I needed to see you," she murmured, feeling his warmth against the chill of the night.
"Are you okay?" he asked, pulling away a little to look into her eyes.
She hesitated before answering, looking away. "It's hard... The things people say, the pressure. Sometimes it feels like I'm not enough, you know?"
He sighed, holding her hands tightly. "You're more than enough, Emily. They don't know you like I do. They only see what they want to see, but that doesn't define who you are."
Her gaze met his, and for a moment, all the weight she was carrying seemed lighter. In that moment, she wished the entire world would disappear and that only the two of them existed.
"But... what if they find out about us? I don't think I could handle everything that would come next," Emily murmured, letting the fear she was trying to suppress show.
Matthew ran his hand over her face, tenderly. "Emily, I'm here, and I won't let anything or anyone hurt us. But if you really don't want people to know about us, I'll respect that. We can keep this between us for as long as you need."
Emily nodded, a soft smile appearing on her face. "I only want to be the real Emily when I'm with you."
He smiled and guided her to the living room couch, where they sat, still holding hands. "And that's exactly the Emily I want by my side. Not the actress, not the celebrity. Just you."
They spent the rest of the night talking, laughing, and exchanging confidences. Matthew talked about his family, about how the pressure of being a Lancaster also weighed on his shoulders, and Emily opened up about her dreams and insecurities. The connection between them grew with each moment, strengthening the bond they had.
At some point, Emily rested her head on his shoulder, feeling a peace she rarely found. It was as if there, in Matthew's house, the world took a back seat, and she could just be a woman in love.
However, even with all this tranquility, they both knew that reality still awaited them outside. Emily would have to face the spotlight again, and Matthew, society's expectations. But at least now they had something else to hold on to: each other and the certainty that what they were experiencing was real.
"I don't want to leave," she murmured, already feeling the weight of saying goodbye.
Matthew hugged her once more, with the silent promise that they would be together, no matter what the future brought.
"Then don't go," he replied with a smile.