Two years. That's how long Noah and I have been married. It wasn't the fairytale romance everyone dreams of—our marriage was arranged by our families—but it wasn't a cold, loveless contract either. It was... quiet, mutual understanding. I still remember the conversation we had before we agreed to tie the knot. I told him about my dream of becoming a singer, how I wanted to make it on my own without anyone connecting me to him, Noah Anderson, the golden bachelor of A City. He listened. Really listened. And then he agreed. "We'll keep it private," he said, his voice steady, "until you're ready."
But life had other plans. When news of our marriage leaked, it shook not just A City but the whole country. Everyone was desperate to know who had managed to claim the untouchable Noah Anderson. Little did they know, his wife—me—was just a girl trying to find her place in the world.
I've been living with my aunt since the day I could walk. She and my uncle are my everything—my family, my protectors, my biggest supporters. My aunt, a world-renowned designer, and my uncle, a successful businessman, raised me in a bubble of love and safety. They've always shielded me from the harsh realities of the world. So, when the time came, they chose Noah for me—a man they believed could protect me as fiercely as they did.
Noah and I weren't strangers, but we weren't exactly close either. We'd met at a handful of family gatherings, exchanged pleasantries, and shared polite smiles. That was the extent of our relationship. Then, almost overnight, he became my husband.
For the past two years, Noah has been overseas, expanding his family's business empire. I stayed behind, living with my aunt, pursuing my dream, and trying to carve out my identity. Our communication has been sparse—occasional messages, brief calls—but it was enough to remind me that he was there, somewhere, supporting me in his quiet way.
Now, everything is about to change. A single message from him has turned my world upside down: "I'll be back next month."
And just like that, the butterflies have start dancing in my stomach. Putting these thoughts in back of my mind I start getting ready, my agent Rose just text, there are some songs in her hand she wants me to look at them before anyone else take them.
*
I was halfway down the stairs, adjusting the bracelet on my wrist, when Aunt Mina's voice called out from the dining room.
"Lyla, breakfast is ready!"
I sighed, glancing at the clock. My agent was probably already waiting, and I didn't have time for a full meal. But skipping breakfast wasn't exactly an option in this house.
When I stepped into the dining room, the familiar sight greeted me. Aunt Mina, my mother's sister, sat at the table, her soft, nurturing smile making me feel instantly at ease. She was everything warm and comforting, the kind of person who made you feel loved just by being in the same room.
Next to her was Uncle Leon, his sharp features as stern as ever. His cold demeanor might intimidate others, but I knew better. He cared deeply for family, even if he wasn't the best at showing it. A small nod of acknowledgment from him was as good as a hug from anyone else.
And then there was Crystal. My cousin, my role model, my occasional tormentor too. She sat at the head of the table, her posture as perfect as ever. Crystal Miller was the epitome of success—a renowned designer just like her mother. While Aunt Mina and Uncle Leon spoiled me endlessly, Crystal was the one who kept me grounded. She was the only person I feared a little, and for good reason.
"Lyla," her voice cut through the air, sharp and commanding. "Get back here and sit down."
I froze, one foot already turned toward the door. "I—my agent is waiting—"
"Now."
Her tone left no room for argument. Shoulders slumping in defeat, I trudged back to the dining table and slid into my chair.
"Crystal, don't be so strict with her," Aunt Mina chided gently.
"She needs it," Crystal replied without missing a beat. Her piercing gaze turned to me, and I avoided her eyes by poking at the food on my plate.
"You've lost quite a bit of weight, Lyla. You're skipping meals again, aren't you?" she said.
I opened my mouth to protest, but she held up a hand to stop me. "I'll speak to your agent. If they can't ensure you're eating properly, then your singing career can wait. Health comes first."
My cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "That's not necessary—"
"It is." Her voice was firm, her eyes serious. I knew that look all too well. The more I argued, the deeper the trouble I'd get myself into. So, swallowing my pride—and a mouthful of toast—I nodded meekly.
Aunt Mina sighed, shaking her head. "Crystal, she's not a child. You don't have to be so hard on her."
"She's not a child, but she's irresponsible," Crystal countered. "Skipping meals, running herself ragged—as her elder sister, it's my job to keep her on track."
I stayed quiet, focusing on my breakfast. As much as I hated being scolded, I knew Crystal's words came from a place of love. She was strict, yes, but she always had my best interests at heart.
Still, I made a mental note to text my agent later. If Crystal was going to interfere with my schedule, I needed to be prepared for the chaos that would follow.
*
As I walked out of my car, I spotted my agent, Rose. I kept my identity a secret—no one knew that I was the niece of the world-famous designer Mina Millier, nor that I was married to the most desired man in the city, Noah Anderson. To the world, I was just a struggling artist, and that was how I intended to stay. I didn't want my family to interfere with my career or overshadow my own achievements. My training had been long, nearly two years, and now we were finally choosing a song for my debut.
I had written a few songs myself, but Rose had told me not to share them just yet. The company had a history of taking promising songs from newcomers and handing them to their popular stars. As a fresh artist without a fanbase, I was more likely to be forced into compromising on my work due to the terms of my contract and the power of the industry.
Whatever they decide for my debut, I'll make the best of it, I thought, trying to cheer my self up.
As I walked closer I can see she was clearly stressed. "I've been waiting for you! Come on, quickly! The other artists might pick all the good songs, and we'll be left with nothing!"
I smiled, reaching over to pinch her soft cheek. Her eyes widened in surprise. "Relax, Rose. Whatever is in our destiny, we will get that." I shrugged, trying to lighten the mood. "No need to stress."
Rose, visibly defeated, sighed. "Lyla, this is serious."
I laughed softly, not sharing her anxiety. "Well, what can I say? I love singing, but I don't have big dreams of being number one or on top. I just want people to recognize my talent and enjoy my music. That's all I care about."
Rose blinked, still not quite understanding, but I wasn't going to change my perspective. I had other priorities, and ambition for fame wasn't one of them.
"Yeah, typical wealthy heiress out to experience life," Rose taunted, rolling her eyes as we headed toward the studio. "Whatever, let's go. All the good songs will be gone if we're late." I just shrugged, brushing off her teasing.
She was right, though—time was ticking. We entered the Starlet Entertainment, the subsidiary company owned by Noah's family. It was sleek and professional, as expected, and I could feel the weight of it all. Rose wasted no time, starting to go through the songs in the cabinet In my studio assigned by company. I had been preparing for this moment, and now, after two hours of discussion, I had narrowed it down to three songs.
"We need to submit them before someone else picks them," Rose said, eager to leave. "I'm sure we won't get all three, but even two—or one—would be good."
I nodded in agreement. The company had to make sure everyone got a fair shot, so song distribution was always a balancing act. We walked down the hall to the manager's office and knocked on the door.
"Come in," we heard, and we stepped inside.
"Ah, Lyla, come in," Miss Mia greeted us, looking at the draft in my hand. "Looks like you've chosen your songs."
"Yes, we've picked three. Please see if they're available," I replied, handing over the list.
Miss Mia quickly skimmed through the songs. "Well, one of these is already taken by Olivia, but the other two are available. I can put them under your name," she said, typing on her computer. "Now, you'll need to think about the melody and background music for them. Once you're ready, come to me and we'll discuss everything with the recording team before moving forward."
I nodded, feeling the pressure building up, but also a sense of excitement.
"Thank you, Miss Mia," I said, and Rose added her thanks before we left the office.
As we walked out, Rose let out a deep breath. "Well, at least we have something to work with. Now, let's get to work on those melodies."