Page 7 of The Edge Of Us

Within hours, the internet explodes. Congratulations flood in, but so do the speculations. The media is in a frenzy, people dissecting every little detail, coming up with their own theories.

I try to ignore it.

Allen and I are curled up on the couch, enjoying a quiet evening together before he has to leave for a business trip tomorrow. I scroll through my emails absentmindedly when one catches my attention. My eyes widen as I read it over and over again to make sure I’m not imagining things.

“Oh my gosh, Allen!” I gasp, sitting up straight. “I just got an email from Lips Lie! They want me on their show! Do you know what this means?”

Allen looks up from his phone, a slow smirk forming on his lips. “That my wife is beautiful and talented and deserves every amazing thing coming her way?”

I roll my eyes, but my heart flutters at his words.

“This is huge, Allen! Lips Lie is one of the biggest podcasts out there! This could open so many doors for me.”

He reaches over, pulling me into his lap. His arms wrap securely around my waist as he gazes at me, his expression filled with nothing but admiration. “I know, baby. And I’m so damn proud of you.”

I rest my forehead against his, my fingers brushing along his scruffy jawline. “Thank you for everything, Allen. I love you.”

His lips find mine in a slow, lingering kiss. “I love you more.”

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Three Days Later

I’m currently sitting on a plush couch, a mic in front of me, as I listen to the rapid-fire questions being thrown my way. The energy in the room is electric.

“Okay, guys! This is Lips Lie, and tonight we have none other than America’s sweetheart right here with us!” Hannah, one of the hosts, announces enthusiastically.

“Let’s give a warm welcome to Mrs. Corine Woods!” Gayah, the other host, chimes in excitedly.

I smile, trying to shake off the nerves creeping in. “Hey, guys! Thank you for having me.”

Hannah leans forward, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. “So, Corine, how are you feeling?”

“I’m great,” I respond, keeping my tone light and cheerful.

Gayah tilts her head, smirking. “We all know you from social media, but tell us something about yourself that we don’t see online.”

I launch into a well-rehearsed introduction, sharing bits and pieces about my life—my career, my passions, my love for travel—carefully leaving out my struggles. I can’t afford to let the world see that part of me. Not yet. Not when I’m still building this perfect image.

Hannah grins. “Alright, let’s get to the good stuff. How did you and Allen meet? Because, girl, the internet is obsessed with your love story.”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “Oh, this is actually a funny story. We met through my agent. I was booked for my first-ever commercial, and it just so happened that Allen’s company was the one shooting it. He was supposed to meet my best friend,Natasha, that day, but she got booked for another gig last minute. So, I went in her place.”

“Oh my god, so you were, like, meant to be there,” Gayah gushes.

I nod. “Exactly! It was totally unexpected. But the moment we met, there was just... something there. He invited me to lunch, and, well... the rest is history.”

Hannah clasps her hands together dramatically. “This is straight out of a rom-com. You guys are adorable!”

I laugh, but deep down, I feel the weight of the secret I’m keeping.

They see the picture-perfect love story, the glamorous lifestyle, the dream marriage.

But they don’t see the other side—the part of me that still struggles, the part that some days doesn’t even want to get out of bed.

And I’m not sure if I’m ready for them to see it just yet.

Chapter 5

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