PEACE (A Catherine Peace Novel)

Chapter 6

As Jade left for a weekend dance camp, I met up with Liam after class, intending to ask about the tabloid mess that had everyone giving me side-eye all week. Instead, we found ourselves sprawled out on his penthouse floor, indulging in ice cream.

"Do you always attack your ice cream like it owes you money?" I teased, watching Liam demolish his third scoop.

"Just making sure I get every bit of the flavor," he smirked, ice cream dribbling down his chin.

"That's not savoring, that's a crime against dessert," I joked.

"Hey, I take my ice cream seriously," he protested, sticking out his tongue playfully.

"Seriously weird, maybe," I shot back, laughing.

"Aren't you supposed to be an adult? You're 23 after all," I chuckled, giving him a playful nudge.

"Hey, age is just a number," he countered, grinning mischievously.

"Mmm, okay Robert."

He shook his head and laughed. I couldn't help but smile as I watched him, realizing how effortlessly he could lighten the mood. Despite all the fame, he remained grounded, just as kind as every teenage girl's dream husband.

"What are you staring at?" I asked, catching his gaze fixed on me.

"You," he replied, his eyes twinkling.

"That's creepy."

"You don't mind, do you?"

"Not one bit."

"Good. Your smile is too beautiful not to look at," he said, extending his hand toward me.

Liam disappeared into the kitchen, leaving me to admire the eclectic decor. It was like stepping into a Pinterest board curated by someone with impeccable taste and a quirky sense of humor.

He returned with a glass of water and plopped down beside me on the couch. "Here you go, hydration is key," he said with a wink.

"Thanks, I'll remember that the next time I'm attacked by a dehydration monster," I replied, taking the glass with a chuckle.

"That was a terrible joke, Catherine"

As we chatted, I couldn't shake the fluttery feeling in my stomach whenever Liam flashed that disarmingly charming smile. But no, I wasn't falling for him. I was just... rebounding, right?

"Hey, can I ask you something?" I blurted out, trying to keep a straight face despite the whirlwind of emotions inside.

"Shoot," Liam replied, leaning in with a curious expression.

"Do you ever feel like life is just one big reality show, and we're all just characters stumbling through awkward situations?" I said, half-jokingly.

Liam paused, considering my question. "Actually, funny you mention that. I had a meeting with my managers and PR team and they had the idea that we could form a fake relationship."

I blinked in surprise, trying to process Liam's unexpected revelation. "A fake relationship? Like, for publicity?"

Liam nodded, his expression serious yet tinged with a hint of amusement. "Yeah, exactly. They think it'll boost my image, you know, show the world that I'm not just some aloof celebrity."

I couldn't help but chuckle nervously. "Well, that's... unconventional. But why me?"

Liam shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Apparently, we have 'chemistry' or something. Plus, they figure you're not star-struck, so it'll seem more authentic."