Rave & Roses {A Rema Fanfic}

29 - Zara

Three Months Later

Breaking news lit up the television screen, and my stomach instantly dropped.

"Afrobeat superstar Rema was spotted at Disneyland with a mystery woman. Sources say the pair looked cozy, holding hands and sharing intimate moments. Although the model's face is obscured, insiders claim she's someone very close to the singer. Who could it be?"

Images of Divine and me at Disneyland flickered on the screen, our hands intertwined, his unmistakable profile stealing the spotlight. While my face was hidden, I knew it wouldn't take long for rumors to spread, especially among those who knew us well.

Michael, sitting across the room, turned to me with raised eyebrows. "Yo... don't tell me that's you."

My heart was pounding, but I kept my face calm. "What? Of course not! Why would you even think that?"

Michael smirked, clearly unconvinced. "You've been acting weird lately. And that looks like something you'd wear."

I rolled my eyes, trying to dismiss him. "Michael, stop being ridiculous. Maybe you should be asking your friend about this instead of jumping to conclusions."

He stared at me for a moment, then grabbed his phone and called Divine.

The moment Divine answered, Michael didn't hold back. "Yo, Rema! What's this I'm seeing on the news? You're out here sneaking around with some mystery girl? Who is she?"

Divine's voice was calm, but there was an edge to it. "Michael, relax. Just come over to my place, and we'll talk."

Michael frowned. "Talk about what? Just tell me who she is. You know the fans are gonna go crazy with this."

"Come over," Divine repeated firmly before hanging up.

The second Michael left to get dressed, my phone buzzed. It was Divine calling. I quickly answered, stepping into the hallway to avoid anyone overhearing.

"Divine, what's going on? How did this even happen?" I whispered, my voice laced with panic.

"Zara, calm down. I don't know how the paparazzi got those pictures, but I'm handling it. No one knows it's you, and I've already told my team to keep your identity hidden."

"What if they find out? What if your label finds out? They're going to think I'm some distraction or worse!" My voice cracked as the weight of the situation settled in.

"Zara, listen to me," Divine said softly but firmly. "You're not a distraction. You're my peace. I won't let anyone hurt you or drag your name through the mud. I promise you, everything will be fine."

Unbeknownst to me, Sandra was standing just a few feet away, hidden behind the kitchen wall. She had overheard every word of our conversation. Her suspicions about us were now confirmed.

When I ended the call, Sandra walked into the room casually, carrying a glass of juice. "You okay, Zara? You look a little... stressed."

I forced a smile, my mind racing. "I'm fine. Just tired."

Sandra studied me for a moment, then gave a small smile. "Don't worry, your secret is safe with me."

My heart skipped a beat. "What are you talking about?"

Sandra raised an eyebrow, leaning closer. "Come on, Zara. I'm not blind. I've had my suspicions for a while now, but hearing that call? It's obvious. You and Divine are together."

My face burned with embarrassment, and I opened my mouth to deny it, but Sandra cut me off.

"Relax," she said, grinning. "I'm not going to say anything. Honestly, I'm happy for you guys. Divine's always bragging to the boys about some amazing girl, and it's been you this whole time. I've been shipping you two for months."