MARRIED TO THE ARROGANT STAR

Married to the arrogant star

Episode 1

By peachlips

Liana's POV

My sound sleep is interrupted by the sound of my phone ringing not even my alarm. What the heck?

I ignore it and let it ring until it stops, but it starts again. Groaning, I reach for the phone on the headboard and open my bleary eyes. It's Nicole. Huh? Why is she calling me this early? Is she trying to tell me to get ready for school?

I sit up tiredly and answer.

"Liana!" she screams, and I flinch.

What is wrong with her?

"Oh my gee! Don't tell me you're still asleep. Are you serious?" she squeals.

I rub my head, still confused.

"What are you ..."

"You're missing out, Liana! Oh my gee! Ethan's back! My greatest superstar is back! Turn on the TV, Liana hurry! They're showing his arrival at the airport!" she gushes.

I scoff.

"Nicole, was this really why you woke me up?" I ask.

"Of course, Liana! Everyone's watching. Oh my God, he's so cute! I can't wait for his concert tonight the whole city will be there!" she gushes again.

I rub my eyes and sigh.

"You're crazy, Nic," I say and hang up.

Gosh! I can't believe she woke me up this early just to tell me Ethan's back. If she weren't my best friend and if we hadn't been friends for eight years I'd be mad.

Still half-asleep, I reach for the remote and turn on the TV. Sure enough, they show Ethan's arrival at the airport and of course, Lady K is with him.

Ethan Blackwell the most popular, youngest, and richest pop musician not just in the country but on the continent. The entire nation worships him like a god.

No one is allowed to touch him except his family. He is also heir to the Blackwell Enterprise, though he has step-siblings.

He is dreamy and his presence makes girls faint.

As young as he is, he has already won over ten awards, and the country has even nicknamed him The Nation's Pride. He is the only artist who brings such honor to the country. In fact, April 12 is declared a public holiday just to celebrate him.

He is the richest idol on the continent, wears the most expensive clothes and jewelry, drives the latest cars, and supposedly never wears the same outfit twice. But he is also known to be rude, hot-tempered, and unforgiving though that doesn't affect his fame. People still adore him.

For four years, he has been living in Georgia City, but now he returns to Dallas and everyone is talking about it.

He reportedly owns two mansions in Georgia (one among the top three most expensive buildings in the country), one in Kentokie, and two here in Dallas.

As young as he is, he is already a billionaire a bastard billionaire.

Still, there is one annoying thing about him, he is a flirt.

Hmm... you might wonder how I know all this about him. Well, like I said, he is practically a god here everybody knows everything about him.

He might be dreamy and all that, but I can't fangirl over him like the others. Why? Because I already have a boyfriend.

I get out of bed and start getting ready for school since Nicole has already played the role of my alarm. The TV is still showing Ethan at the airport, but I leave it on and walk out of my room.

I go downstairs and meet one of the maids, Lana, cleaning the sitting room.

"Good morning Ma'am Liana," she greets politely.

"Good morning, Lana," I reply and head to the dining area.

I open the refrigerator, take out an apple, and sit at the dining table while taking a bite.

"Lana," I call.

She turns toward me.

"Did Mum come home last night?" I ask.

"Yes, Ma'am. She did, but she left very early this morning, saying she has something important to attend to," she replies.

I roll my eyes. She always has something more important than me.

Well, I guess I should introduce myself.

I'm Liana Harper, 19 years old, and the only child of my single mother. I attend one of the best high schools in the country and I'm in my final year.

I have no idea who my father is , Mum never talks about him. And as for Mum... sometimes, I forget I even have one. She is filthy rich and makes sure I have everything, the best clothes, the best phone, the best school but she is never around.

She comes home late at night when I am already asleep and leaves early before I wake up. Sometimes, I only see her once every three days.

So yeah I am lonely. Thank goodness for Nicole, my best friend, who tries to keep me company sometimes.

After finishing half the apple, I leave the rest on the table and go back upstairs to bathe.

Wrapped in a towel, I fill the bathtub with warm, soapy water and relax for a while. When I am done, I step out, dry myself, and return to my room.

The TV is no longer showing Ethan's arrival.

Oops - my phone is ringing again.

I rush to it and smile when I see the caller, Jackson.

Aww... my boyfriend.

"Hey," I say softly.

"Hey, bae. What's up?" he replies in that romantic tone I love.

"I'm fine. And you?"

"Cool. So are you getting ready for school?" he asks.

"Yeah," I reply smiling.

"Okay. Um... I was wondering, can you come over to my place after school? It's important," he says.

I scratch my head. Well, it's not like I have anything better to do at home.

"Sure. I'll be there," I say, and I can hear him smile.

"Okay bye. Love you," he says and hangs up before I can reply.

I smile and stare at the screen for a moment before putting the phone down.

Then I go to my wardrobe to get my school uniform.

I still wonder why Jackson wants me to come over, though.

After putting on my uniform, a short high-waist skirt and a purple long-sleeve shirt, I wear my purple stockings and black sneakers.

I brush my dark hair in front of the mirror, letting it fall freely over my shoulders, and apply a light brown lipstick.

Wow. I admire myself. I look as pretty as ever.

Well, I'm not bragging but everyone says I am uniquely beautiful.

I have sparkling white eyes and a small, delicate face but what drives people crazy is my shape. Even Mum says I have the perfect body.

My hips are full, my waist slim, a perfect figure eight, like they call it.

The high-waist skirt only makes it more obvious, and over half the girls at school envy me for the attention I get.

All the boys are crazy about me and even though I keep telling them I already have a boyfriend, it doesn't stop them from trying.

Well, it's not my fault, is it? I didn't create myself.

After making sure I am perfectly ready, I grab my pink designer school bag and walk out of the room.

TBC...

Married To The Arrogant Star

Episode 2

By peachlips

Liana's POV

I get to the dining area where breakfast has already been served for me and I sit to eat. It's bagel and cream cheese.

Eating alone is so boring, but I'm already used to it since Mum hardly stays at home.

Sometimes, I wish my life were a little different.

After finishing half of the meal, I stand up and leave, walking out to the parking lot where my driver is already waiting.

"Good morning, ma'am Liana," he greets as I approach the black van.

"Good morning, Josh," I reply cursorily and slide into the back seat.

He gets into the driver's seat and takes off.

I bring out my phone to while away time before getting to school. The driver turns on the car's FM, and the channel tuned in is talking about Ethan. Perfect.

I tuck my hair behind my ear and try to listen to what they're saying. Well, what else could they say?

🎬 "It's really a pleasure to know Ethan's back in Dallas his hometown. At least the country's pride is now here with us," 🎬 the presenter says.

🎬 "Yeah, I'm so excited. Even my little girl was dancing when she heard the news!" 🎬 someone else says and laughs.

🎬 "I really can't wait for his concert. I have a feeling the entire city will be there," 🎬 the other laughs.

🎬 "Yeah. It's not something anyone would want to miss Ethan Blackwell live on stage!" 🎬

🎬 "It's gonna be a blast!" 🎬

I sigh and return my eyes to my phone. Geez! His pictures are everywhere online. I can't believe it Ethan, Ethan, Ethan everywhere. Can't they think of someone else?

I roll my eyes and log in to my inbox to reply to some messages.

After a while, we arrive at Royal High School. When the driver stops the van, I open the door and step out.

"Bye, ma'am," he says, and I wave at him before heading to my classroom.

As I walk across the premises, the whole school buzzes with the news of Ethan's return. Every student I pass are in pairs or groups, talking about him while scrolling through his pictures on their phones.

👥 "He's so cute!"

👥 "I wish I could touch him at the concert."

👥 "How on earth will you touch him? Do you plan to turn into a ghost?"

👥 "Oh! Ethan... I wonder who his girlfriend could be. If I were her, I'd kill my own father just to keep him."

Geez!

I roll my eyes, trying to ignore all the buzz, but I can't, the entire building is filled with Ethan's name.

I take the stairs and follow the right route to my classroom. Okay, now this is even weirder.

As expected, every student in the room is grouped and paired, talking about... Mr Popular.

I sigh and walk into the class. Nicole, already waiting on our seats, waves at me before I get there. We're seatmates.

"Hello, girlfriend!" she beams as I sit in front of her.

She isn't really in her seat, but on the seat in front of mine, facing me.

"Hi," I roll my eyes, remembering how she disrupted my sleep over Ethan.

"Come on L, don't tell me you're still angry over that little issue. You should be happy I woke you up," she pouts.

"Indeed. You're so annoying, Nic," I tell her, and she smiles.

"Whatever. By the way, aren't you glad Ethan's back? I mean, you're gonna be in the same state as Mr Popular," she says ecstatically.

"Like I'll get to touch him, or that it'll add anything to my life," I reply.

"You're so funny Liana. You act like you don't like him but deep down, you'd kill for him," she teases.

"FYI, I already have a boyfriend," I brag, showing my ringless finger.

"That anonymous boyfriend of yours? You're not in love with him Liana, You're only in love with love," she says, and I hit her shoulder.

"Are you crazy? Stop speaking gibberish! I love Jackson with my whole heart," I tell her, and she rolls her eyes with a 'whatever.'

"By the way Liana, hope you're coming with me to Ethan's concert? I got a ticket already," she says, and I scoff.

"I'm not going, You can find someone else," I reply.

Of course, that's a lie, I mean what else would I do alone at home?

"Come on liana, are you kidding me? The entire city will be there. You're coming with me no matter what!" she says with a playful frown.

"Oh! Really? Well, I'd love to see you try."

She opens her phone and scrolls through his pictures.

"Oh! Liana he's so dreamy! I wish I could attend his homecoming party tomorrow at his house. Too bad it's strictly VIP," she says wistfully.

"He's holding another party tomorrow?" I ask.

"Oh! Not really him, but his mum she's holding a special party to celebrate his return. She treasures him a lot."

"He's her only child, right?"

"Yeah. And the heir to Winthorp Incorporated, though his step-siblings have their eyes on it."

"How did he end up in a polygamous family? I heard his mum betrayed her best friend, Ethan's father's first wife, by sleeping with her husband and getting pregnant with Ethan."

Three girls beside us suddenly turn and look at me, and I realize I've been a bit loud.

I raise my brows at them, They look away and continue with what they're doing.

Yeah, whatever.

"Well, Nicole lowers her voice. "That's what the rumors say. Ethan has two wives and five kids ,two girls from the first wife, one boy from the second wife (his mum), and one boy and girl from the third wife. They all live in the Winthorp mansion."

"Woah! That's crazy," I flinch.

"Yeah. And how it all started, his first wife couldn't give him a son. She struggled to get pregnant at first, and when she gave birth, it was a girl. Ethan's father tried again, and another girl. He lost patience and became a flirt, and that's why his children are flirts too."

"So, Ethan's mother was friends with his father's first wife, and according to rumors, she always had her eyes on the Winthorp wealth. His father approached her, she fell for him, got pregnant with Ethan and boom he became the first legitimate son and heir of Winthorp Incorporated."

"But soon after, a mistress got pregnant giving birth to a son. Desperate his father married her too, making three wives in total. Now, the Winthorp family is... on fire."

"On fire?" I cut in, and she nods.

"Winthorp Incorporated is the richest company in the US. They deal in UK buildings and real estate. Who wouldn't want to be the heir?"

"Ethan's the first legitimate son and rightful heir, but his siblings are trying to take the position from him. They're all at loggerheads."

"So... they're competing for the company?" I ask, folding my hands.

Immediately, the ABC girls walk in, drawing all eyes. They're the school's most troublesome bullies. Alma, Blair and Cheryl.

Blair snatches a phone from a group of girls ogling Ethan's pictures, and the others gasp.

"Blair, what are you doing?" one asks.

She giggles, refusing to return it.

"Seriously, why waste your time dreaming of something that can never be yours?" Alma says bluntly.

"Well, none of your business. Give me back my phone," the owner cries.

"You wouldn't even bother going to his concert. He might end up in the hospital the moment he sees your face, Cheryl laughs.

The girl cries and Blair drops the phone, walking away with her crew.

They come to Nicole and me.

"Hey puppy you're on our seat," Cheryl says sharply. Nicole jumps up.

"Well, that doesn't make her a puppy," I tell them as Nicole returns to her seat.

"Oh! Look who's talking," Alma scoffs.

"Mummy's little girl. Did your mother get pregnant on her own?" Cheryl says, and I spring up.

"What did you just say?" I demand. Nicole grabs my hand, trying to calm me.

They chuckle and take seats in front of mine.

I glare at them ready to drag Cheryl's hair, when the English teacher walks in. Everyone settles, but I remain standing, staring at the three troublemakers.

"Good morning Mrs Lee," the students greet uniformly.

"Liana, come on please," Nicole whispers, dragging me down to my seat.

Oh God! I swear, I'm gonna smack these ladies.

"Good morning students. How was your night?" Mrs Lee asks adjusting her glasses.

"It was fine Mrs Lee," a few students mumble.

She begins teaching.

We have two more classes before lunch. Once the last teacher leaves, the class becomes noisy as students troop out.

ABC stand up, and I stand with them.

"The next time you talk trash about my personal life, you'll wish you never had a tongue," I say to Cheryl in particular, grabbing my bag and walking away with Nicole scuttling behind me.

I hear them laugh but ignore it.

"Seriously those girls are becoming something else," Nicole says as we head to the canteen.

"Well soon I'm gonna shut them up for good," I reply still angry.

We enter the canteen, order snacks and return to class for more lectures.

Three more classes pass, and the bell rings school is over. Piquant! I'm going to see Jackson.

"Don't forget to get ready for the concert Liana, We need to go on time to be close to the stage when Ethan performs," Nicole enthuses as she walks me to my driver.

"You talk too much Nicole," I say itching my ear and she laughs

"So... are you really going to see Jackson at home?" She asks and I nod.

"But Liana, are you sure about this Jackson guy? You don't even know his family."

"Well, we just started dating less than a month ago," I reply and She sighs.

"Why does he want you at his house anyway?" she asks as we reach my van.

"How am I supposed to know? He just wants me to come over," I reply tucking my hair behind my ear.

"And you feel comfortable going alone?" She asks and I shrug.

"Please Nicole, Jackson's a nice guy. Stop worrying," I tell her. She sighs and gives me a side hug.

"Just be careful, okay? And don't forget the concert."

"Sure bye," I reply waving as I get into the van. Josh drives off.

TBC

Married To The Arrogant Star

Episode 3

By: peachlips

Liana's POV

I give my driver the address of the house and as I sit at the back seat heading there, my phone suddenly rings almost like he knows I'm thinking about him.

"Hey," he says, and I breathe out softly.

"H...Hey Um...good day," I reply feeling unexplainably nervous.

"How are you bae? Done from school already?" he asks and I nod even though he can't see me.

"I'm on my way now," I tell him and I can tell it makes him happy.

"Okay dear, I'm waiting, Stay safe, okay?"

"Sure, Bye."

I end the call.

I brush my fingers through my hair and stare out the window as we drive past tall buildings, people and trees.

Nicole's words suddenly flash in my head.

The truth is I don't really know much about Jackson, I met him a month ago and he seems really nice.

He asked me out and I accepted but Nicole thinks I made a mistake.

Well you can't blame me. I don't know anything about love or relationships, Mum is too busy to ever care about that. I'm always lonely... so I just want someone to show me love and attention.

And Jackson looks like a great guy.

I exhale deeply and try to shrug the thoughts off. I guess with time I'll know him better.

We finally arrive at the house and the driver pulls over in front of the dazzling white two-storey building, I open the van door and step out with my bag.

"You can go ahead, Josh. I'll be fine," I tell my driver. He nods and drives off.

I adjust my skirt and walk to the gate, I knock twice before the gate boy opens up.

"Hi, I'm here to see Jackson," I say and he stares at me.

"Oh! You're Liana right?" he asks and I nod.

"Please come in, He's been waiting for you," he adds letting me in.

I step in and look around the beautiful compound, nothing has changed.

I've been here once before and back then, the gate boy wasn't around. And trust me calling him 'gate boy' fits he's too young to be called a man.

I walk to the front door and knock, Jackson opens immediately wearing blue jeans, a white shirt and a flying jacket.

"Hey," he says with a smile, his pretty eyes glowing.

I smile back.

"You're here already, Come in," he says and ushers me inside.

"So, how was school today?" he asks.

"Same as always," I reply as I enter the exquisite living room and sit on the couch dropping my bag beside me.

"Oh! That sounds boring," he chuckles sitting next to me and wrapping an arm around my shoulder.

"Anyway thanks for coming."

"Yeah. Are your parents at home?" I ask.

"Nope. They've gone to work already," he replies.

"Really? Where do they work?" I ask again.

He sighs "That's not important, don't worry about it, I'll be right back," he says quickly and stands up before I can say a word.

I exhale and tuck my hair behind my ear, maybe I should just let it go.

I reach for the remote and turn on the flat-screen TV.

Perfect, one of Ethan's music videos is playing.

I fold my arms and roll my eyes before settling down to watch.

Well, I must admit... he's a pretty good dancer. And of course, really handsome.

Jackson returns soon with a bottle of red wine and two glasses.

"Did you miss me?" he asks as he tries opening the wine.

"You wish," I reply with an eye roll and he laughs.

He pours the wine and hands me a glass.

"Thanks," I say taking a sip. Refreshing.

My eyes drift back to the TV still playing Ethan's video.

"You're a fan too?" Jackson asks pointing at the screen.

I shrug, "Kind of... maybe."

He laughs, "That's a funny reply, You're not even sure if you like him or not?"

Well, that's one thing about Jackson he laughs and smiles a lot.

"I do like him... but I don't drool over him like those crazy girls," I say and he scoffs.

"Wow. Really? That's my baby girl," he says wrapping an arm around me again, I smile.

"Will you be going to his concert tonight?" I ask.

"Huh? No I'm not a girl," he replies.

"And what does that even mean? Girls aren't the only-"

"I know, I just don't want to go It's pointless," he cuts me off.

"Don't you like him?" I ask.

"Why should I?" he mutters under his breath.

I frown.

"You don't like him?" I press more seriously.

He sighs. "Just forget it Liana, I have no business with him. Anyway, how are you coping with your mum?" he asks, changing the topic.

I wonder why he acts that way when it comes to Ethan.

"She's fine," I reply quietly taking another sip.

He goes silent for a moment and I turn to look at him.

"Liana," he calls taking my right hand.

"There's something I need to tell you."

I place my glass on the table and face him properly.

"Okay... what is it?" I ask curiously.

He drops his glass too and holds both my hands.

"Liana," he repeats staring into my eyes.

"Don't you think it's time?"

My brows furrow.

Time for what?

"Time for what?" I ask genuinely confused.

He bows his head exhales... then lifts his face and kisses me.

Whaaaat?!

My eyes widen and I free my hands pushing him away.

"Jackson," I say pulling back my heart racing.

Why would he do that? Yes, he's my boyfriend but I'm not ready for a kiss.

I try to stand but he holds me back and pushes me down onto the couch.

What?!

He climbs on top of me and tries to kiss me again.

"Jackson stop it! Let go of me!" I cry struggling.

But he's too strong and leans closer again.

Oh God...

What is he doing?

Jackson?!

TBC...