The Only Exception | Armin x Annie

Chapter 1

Annie's Point of View

"Before we end this show, let me ask you Annie. Do you have a special someone right now?" the host looked at me with a smug look on his face and the audience started cheering as soon as they heard the word 'special someone'.

"Yes." I smiled and looked at Bertholdt in the crowd. Everyone shrieked as the studio turned dark and the light only shined at me and Bertholdt. Everyone went crazy that my ears started to ring.

The lights went back on and they all clapped including the host.

"Well you two really do make a great couple. Don't they?!" The host said and everyone cheered as loud as they can as a response.

"Unfortunately, this is the end of tonight's show. Thank you so much for guesting in tonight's show with me, Annie it's a great pleasure to have you as my guest!" He said as he gave me a bouquet of fresh roses.

When the ending song finished playing, I immediately went back to my dressing room to avoid any more interactions with people that had a big name in this industry.

My assistant Historia was waiting for me and had my change of clothes neatly placed at my clothing rack. I grabbed it and proceeded to wear it as I took off my dress.

"Historia, water please." I ordered and she obeyed. I sat down my chair and looked at myself in the mirror. My face was filled with heavy make up that I could barely recognize my own face anymore.

"Here you go, Annie." Historia placed a bottle of water with some straw in front of me and I thanked her before she started wiping my make up off.

A sudden knock on the door was heard and Historia went to open it. I saw Bertholdt in the mirror holding a bouquet of flowers in his hands. Historia came back and continued wiping my face as Bertholdt sat down at the other side.

"Congratulations on another successful show, Annie." He smiled and placed the bouquet on the table.

"How many times do I have to tell you not to give me anymore flowers, Bertholdt. They'll just rot and die." I stared at the bouquet as I spoke.

"Well that's why you should appreciate them while they're still alive and blooming." He said as he touched the bouquet while smiling widely at me.

"You don't have to act, Bertholdt. The cameras are off now. Let's continue on our private lives and drop off the act of being a love team." I saw how he gulped before giving me a weak smile.

"I'm not acting Annie. I'm serious. Have a good night then." He said before leaving my dressing room.

"I'm all done. You can go home now. Your driver is waiting for you at the parking lot. Don't forget to wash your face with facial cleanser before heading back to sleep. We wouldn't want your pretty face accumulating dirt, alright?" She smiled at me before arranging all her stuff at the table. I stood up and proceeded to go to the parking lot with my bodyguard.

I went inside the car with my driver getting ready to leave. As the car started moving, I scrolled through my phone and read some of my notifications from my social media accounts.

Liked by @ PieckyFinger and millions of others

Comment from @ bellatrizaina: You look as beautiful as ever!

Comment from @ nickyfries: I've never fangirled so hard for a love team before AHHHHCK

Comment from @ Trinavergara: When's the wedding?

I sighed as I went through the same comments again and again. It's always about me and Bertholdt. I don't know how far the management wants us to pretend but this might go on forever.

Comment from @ mainstream97: She's just famous because of Bertholdt

Comment from @ isayamakinnie: They don't look good together at all she doesn't deserve him

Comment from @ btchlasagna: I hate her she's so overrated her acting is sht

Comment from @PieckIsAGoddess: I can't believe Pieck is friends with a whore like her

Comment from @ OikawaToorusAss: Just die already

"Ma'am Leonhart? Ma'am Leonhart?" I snapped out of my thoughts as I heard the driver call me. "We've arrived Ma'am Leonhart."

"O-Oh yes thank you." I haven't noticed us arriving already as I was busy reading my own notifications.

I went inside my condo unit and took a shower. Thoughts of other people's comments made me stand still like a statue.

I know I shouldn't be affected by them. I have millions of fans, thousands of positive comments and only a little bit amount of negative ones.

But why do I feel so hurt?

I stepped out of the bathroom and dressed up before heading to the kitchen to grab a drink.

My eyes suddenly glanced at the knife. It was sharp and pretty. It was attracting me.

I may look brave and cunning on the outside, but negative comments keeps on shoving itself on my mind. I couldn't seem to take it off me.

Maybe they're right. Maybe it's better if I just die.

I grabbed the knife as its shine reflected. I caressed its sides and directed the sharpness onto my chest.

What am I doing? I don't know why but there's a part of me that wants to continue. I closed my eyes as I embraced all the negative thoughts.

What are you waiting for Annie? Do it. Do it. Do it. Do it. Do it. Do it. Do it! DO I--

*DING* *DONG*

I opened my eyes as I suddenly heard the doorbell ring. I placed the knife back down the counter and went to my door to open it. I looked at the monitor first and saw a delivery man before opening the door.

"Good evening, Miss. A delivery for Annie Leonhart." He gave me a box and told me to sign the papers before leaving.

I locked the door and dropped the box on the counter. Using the knife earlier, I opened the sealed box and saw several books piled up. A letter was in front and I opened it up and began reading it.

Dear Annie,

Hi it's me Einna, the most beautiful Leonhart to ever live. I miss you so much. When are you coming back here in America? Anyways, here are some great books I already read. Read them all okay? Be safe and always watch out for your health. Love you!

Tears began forming in my eyes as I saw my little sister's ugly handwriting yet heartfelt letter.

I'm sorry Einna...I can't take it anymore. I don't deserve to be your role model.

I grabbed the knife once again and was about to move when the box suddenly fell down. I sighed and placed the knife back and crouched down, trying to pick up all the fallen books.

A book with a minimalistic style and eye catching title caught my attention.

All the Bright Places

I stood up as I carried the book. I opened the book and read the first line.

Is today a good day to die?

I unconsciously found myself walking towards my sofa, reading the remaining parts. My tears started falling more as I read and read more about it. I relate to it so much that it pains me. It's as if this book was talking to me. Its characters were well written and each and every line hit me like a truck.

I stared at the window for a solid hour just letting my tears fall down. This book left me speechless.

I started slapping myself and blaming myself for all the small reasons. I didn't choose to live a life full of fame and glory. Why do I even continue doing it?

Why did I even think of killing myself?

I closed the book and looked at the name of the author.

Armin Arlert

Whoever you are, I want to meet you.

---

All the Bright Places
Official author: Jennifer Niven