Frenzy Behind the Spotlight
The second Serena stepped off the runway, the media storm hit. Cameras, smartphones, and school reporters descended on the auditorium like a tidal wave. CampusNet and EliteWatch lit up instantly:
Trending Posts
@EliteCampus:
BREAKING: Lucien Reed carries Serena Blake down the runway after a mishap—forehead kisses, protective embrace, and billion-dollar family ties confirmed? 👀💍🔥
@CourtSideQueen:
Ice Queen melts?? Serena Blake + Lucien Reed = 💖🔥 Did he just claim her on stage???
@LucienFanPage:
The man knows what he's doing. He saved her! Our power couple is back.
@ValeCassandra:
Coincidence? Don't be fooled. Some people are born to steal the spotlight.
The school corridors were buzzing like a live wire. Students whispered, pointed, and recorded. Rumors that had already been simmering now erupted into full-blown hysteria. Billionaire families, childhood engagement, stolen limelight—it was everywhere.
Serena moved through it all like a ghost, heels clicking against the polished floor, cloak of composure back in place. She felt Lucien's presence before she saw him, and it grounded her. He walked beside her, confident, calm, and entirely hers.
Backstage Calm
Once behind the curtains, away from the noise, Lucien finally released her hand and leaned against the wall, watching her closely.
"You okay?" he asked softly.
She exhaled slowly, letting some tension seep out. "I… I think so. I survived without falling on my face."
He smirked. "Barely. You were spectacular."
Serena's lips quirked up in the faintest smile. "You're impossible."
"True. But you like it." He stepped closer, voice lowering. "I've wanted to protect you like that for years. And today… well, I got the chance."
Her chest tightened. She looked down. "You didn't have to, Lucien. I can handle myself."
"I know," he said, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. "But I also know you've been waiting for someone to catch you when the world tried to knock you down. Let me be that person."
For the first time in a long time, Serena let herself breathe. She leaned against him, just a fraction, and let the tension melt—the fear, the need to be perfect, the icy barrier she'd built over years.
"I… don't know how to be just Serena anymore," she whispered.
Lucien tilted her chin up gently. "Then be you with me. Just you. That's enough."
And in that quiet moment, backstage chaos became distant noise, the applause and camera flashes fading to nothing. Only the two of them existed, grounding each other.
Evie's Subplot: Chaos and Giggles
Meanwhile, Evie was having the time of her life. Hidden behind the curtains, she clutched her camera phone, filming every moment with squeals of delight.
"Big sister! Look at you!" she whispered, barely containing herself. "He carried you like a hero! You're like a princess in a movie!"
Serena tried to smile, but Evie grabbed her hand, pulling her closer. "I mean it! He's your fiancé, right? You guys are like… THE couple! Everyone's talking about you!"
Serena shook her head, amused despite herself. "Evie… don't embarrass me."
Evie grinned mischievously. "Too late. I already uploaded it. The whole school's gonna see your heroic rescue. Everyone's going to stan you!"
Lucien crouched beside them, picking Evie up in a playful headlock. "And don't forget who made it possible. That's right—me."
Evie wriggled, laughing. "Fine! You can be my favorite too… but she's still my queen!"
Serena laughed softly. The first real, unguarded laugh she'd allowed herself in days.
Lucien pulled her hand into his again. "See? Even she knows who matters."
Serena glanced at him, softening completely. "Fine. Maybe… today, I don't mind letting the world see us."
The noise outside remained—a frenzy of rumors, jealous glances, and media speculation—but backstage, for once, Serena Blake didn't feel like the Ice Queen. She felt like a girl who had been caught and protected, who could finally step into her light without fear.
And with Lucien Reed by her side, she realized something else: the world could scream, gawk, and gossip all it wanted. She didn't have to fight it alone anymore.