Chapter 50

Olivia's POV

The next morning, our living room was covered in sticky notes and crumpled pieces of paper. Ezra had sent us a list of potential questions, but I knew that no amount of preparation could fully shield us from what the media would throw our way.

Zoya paced the floor, flipping through her notes. "They're definitely going to ask how long we've been together."

I leaned back against the couch, watching her. "We just tell them the truth. It wasn't simple. It was messy and complicated, but here we are."

She nodded, chewing on her bottom lip. "And Elijah?"

I sighed, rubbing my temples. "I'll handle it. He's part of my past, not my future. We don't owe anyone an explanation beyond that."

Zoya sat down next to me, exhaling deeply. "And what if they ask if this is just for publicity?"

I reached out, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Then we show them. We let them see us—really see us."

She gave me a soft smile. "I like that."

A knock at the door interrupted our thoughts. Sebastian peeked in with his signature smirk. "Am I interrupting a heartfelt moment?"

Zoya groaned. "Always."

Sebastian plopped onto the couch. "Well, get ready, ladies. The whole world's watching."

I looked at Zoya, squeezing her hand. "Let them watch."

The studio lights were blinding, and my palms were clammy against my lap. I could feel Zoya's presence beside me—steady, grounding. Her fingers brushed against mine, and even though we couldn't hold hands on live television, that small touch was enough to remind me that I wasn't facing this alone.

Across from us, the host smiled warmly, but I could see the curiosity behind her eyes. This wasn't just any interview—it was the interview. The one that would define our narrative moving forward.

"Olivia Dalton and Zoya Al Deeb," she began smoothly, "Welcome to The Morning Show."

"Thank you," I said, forcing a polite smile.

"We're happy to be here," Zoya added, her voice softer but steady.

The host leaned forward slightly, getting right to it. "First off, congratulations on the success of Eclipsed Love. The chemistry between Amelia and Aurora has captivated audiences worldwide."

I glanced at Zoya, a genuine smile tugging at my lips. "It's been an incredible journey. We're really proud of the story we're telling."

She nodded, flipping through her notes before looking up again. "But let's talk about what's really making headlines—your story." She paused, letting the words settle. "Olivia, Zoya... your kiss outside the club has everyone talking. Was that... an official confirmation?"

I felt Zoya stiffen slightly beside me, and I took a deep breath. This was it. No turning back.

I looked at the host, then at the cameras, before turning my gaze to Zoya. My heart pounded in my chest as I spoke. "That moment... it wasn't planned, it wasn't scripted. It was real. And yes... it was a confirmation."

Zoya's lips parted slightly, and I felt her exhale a soft, relieved breath. She looked at me, her eyes full of emotions too deep to put into words. "We didn't set out to make a statement," she said gently, "but at the same time, we're not hiding anymore."

The host's smile softened, as if she sensed the weight of what we were saying. "So, it's safe to say that you're officially together?"

I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded. "Yes. We're together."

Saying it out loud felt both terrifying and freeing all at once. My fingers itched to reach for Zoya's hand, but I stayed composed, even as my chest tightened with the weight of everything that came with those words.

Zoya glanced at me, her eyes shining with an unspoken promise. "This isn't something we take lightly," she added, her voice steady but vulnerable. "We've taken our time figuring things out, and... we're happy."

The host's eyes glimmered with curiosity. "Your fans have been speculating for a long time—how long have you two been together?"

Zoya and I exchanged a glance, a silent conversation passing between us. I cleared my throat. "It's been... complicated," I admitted, a soft smile tugging at my lips. "It wasn't easy, and there were a lot of obstacles. But what matters is that we're here now."

The host nodded, sensing the depth of what I wasn't saying. "And what about your professional relationship? Has your off-screen connection affected your work?"

Zoya answered this time, her voice soft but sure. "If anything, it's made it stronger. Olivia is one of the most talented people I've ever worked with. Our relationship doesn't change our dedication to the show. If anything, it deepens our understanding of our characters."

I nodded, adding, "Our focus is on telling the best story we can. We're proud of our work, and we hope people continue to support it."

The host leaned in, her tone gentle but probing. "There have been rumors circulating for months—did those affect your decision to go public?"

I let out a soft, shaky laugh. "The rumors... were tough. They painted us in ways that weren't true, and sometimes, it felt like we were losing control of our own narrative. But in the end, we realized we didn't want to live our lives based on what other people think."

Zoya's fingers brushed mine subtly again, and I felt strength flood through me. "We're not trying to control the narrative," she said softly, "just... be honest about who we are."

There was a brief pause, and then the host's voice softened. "And how do you feel, Olivia, knowing the world is watching your love story unfold?"

I turned to Zoya, and for a moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the room. "I feel... lucky," I admitted, my voice cracking slightly. "It took me a long time to realize what I wanted. And now that I have it, I don't want to waste another second hiding."

Zoya's eyes welled up slightly, and she whispered, "Me neither."

The host smiled, sensing the emotional weight in the air. "Thank you both for being so open and vulnerable. I think I speak for everyone when I say—your love story is inspiring."

I exhaled a deep breath, the tension slowly leaving my body. "Thank you."

As the interview wrapped up, I reached for Zoya's hand, finally letting my fingers lace through hers. She smiled, squeezing my hand in return, and I realized something in that moment—

We had nothing left to hide.

The moment we were off-camera, I collapsed onto the couch backstage, burying my face in my hands. "Oh my God."

Zoya sat beside me, laughing softly. "We survived."

Sebastian burst in, clapping his hands. "Ladies, you just broke the internet."

Ezra followed behind him, a rare grin on his face. "You handled it perfectly."

I looked at Zoya, exhaling slowly. "So... are we ready for whatever comes next?"

Zoya's eyes softened. "As long as we're together."

As we stepped out of the studio doors, the sound hit us first—a mixture of cheers, excited chatter, and the clicking of cameras. A crowd had gathered outside, their faces lit up with anticipation and excitement. Fans held up signs with our names, some with pictures of Amelia and Aurora, others with messages of love and support.

I felt Zoya tense beside me, her fingers brushing against mine nervously. This was new for her—being the center of attention in such an overwhelming way.

I squeezed her hand gently. "You okay?" I whispered.

She glanced at me, eyes wide but filled with something that looked a lot like awe. "I... I didn't expect this."

A young girl in the front row called out, "Zoya! Olivia!" Her voice was filled with so much joy that it made my heart swell.

I turned to Zoya with a reassuring smile. "Come on. Let's go say hi."

Together, we walked toward the crowd, and the cheers grew louder. Fans reached out with pens and posters, their eyes brimming with excitement. I took a pen from someone's outstretched hand and signed their poster, smiling at the way they squealed in excitement.

Zoya hesitated for a moment, then reached for a pen herself. A fan handed her a picture of Amelia and Aurora's on-screen kiss, and she let out a small, breathy laugh as she signed it.

"I can't believe this is happening," she murmured under her breath, her eyes scanning the crowd filled with love and acceptance.

A fan in a rainbow-colored jacket grinned at us. "Thank you for being an inspiration. We love you both so much!"

I felt a lump form in my throat, glancing at Zoya, who looked visibly moved by the support. She reached out and hugged the fan, earning more cheers and applause.

"Thank you," Zoya whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "This means... everything."

I wrapped an arm around her shoulders, feeling the warmth of the moment settle deep inside me. "You deserve it," I said, my voice soft but certain.

We spent the next few minutes taking pictures, signing autographs, and talking with the fans who had supported us from the very beginning. It was a surreal moment—one that made everything we had gone through feel worth it.

As we finally pulled away from the crowd, I caught Zoya's hand, pulling her into my side. "You okay?" I asked again, knowing how overwhelming it must have been for her.

She looked up at me, her eyes shining with a mixture of nerves and happiness. "Yeah... more than okay."

I smiled, pressing a quick kiss to her temple. "Get used to it. This is our life now."

Zoya laughed softly, resting her head against my shoulder. "As long as I have you, I think I can handle it."

And with that, we walked hand in hand toward the waiting car, the sound of cheers still echoing behind us.

Zoya's POV

The set was quiet, the usual bustling crew now hushed as Olivia and I stood in position, facing each other under the soft glow of the lights. My heart thumped against my ribcage, but it had nothing to do with nerves. It was her—the way she looked at me, even in character, like I was the only person in the world.

I took a deep breath, stepping closer, slipping into Aurora's skin. The weight of Amelia's gaze—Olivia's gaze—felt almost too real, too raw.

Cast in scene : Olivia Dalton as Amelia

Zoya Aldeeb as Aurora

1,2,3 and... love!

Aurora swallowed, her voice trembling. "I can't lose you, Amelia." I could hear the desperation laced in my tone, the vulnerability that mirrored too much of my own truth. "I won't."

Olivia's eyes softened, her lips slightly parted as she stepped closer, her character's pain radiating through her. "We've fought so hard for this, Aurora. Through the doubts, the distance, the fear..." She trailed off, reaching out to brush her fingers against my arm. "I don't want to let it slip away now."

My throat tightened, and I could feel the unshed tears burning behind my eyes. "Then promise me," I whispered. "Promise me we won't let this go, no matter what comes our way."

Olivia's eyes searched mine, and for a moment, I wasn't sure where Amelia ended and Olivia began. "I promise," she breathed, her voice steady but full of emotion. "I promise I'll fight for this—for us."

I blinked rapidly, feeling the way the words resonated deep in my chest, far beyond the script. "Then that's all I need."

She reached up, cupping my face, her thumb grazing my cheek tenderly. "You're everything to me, Aurora." Her voice cracked slightly, and I could tell—this wasn't just acting. "And I will never stop loving you."

A tear escaped, and I let it fall, because it was real, too real. I leaned into her touch, resting my forehead against hers, our breaths mingling in the charged air between us. "I love you, Amelia." The words slipped from my lips like a confession, raw and true. "And I always will."

"Cut!"

"Good Job, Ladies.. And, that is a wrap!"

***

The End