Chapter Text
In the weeks that followed Clare’s visit to Los Angeles, she and Eli made good on their promise to spend more time together. Eli flew to New York whenever his schedule allowed, and Clare returned to L.A. more frequently, making an effort to blend their lives despite the geographical distance.
But as their relationship grew more serious, so did the attention from the media. Paparazzi started following them whenever they were out in public, and their relationship became a topic of speculation in celebrity gossip columns. Clare found herself inundated with questions from her followers about her “mystery man,” while Eli had to fend off invasive questions during press interviews.
One evening, as they sat in Eli’s L.A. apartment, scrolling through social media, Clare sighed in frustration. “I’m starting to feel like we’re living in a fishbowl. Every time we go out, someone is snapping a picture or writing an article. I just want to live my life without constantly being under a microscope.”
Eli nodded, setting his phone down and pulling her into his arms. “I know, it’s been crazy lately. But we’ll figure out a way to manage it. We’ve both dealt with this kind of thing before, just… not together.”
Clare rested her head on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. “It’s just hard sometimes, you know? I love what I do, and I know you do too, but I never realized how much more complicated it would get when our worlds collided.”
Eli stroked her hair gently, his voice thoughtful. “Maybe we need to set some boundaries. Be more intentional about when we step into the spotlight and when we keep things private. I don’t want our relationship to become tabloid fodder any more than it already has.”
Clare nodded, appreciating his perspective. “That sounds like a good idea. I don’t mind sharing some parts of our lives, but I want to keep the important stuff just between us. Like, our moments together… I want those to be ours, not the world’s.”
Eli smiled, leaning down to kiss her softly. “I couldn’t agree more. Maybe we could even have some fun with it—throw people off the scent now and then.”
Clare giggled, loving the mischievous glint in his eyes. “Oh? What do you have in mind, Mr. Goldsworthy?”
Eli’s grin widened as he playfully considered his options. “Well, we could start by showing up at different events with other people, just to keep everyone guessing. Maybe even give a few cryptic interviews where we ‘reveal’ we’re just good friends.”
Clare laughed, the sound light and carefree. “That would keep the gossip mill spinning. But seriously, I think we just need to be true to ourselves. We don’t owe anyone an explanation, and we don’t have to play by anyone else’s rules.”
Eli kissed her again, this time with more intensity, his arms wrapping around her securely. “You’re right. As long as we’re on the same page, nothing else matters.”
They spent the rest of the evening talking about their plans, discussing how they would navigate their rising fame without letting it overshadow their relationship. Clare felt a sense of relief wash over her as they solidified their commitment to each other—not just as partners in love, but as a team ready to face whatever challenges came their way.
But even as they laughed and planned, there was a part of Clare that couldn’t completely shake the feeling of unease. The media attention was only growing, and she knew that with fame came scrutiny—scrutiny that could easily turn the public’s gaze from adoration to something far less kind.