Chapter 6: The Truth Goes Viral

As luck would have it, just as I was about to confront Luke, I got a text:

"Savannah, I've never forgotten you. I can't live without you. I've been in pain these days, always thinking about our memories together. Let's get back together! I can handle all the online rumors for you."

Trying not to gag, I took Luke off my block list and sent him a location.

"Luke, let's talk at ten tomorrow."

I picked a company-affiliated café, where everyone had been briefed to keep quiet. When I arrived, Luke was already by the window, waving excitedly. He reeked of cologne, making me feel sick.

"Savannah, I'm so happy you agreed to meet."

He hadn't changed at all—still a wolf in sheep's clothing. I avoided his gaze, fanning away the cologne.

"Let's keep this short. Did you sell our photos to the competition?"

"I told you before—we were never a thing. I never liked you."

Luke clearly didn't expect me to confront him. His face fell.

"Savannah, do you hate me for telling people about us? If you get back with me, we can keep things secret if you want."

I cut off his self-pity: "Luke, I don't hate you. I just dislike you."

No love, no hate. I looked at my former friend coldly. "Let me be clear: we were never together. Maybe you forgot, but I rejected you."

"I didn't like you then, I don't like you now. The only difference is, now I dislike you."

"You dislike me?" Luke laughed, as if it was the most absurd thing ever. "Aren't you afraid I'll tell everyone about us, show them your photos? Will you still be America's sweetheart then?"

I regretted ever being friends with him. "Here's a more direct approach."

I pretended to dial 911. "If you've got a problem, call the police. Didn't your parents teach you that?"

Trying to handle this privately was a waste of time and energy—not worth it for a jerk like him. Luke actually panicked and tried to grab my phone. Sure enough, guilty people are easily provoked. But before he could, a shadow blocked my view. I looked up to see Caleb grabbing Luke's wrist, tossing him back onto the sofa. Caleb wiped his hand with a tissue in disgust.

"My wife doesn't need your concern."

The way Caleb looked at him was like looking at trash. I was stunned.

"Caleb, weren't you supposed to leave for an out-of-town shoot today?"

He shot me a "we'll talk later" look. Luke recognized him and frantically pulled out his phone to show him photos. He thought we were just dating. I really overestimated his sense of decency. He started ranting at Caleb:

"You think you know what kind of woman Savannah is? She was chatting up other guys when she was with me. You think she's loyal to you?"

"And you still want her!"

As soon as he finished, I dumped my coffee on him.

"If you don't need your mouth, donate it to someone who does."

Caleb didn't even look at the photos, his voice cold and commanding.

"I think Savannah's worst mistake was ever having a friend like you."

"But now, she's with me."

"I don't argue with trash. You can deal with my lawyers."

A group of men in suits entered. Caleb leaned down and whispered, "They're the lawyers."

Then he grabbed my bag, took my hand, and led me out. He didn't let go until we were outside. Caleb's face was cold, not planning to speak. I quickly clung to his arm. "Caleb, don't be mad, okay?"

"I haven't been in touch with him for years. There's no ex."

I put on my most pitiful face, hands clasped together in a plea. He swallowed hard. "Got it."

Caleb acted angry, but I caught the faintest hint of a smile at the corner of his lips. Men, honestly.

Because of the fallout, the company decided to push a new trending topic to bury the old one. So, after discussion, they announced my marriage to Caleb. The media hyped us as a perfect match, spinning all sorts of love stories—some true, some not. With the company's lawsuit against Luke for slander trending, Caleb's team also made our marriage official. Marriage certificates and a City Hall photo proved it all.

Interviews poured in.

"We'd love to ask, Savannah—what's it like dating a movie star?"

Now that my persona was busted, I answered boldly: "You wouldn't understand."

My earpiece buzzed with Taylor's voice: "Savannah, be more professional!"

Fine, even if my persona collapsed, I had to keep up appearances. I straightened up.

"A lot of people online ask if waiting for the right person is worth it."

"Someone in the comments once compared it to shopping—if you don't shop around, how will you find the right fit?"

"But love isn't a market. Eventually, you'll meet the one who matches your soul."

"I'm still searching."

Host: "So what's your standard?"

I smiled. "Maple—my cat."

I remember the first time I met Caleb in person, my usually-shy Maple was rubbing against his ankle. Love at first sight. Right then, I thought—Caleb would make a great cat dad.