When Dreams Collide: Y/N and Elizabeth Olsen RE WRITING

Chapter 19: Life in the Spotlight

Chapter 19: Life in the Spotlight

The buzz surrounding Dua's confession on Jimmy Kimmel Live had barely died down when the paparazzi doubled their efforts, circling like sharks that had scented blood in the water. Y/N had expected attention—dating someone as famous as Dua came with the territory—but the sheer intensity of the public’s interest was staggering. It felt like their every move was being dissected under a magnifying glass, every laugh or hand-hold becoming fodder for the tabloids.

They sat together on the couch one evening, surrounded by gossip magazines strewn across the coffee table. Headlines screamed from every glossy cover.

“Look at this one,” Y/N said, holding up a magazine featuring a candid photo of them laughing together outside a restaurant. The headline read: Dua Ditches the Single Life for Y/N: A New Power Couple?

Dua grabbed another magazine and flipped it open with a snort. “This one’s even better. ‘Dua and Mystery Woman Spotted Buying Matching Rings—Are Wedding Bells Near?’”

Y/N leaned in, mock-serious. “Matching rings? I must’ve blacked out. When did we do that?”

Dua tossed the magazine aside, rolling her eyes dramatically. “I don’t even wear rings! Good thing we didn’t get tacos that night—they’d have us shopping for a mansion by now.”

Y/N chuckled, wrapping an arm around Dua’s shoulder. “Honestly, though, I wouldn’t mind sharing a taco with you every day. But seriously… we can’t let this get to us. They don’t know us, and they don’t define us. We’re in this together, remember?”

Dua sighed, leaning into Y/N’s side. “I know. But it’s just so… overwhelming sometimes. Every time I step outside, it’s like walking into a circus. They’re shouting questions like, ‘When’s the wedding?’ or, ‘Are you two planning on having kids?’ It’s exhausting.”

Y/N tilted her chin up playfully. “Well, maybe we should start practicing our best ‘no comment’ faces.”

“Oh, please,” Dua teased, nudging them gently. “We’d look like deer caught in headlights. Awkward silence would be our signature move.”

“Then let’s embrace it!” Y/N grinned, leaning down to kiss her forehead. “We’ll be the world’s most awkward power couple. Take that, Brangelina.”

For the first time that week, Dua let out a genuine laugh, and for a fleeting moment, the chaos of the outside world melted away.

A Plan for Escape

Later that week, after a long day of back-to-back interviews and public appearances, Y/N had an idea. They were sprawled on the couch, surrounded by empty takeout containers, the TV playing softly in the background.

“Hey,” Y/N began, nudging Dua’s foot with theirs. “What do you say we disappear for a weekend? Just you and me. No cameras, no drama.”

Dua sat up, her eyes lighting up with excitement. “Are you serious? Yes! Where are we going?”

Y/N grinned mischievously. “The Hamptons. Just like our first night together. Remember? Karaoke, terrible dancing… except this time, no Abel or Gale to embarrass us.”

Dua laughed at the memory, her face glowing. “Oh God, the karaoke night. You were the one belting out ABBA at the top of your lungs. I was just trying to keep up!”

“And you loved every second of it,” Y/N said with a smirk, pulling her into a playful hug.

“Okay, fine, I did,” Dua admitted, shaking her head. “But if we’re going back, I’m not letting you steal the spotlight again. I need to redeem myself!”

“Deal,” Y/N agreed, laughing. “But fair warning: I’ve been practicing.”

A Weekend of Freedom

The Hamptons turned out to be exactly what they needed. The beach was serene, and the sunsets were breathtaking, painting the sky in shades of pink and gold. For two blissful days, it was just the two of them—no flashing cameras, no invasive questions.

One evening, as they sat on the beach, toes buried in the cool sand, Y/N turned to Dua, who was gazing at the waves.

“Do you ever think about the future?” Y/N asked softly.

Dua glanced over, her eyes sparkling in the fading light. “Future as in… next week, or way down the line?”

Y/N smiled, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. “Both, I guess. It’s just… things have changed so fast. Us being public now—it’s a big shift, isn’t it?”

Dua nodded thoughtfully. “It is. But honestly? I don’t mind it. I actually like the idea of us being serious.”

Y/N’s heart skipped a beat. “You do?”

“Of course,” Dua said firmly. “I really like this. I like us. I just… I want to make sure we’re on the same page. This isn’t a fling for me, Y/N. I’m all in.”

Y/N’s chest tightened with emotion. “Same here,” they whispered. “You’re it for me, Dua.”

Dua smiled, leaning in to press her lips against Y/N’s. “Good, because I’m not going anywhere.”

A Night to Remember

Back in the city, Y/N had a surprise planned. They arranged a private dinner at one of their favorite restaurants, and Dua had no idea what was in store.

As they arrived, Dua eyed Y/N suspiciously. “Why are you being so secretive? What’s going on?”

Y/N grinned, playing innocent. “You’ll see. Just trust me.”

Once seated, the ambiance was perfect—dim lighting, soft music, and the smell of freshly baked bread filling the air. As they shared a plate of calamari, Dua’s curiosity got the better of her.

“Okay, seriously. What’s the surprise?” she pressed.

Y/N leaned back, their smile widening. “There’s someone I want you to meet.”

Before Dua could respond, a familiar figure approached their table.

“Y/N!” Margot Robbie exclaimed, her smile lighting up the room. She hugged Y/N before turning to Dua, her eyes sparkling. “And you must be Dua! It’s so great to finally meet you.”

Dua’s jaw dropped, her eyes wide with disbelief. “Margot Robbie? Oh my God. I… I’m a huge fan!”

Margot laughed, sliding into the seat across from them. “The feeling is mutual! Y/N has told me so much about you. I can see why they’re so smitten.”

Dua flushed, glancing at Y/N. “This is the surprise? You’ve been planning this?”

Y/N shrugged nonchalantly, though their grin betrayed them. “Figured it’d be fun. Margot’s one of my closest friends, and I thought it was time you two met.”

The evening turned into one of laughter and stories, the three of them bonding over shared jokes and mutual admiration.

“Y/N tells me you’re quite the karaoke star,” Margot teased, raising an eyebrow at Dua.

Dua laughed, shaking her head. “Only when Y/N’s my backup. Otherwise, it’s a disaster!”

“Hey, I have a video of that disaster,” Y/N interjected, causing both women to burst into laughter.

By the end of the night, Dua felt like she’d gained not just a friend but an ally in the whirlwind life she now shared with Y/N.

A Moment of Reflection

As they stepped outside into the cool night air, Dua laced her fingers through Y/N’s. “Thank you for tonight. It was perfect.”

Y/N smiled, pressing a kiss to her temple. “You deserved it. I just want you to be happy.”

“I am,” Dua said, her voice soft but certain. “Happier than I’ve been in a long time.”

And for the first time since the world found out about them, Y/N felt truly at peace.