I'm staring into the mirror, listening to Paul tattering again about my wedding preparation as I sit at the dresser, waiting for a studio staff member to call my name.
Tonight, I’m going to do my first interview since my engagement to Luke was announced. I’m at Ella Deaguero’s studio.
I’ve known her quite well and have done numerous interviews with her. But that doesn’t mean that I’m less nervous.
Because now, I have to play along with the script Luke has instructed me to follow. Talking about our fake love.
And lying isn’t my best ability.
Paul has finished glowing me up. I’m dressed in an off-the-shoulder black dress, knee-length. My hair is tied up in a high ponytail, accentuating my bare shoulders. My lips are covered in soft pink gloss.
Paul scrolls through his phone, frowning.
“Cassie, did you tell Luke about the flowers?” he asks, curiosity in his voice. “How come they already requested countless daisies for the garden decoration? I haven’t told them anything about that.”
I know what Paul means. Daisy is my favorite flower, and I’ve never spoken of it in my interviews, so only the people close to me know about it.
“Come on, Paul. It’s not rare to see them in a garden wedding,” I say. “Maybe the organizer just figured that it matches their theme.”
Paul’s face falls as he sees another sight of how unenthusiastic I am about the wedding. “For me, it’s rare. Strangely, they aren’t prioritizing garden roses or peonies, considering how luxurious the event will be.”
That crosses my mind too, but I can’t really pay attention to what he’s saying because I’m bloody nervous about the interview.
A knock from the door startles us, and I snap my head toward it.
“Cassie, it’s showtime,” a studio staff member informs me, and I stand up.
I take a deep breath, and Paul smiles at me.
"Don't worry, darlin'." He pats my shoulder. "You'll be fine."
"Wish me luck." I bite my lower lip and totter toward the door.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Cassie Castillo," Ella's voice echoes in the air.
I step onto the stage, smiling and waving at the audience in the studio who clap their hands, cheering for me. There are so many people coming to watch the show—it's nice to know that a lot of people still like me. I guess that Luke has done a good job of restoring my reputation.
I shake Ella's hand and take a seat on the couch in front of her. She flashes a dazzling smile, gorgeous as always with her jet black pixie hair.
Tonight, she’s dressed up in a rock and roll style, her black eyeliner making her beautiful grey eyes pop.
"How are you doing, Cassie?" she starts the conversation.
"Good. I'm doing good." I smile, crossing my legs.
"You must be busy with the wedding preparation," she says. "Aren't you nervous? You're about to tie the knot. Geez, the entire world is shocked to hear that you're getting married soon."
"Very." I nod. "I'm very nervous indeed," I say truthfully, and a small laugh escapes from my lips.
Who would have thought that I would get married this year?
"So, about all those previous rumors, they were all false, weren'tthey?" She shakes her head in sympathy, and I catch sight of slight guilt on her face.
I understand. Back then, nobody, including her, was brave enough to invite me to clarify the truth in their talk show, because there was just so much hate directed at me.
But after Luke stepped in and instructed his company to control all those dirty headlines all around the world, everything changed.
The turning point was when Brian Russel admitted that he did assault me after receiving a lot of pressure.
