My Husband Is An International Idol

Chapter 14: The Supermodel Rumor

Chris hated photoshoots. Not because they were difficult and exhausting. But because they were boring. Extremely boring.

"Turn slightly."

Chris turned.

"A little more."

He turned again.

"Perfect."

Flash.

Flash.

Flash.

The cameras continued endlessly.

The luxury fashion campaign had already consumed three days of his schedule. Three very long days.

The concept was simple. Elegant. Sophisticated. And expensive.

Apparently, he was supposed to represent the image of a successful modern gentleman.

Chris personally believed the image would be more convincing if they allowed him to sleep.

Unfortunately, nobody asked for his opinion.

The photographer lowered his camera. "Excellent."

Chris immediately stood. "Are we done?"

"No."

His hope died instantly.

The photographer smiled. "We still have a couple shots."

Chris frowned, and turned to his manager who already froze. Several assistants exchanged nervous looks.

Because Chris wasn’t informed beforehand about the couple shots. He wondered if his father knew about it.

The female model waiting in another studio was Selena Hart. An internationally famous supermodel. Beautiful. Elegant. Successful.

And currently responsible for half the gossip blogs in the country. Not because of scandals. But because she openly admitted being a fan of Chris. A very enthusiastic fan.

Chris had encountered her several times at events. Each interaction had been perfectly professional.

Unfortunately, the internet disagreed. The internet never believed in professionalism. They believed in chaos. And Selena generated plenty of it.

The studio doors opened. As if summoned by fate itself.

Selena entered. Tall. Beautiful. Confident.

The entire room suddenly became brighter.

Chris immediately regretted everything.

"Chris!"

There it was. The cheerful smile. The dangerous smile. The smile that generated headlines.

Selena walked over. "Long time no see."

Chris nodded politely. "Hello."

His manager immediately appeared. Like a very stressed bodyguard. "Let’s begin."

’Immediately. Right now. Before anyone could create problems.’ The manager thought.

The photoshoot itself was harmless. Professional. Routine. Exactly what it was supposed to be.

Chris stood beside Sabrina. They posed. They smiled. They followed instructions. Nothing unusual. Nothing inappropriate. Nothing remotely romantic.

At least in reality.

The internet, however, existed in a completely different dimension.

Three hours later.

The first leaked photographs appeared online. And chaos followed immediately.

The headlines multiplied so fast.

"Chris St. Claire and Selena Hart Collaborate for New Campaign!"

"Fans Love Their Chemistry!"

"Perfect Match?"

Chris stared at his phone. Then handed it to his manager.

His manager stared at the screen. Then handed it back.

"I didn’t know there’s a couple shots. It wasn’t even in the contract. But photographers have the right to ask the models anything for the best of the brand."

Chris stayed quiet..

There was nothing to say.

But he was obviously mad because the comments were even worse.

"They’re gorgeous together."

"Please date."

"Marry her immediately."

"Forget the grandma. Choose the supermodel."

Chris nearly threw his phone.

His manager looked concerned.

"Don’t."

"I’m considering it."

"I know."

Chris rubbed his forehead.

The internet was exhausting.

Meanwhile, several hundred kilometers away...

Sterling Village remained peaceful.

Then Emily arrived running.

Liliana was watering flowers when the front door exploded open.

"LILIANA!"

Liliana nearly dropped the watering can. Grandmother, who was also visiting her, didn’t even look up from her tea.

She had become accustomed to this.

Liliana sighed.

"What happened?"

Emily ran toward her. Holding a phone. And she already knew it was a bad sign.

"Emergency."

Liliana immediately became concerned. "Is Chris okay?"

Emily blinked. Then smiled.

The smile of someone about to cause problems.

"Oh."

Liliana narrowed her eyes. "Oh what?"

Emily slowly turned the phone around.

A photograph filled the screen.

Chris and Selena Hart. Standing together. Looking ridiculously attractive.

Liliana stared. Several seconds passed.

Then she blinked. "Okay?"

Emily looked disappointed. "Okay?"

"Yes."

"That’s your response?"

Liliana looked confused. "What else am I supposed to say?"

Emily pointed dramatically. "She’s a supermodel."

"Yes."

"An actual supermodel."

"Still yes."

"Look at her."

Liliana looked. Then nodded. "She’s pretty."

Emily nearly choked. "Pretty?"

"Very pretty."

"That’s all?"

Liliana returned to watering her flowers.

Emily followed. Persistent as always.

"Don’t you feel threatened?"

"No."

"Jealous?"

"No."

"Concerned?"

"No."

Emily stopped walking. Completely baffled. "Why not?"

Liliana thought for a moment.

Then answered honestly.

"Because it’s his work. And he’s doing his job pretty well."

Emily froze.

That was actually a good point.

Liliana continued watering the flowers. Completely calm and unbothered.

Meanwhile, Emily’s brain was struggling. Because this was not the reaction she wanted. Or expected.

That evening, Chris finally called.

The moment Liliana answered, his voice appeared immediately.

"Have you seen it?"

She smiled. "The photos?"

"Yes."

"You sound stressed."

"I am stressed."

Liliana laughed softly.

Chris immediately felt better. A little. Not much. But a little.

"The internet is being ridiculous."

"When is it not?"

"Fair."

He sat back in his apartment. Exhausted.

The city lights were visible beyond the windows. Far away from the countryside. Far away from home. Far away from her.

"I wanted to explain."

"There’s nothing to explain."

Chris paused. "You’re not upset?"

"No."

"Really?"

"Really."

A moment of silence followed.

Then Chris laughed quietly. "What?"

"You trust me a lot."

The statement was soft. Almost surprised.

Liliana smiled. "I do."

The answer came naturally without hesitation. Without doubt.

Chris suddenly didn’t know what to say because despite being married for five years, moments like these still caught him off guard.

The simple certainty in her voice. The absolute faith. And the quiet confidence. It affected him more than she realized.

Eventually, he spoke. "I missed you today."

The words slipped out before he could stop them.

Silence.

Then a very familiar warmth spread through Liliana’s chest.

"I know."

Chris laughed. "You know?"

"I had a feeling."

"Really?"

"Well, it’s Monday."

Chris frowned.

"So?"

"You don’t usually call on Mondays."

"Oh!"

"Probably, Monday’s schedule is packed."

"Yes." Chris chuckled.

Deep inside, he was happy. Because Liliana noticed even the slightest of things about him. About his work.

"I really want to see you."

Liliana was quiet for a second. "Me, too."

"I should come home. Husbands come home every day to their wives."

She laughed softly. "I think you’re referring to normal husbands."

"So, I’m not normal?"

Liliana laughed harder this time. "Your popularity is not."

Chris sighed. "Do you think I should cancel some endorsements?"

"No."

"Why? I think I should cancel the modeling job."

"No. They pay you well." She giggled.

Chris laughed. "So that’s the reason."

The conversation continued, and they didn’t realize that they were on the phone for two hours before deciding to retire for the night.

The next morning, Chris arrived at the studio.

Only to discover things had become worse. Much worse.

A new article appeared overnight. And the headline made him stop walking completely.

"INSIDER CLAIMS CHRIS ST. CLAIRE AND SELENA HART GREW CLOSE DURING PHOTOSHOOT."

Chris and his manager looked horrified.

"Insider?" Chris asked.

"What insider?"

The manager sighed.

"There is no insider."

"Then who said it?"

The manager pointed at the article.

Chris read. Then immediately closed the page.

"That’s a janitor."

"Yes."

"Why are they interviewing janitors?"

"I don’t know."

Neither understood anything anymore. The entertainment industry had stopped making sense years ago. Unfortunately, the rumors continued spreading.

And somewhere in another office building, Selena Hart stared at the same article. Then rolled her eyes.

Because she knew exactly what this would cause.

And because she was about to do something that would shock the entire internet.

Something that would either save Chris...

Or create an even bigger disaster.