Behind Closed Doors of Fame

Chapter 1

In the bustling heart of Kingston, Sir Edward Shire stands as a formidable figure within the Entertainment Guild, exuding an airs of aloofness and grace. Lady Clara Rivers, the rising starlet, captivates audiences with her gentle, ethereal presence, seemingly untouched by the world’s harsh realities.
However, the tranquility of her crafted image is shattered when rumors swirl online, alleging that she’s being financially supported by a mysterious benefactor, with scandalous claims of an unwed pregnancy circulating.
Shortly thereafter, Lady Clara issues a statement that sets the record straight: “The benefactor is my brother. I’ve been divorced and am currently taking a breather at my family’s Isle of Serenity. Please respect my space.”
In a surprising twist, Sir Edward counters with his own declaration: “The child's father is me. I’m married. Thank you for your blessings.”
**Chapter Excerpt:**
For years, Lady Clara held a quiet admiration for Sir Edward. At just twenty-one, she thought herself lucky to become his wife, but by the age of twenty-four, the glimmering reality of their marriage dimmed, leading her to demand a divorce.
Sir Edward usually maintained his composure, a steady presence in the chaos of the entertainment industry. But now, as he grasped Clara's wrist tightly, seriousness etched in his features, he declared, “Clara, no.”
The emotions flared within her, tears glistening in her eyes as she rebutted, “But I don’t like you anymore!” She felt his gaze pierce through her façade, and for a moment, she saw the turmoil beneath his confident exterior.
At that moment, Sir Edward found himself nearly unraveling. He could resist all the temptations the world threw at him—his glamorous lifestyle, the allure of fame—but against the force of Clara's spiraling emotions, he felt completely disarmed.
**A Seven-Year Gap:**
Their relationship wasn’t just marked by the tumult of their separation; it was also defined by the seven years that loomed between them. The complexities of this age gap wrapped around them like a web, entangling their lives in ways neither had anticipated.
In the world they inhabited, perceptions shifted quickly, as fickle as tabloid headlines. The rumor mill churned incessantly, often yielding false tales that eclipsed the truth. Edward's status as a married man complicated things further, amplifying the whispers and judgments that encircled Clara.
Yet amidst the cacophony of public opinion, their private struggles unfolded with emotional intensity.
Clara's fight for her identity, her presence as a standalone woman, and Edward’s struggle to reconcile his responsibilities with his affections for her painted a vivid portrait of love caught in a storm. The ingredients for reconciliation were simmering beneath the surface, but they sparked chaos rather than calm.
**A Determined Heart:**
With each passing day at the Isle of Serenity, Clara delved deep into self-reflection, striving to rewrite her narrative with grace and dignity. The whispers surrounding them began to fade, but the fire between Edward and Clara flickered with an unmistakable intensity, each longing glance and heated conversation laden with unspoken words.
In the quiet of their respective worlds, the knowledge remained that the essence of their emotions remained, wrapped tightly in the chaos of love and misunderstanding.
Would they find their way through the storm? Or was this reimagined affection their last shot at something profound?
As thoughts swirled in her mind, Clara stood at the window, gazing out at the serene waters, pondering the future that lay ahead—a future that was anything but certain, yet poised with possibility.

Chapter 2

When news about Sir Edward Shire went viral, Lady Clara Rivers was scrolling through The Town Crier.
Having just confirmed the delivery of a hundred finance magazines she had secretly ordered, she logged into her alternate account and saw the latest retweets and comments on her Weibo feed.
With a raised eyebrow, Lady Clara lazily flipped over on the carpet, tapping the screen.
“Mr. Shire. You have to check this out. Your husband is trending again.”
“Madame writes with a divine touch. I adore Mr. Shire in her stories, sob sob sob.”
“Mr. Shire, yes please. That cool and aloof Mr. Shire is everything.”
Lady Clara glanced at the Weibo account with the handle “Mr. Shire is my hubby ahhh” before posting a brief tweet to excuse herself, then scrolled over to the trending section.
Trending at number six, the hashtag #Lady Emilia openly expresses her feelings for Mr. Shire# was climbing rapidly.
Lady Emilia was a top-tier actress back in the mainland, while Mr. Shire was the fresh face of the investment world, frequently in the limelight despite not being a traditional star.
In the screenshots, Lady Emilia bashfully declared, “Mr. Shire is my idol,” during a reality show appearance, her smile captivating.
Beside her was a striking image of a man clad in a sleek black trench coat, gazing intensely at the camera, his peach blossom eyes cold yet composed as he participated in an interview.
This was the second time in two months that Clara had seen him trending.
The comments beneath the trend were chaotic, with Lady Emilia’s fans angrily accusing marketing accounts of being shameless for promoting her, while others criticized Lady Emilia’s obvious interest in a new agency. Only a few stood up for Mr. Shire.
Clara skimmed through the drab comments, feeling little urge to engage in the fray this time.
This contention seemed at odds with her fan persona. The account “Mr. Shire is my hubby ahhh” was one of the largest fan accounts in this little corner of Mr. Shire’s fandom.
Generous and not jumping between interests, mysterious and low-key, devoted in their unending declaration of love, they were exemplary Mrs. Shires.
In her last tweet, Clara had posted a sight of the one hundred finance magazines featuring Mr. Shire on the cover sprawled on the floor, clearly reflecting her devoted fan status.
Exiting the trending scene, she hurriedly glanced at her messages.
“This ID is so annoying, always popping up. Who do you think you are, Mrs. Shire?”
“Calling Mr. Shire your husband? The stories you write are pure delusion, disgusting.”
Flipping through insults in her inbox charmed a smile onto Clara’s face. Even if their relationship now was worse than that of cohabitating roommates, did Mr. Shire really think that adopting this title meant anything?
She thumbed a few replies marked "Read," blocking each one as she went. Just then, she heard the loud clang of someone pushing the door open.
Dame Evangeline stepped into the office and found a top-tier starlet scrambling off the carpet and neatly planting herself on the sofa.
Not even blinking, Dame Evangeline raised an eyebrow, “Lady Clara, you’re somewhat of a celebrity yourself—can’t you be mindful of your image?”
Contrarily, Clara released a sigh of relief upon recognizing who had walked in.
Her stiff posture relaxed, and she slumped back into the sofa, looking quite pitiful. “I’ve been in The Acting Company for months. It’s an achievement that not a single nasty photo has leaked!”
Dame Evangeline closed the door behind her with poise and placed a box of cake on the coffee table. “Here, this is just for you.”
Clara had already noticed the cake, flipping herself upright, her eyes sparkling. “Evangeline, you are the best!”
Lady Clara was stunning and youthful. At just twenty-four, she had been in the industry for seven years, solidifying her position as a beloved actress.
With clear, bright eyes and a gentle demeanor, she boasted round cat-like pupils, hinting at an inherent playfulness that couldn’t be covered up by makeup but was nurtured from within.

Chapter 3

She sat down on the couch opposite Lady Clara Rivers and asked straightforwardly, “Lady Clara Rivers, have you truly thought this through? You’re really going to get a divorce?”
Lady Clara hesitated for a moment, her fingers pausing as she unwrapped a ribbon. Then she nodded, “Yes, I’ve thought it over.”
“It’s not like you weren’t already living a secret marriage,” she said lightly, adding a teasing smile, “Dame Evangeline Bright, you’ve always worried about me. Now that I’m getting divorced, you won’t have to, right?”
That was one way to look at it.
If the news about the young starlet who'd been secretly married for three years came out, it would cause a sensation at The Entertainment Guild.
And if her spouse’s identity were revealed… it would dominate headlines for a long stretch across every outlet.
Dame Evangeline Bright frowned deeply, feeling utterly powerless against this capricious girl.
Just three years ago, in a similar situation, Lady Clara Rivers had casually declared her marriage. Now, without any change to their office, she was announcing a divorce.
“It’s not that simple,” Dame Evangeline Bright said, rubbing her temples at her nonchalant attitude. “Lady Clara Rivers, things are different now, Sir Edward Shire is much more established than he was three years ago. We need to prepare for a public announcement…”
She was trying to gently persuade Lady Clara Rivers. Three years ago, Sir Edward had still been an up-and-coming figure with little respect; now, he was a man everyone wanted.
“I’m sorry,” came Lady Clara’s quick reply, and Dame Evangeline Bright paused, noting the sudden shift in her demeanor.
Just moments before, the carefree girl had looked downcast, eyes lowered.
“I’m sorry, Dame Evangeline Bright, and to the Public Relations Bureau,” Lady Clara Rivers murmured, biting her lip, “I’ve asked my brother to give you an extra month’s salary; I’m really sorry.”
“Does Lord Sebastian Quinn know about this?” Dame Evangeline Bright hesitated before changing the topic.
“No, he doesn’t.” Lady Clara responded quickly. “I plan to sign first, then explain to him… I’m scared Lord Sebastian will punch me.”
She covered her face in despair, “He nearly yelled at me when I got married. Now I’m really afraid he’ll hit me… I hope my parents can stop him.”
Dame Evangeline Bright sighed. Technically, she was just a manager contracted by the Rivers Family, with little to gain from Lady Clara, who she had been looking after for a few years.
“Let’s discuss your upcoming work,” Dame Evangeline Bright said, tossing a stack of papers in front of Lady Clara. “Since you won’t be managing a household anymore, we can add another variety show. That’ll be fine, right?”
Of course, it wasn’t fine. Lady Clara Rivers listened with a grimace as Dame Evangeline Bright laid out her plans, clutching a stack of scripts as she headed home afterward.
***
Lady Clara Rivers and Sir Edward Shire lived in the Shining Vale District, a lavish suburban enclave in Kingston, with their own standalone villa. Privacy and security measures were top-notch, including beautifully landscaped grounds.
Lady Clara was rarely home, having just wrapped up shooting a period drama and needing to handle some personal matters before this brief rest.
She parked her sports car in the underground garage and unlocked the door using her fingerprint, finding the villa eerily empty as usual.
Sir Edward disliked having housekeepers around, and with Lady Clara seldom present, they only visited every few days.
The living room was warmly decorated—plush carpets, central air conditioning, scattered cushions, and magazines neatly stacked, all contributing to a cozy atmosphere.
Lady Clara had decorated this place herself. Back then, she loved working on such things, and with Sir Edward unconcerned, she had made it just as she liked.
Kicking off her shoes, she stepped onto the carpet, then freshened up before curling up with a cushion to binge-watch her favorite show.
Sir Edward always returned home late. Glancing at her phone, she noted the last message from him was two months ago, back when she first joined the film crew.
“I guess I’ll leave him alone,” Lady Clara thought, skimming through a magazine instead.
She understood that both of them were busy and needed to be patient with each other. She popped a mint from the coffee table into her mouth—it was spicy yet sweet.
Resolving this as soon as possible would be best.
Lady Clara didn’t expect to fall asleep with her head buried in a book on the carpet. Drowsily, she sat up and set the magazine aside.
The wall clock read eleven o'clock.
The only light was in the living room, and the absence of Sir Edward made the space feel particularly empty.
It seemed she wouldn’t be waiting for him any longer.
Rising, she headed to the kitchen for yogurt when she heard a slight noise from the foyer.
Peeking out, she noticed the light in the hall turned on. The Young Man stood there, his gaze lowered while unbuttoning his jacket.
In the warm light, his charming, melancholic eyes looked cold and detached, his features almost too delicate, exuding a weary elegance.
Their eyes met as he looked up, and Lady Clara felt a pang of embarrassment. Instinctively, she straightened her back and slowly walked out, cradling her cup.
The Young Man approached, casually tossing his suit jacket onto the sofa, now only in a black shirt. With a demeanor as chilling as snow, Sir Edward Shire settled onto the couch, his long legs crossed.
“Home late,” he stated plainly, neither a question nor a concern.
“Yeah,” Lady Clara murmured, averting her gaze to focus on her glass. She couldn't keep staring at someone so handsome and composed without feeling inadequate.
“Yeah,” he replied flatly, “It’s late; you should get some rest.”
His dark, icy eyes briefly lingered on her, and noticing her thin nightgown, he stated, “Goodnight,” his tone cutting off any further conversation.
Seeing him prepare to rise, Lady Clara tightened her grip on her cup and blurted out, “Sir Edward Shire, I have something to discuss with you.”
Once the words slipped out, her hesitation dissolved. She took a seat on the couch across from him, holding the glass tightly while her pale fingers pressed against its surface.
Sir Edward relaxed his tie, his gaze cool as he lowered his eyelids, his expression a mix of cold beauty and casual indifference. “Go on,” he prompted.
Lady Clara swallowed nervously, “I mean, I could call you, but I thought it’d be better to discuss this in person.”
She gazed at the elegant older man seated casually before her. Now in his thirties, he exuded maturity and calm yet carried an air of icy detachment that felt ingrained in his very being.
“It’s been three years since we got married.” Lady Clara paused, scrutinizing the handsome visage illuminated by the dim light.
“Anniversary,” Sir Edward correctly termed it, his tone nonchalant. “Sorry, I’ve been busy lately…”
“Wait, I’m not discussing that,” Lady Clara interrupted, shaking her head as she noted his calm demeanor. She cleared her throat softly.
Sir Edward remained composed, just as he always was, both with her and with others.
Seven years older, she had run after him since childhood, far more obedient and idolizing than even her own brother.
“What I’m saying is,” Lady Clara rubbed her eyes, her tone surprisingly light, “should we consider... getting a divorce?”

Chapter 4

A heavy silence hung in the air after those words were spoken.
Lady Clara Rivers couldn't tolerate this suffocating atmosphere any longer. It should have been an uncomplicated matter.
She looked up, ready to crack a light joke, but caught sight of Sir Edward Shire's tightly pressed lips, tension radiating from him.
Sir Edward glanced back at her, his tone calm and steady. "Clara, you’re joking, right?"
In his presence, Lady Clara felt small, like a child under the scrutinizing gaze of an adult. Indeed, Sir Edward was seven years her senior; she had always followed him around, calling him “big brother” ever since they were kids.
"I’m not joking." Lady Clara shook her head, her voice soft yet earnest. “I really think this way; I’m not trying to cause you any trouble.”
Clenching her glass tightly, she added, “Look, this isn’t going anywhere. It’s just wasting time.”
When they married, both were on the rise professionally. Clara was busy with acting roles and endorsements, while Sir Edward was just as tied up with his own work. They didn’t have much time together.
Reflecting on it now, it was clear they were mismatched. Not to mention the age difference, personality clashes, and various other issues.
Ultimately, the fault lay with her impulsive nature. Lady Clara felt a wave of regret wash over her; she had been naïve, not realizing how different marriage could turn out to be from what she had envisioned.
Sir Edward's intense gaze fixed on her. He often appeared detached and serious, the frown on his brow adding to his commanding presence.
"Why the sudden decision?" He paused before continuing, his tone unwavering, "This won’t benefit you in any way. You need not worry; I won’t go back on my promises."
Even as they broached the significant topic of divorce, he maintained his usual stoicism, keeping his emotions carefully concealed.
Those seemingly tender, almond-shaped eyes of his betrayed nothing beneath their calm surface, unfazed by the tidal wave of emotions swirling inside her.
Mentioning promises only complicated Clara’s feelings further, and she bit her lip, struggling to find words.
“I’m sorry; I was too reckless back then.” Clara finally spoke, offering an apology. “I shouldn’t have said that to you, I wasn’t being thoughtful.”
With her head lowered, she felt an unfamiliar twinge of guilt.
Sir Edward had never treated her poorly; if anything, his older age had made him protective, looking after her like a child.
He fell silent for a moment, absorbing her words.
“I see.” He cut in, his tone matter-of-fact. “Have you prepared the divorce papers?”
“No, I’ve left everything to my lawyer.” Clara instinctively replied, “I’ll send you the lawyer’s contact details; surely your company has a reliable legal team too?”
Just like that, it was decided. The ease of it left Clara blinking in disbelief as she stared at Sir Edward, still processing the surrealness of the moment.
He stood, maintaining the same demeanor he had on their wedding day three years prior: calm, aloof, with a hint of regal detachment.
“You come to me about a divorce without having the paperwork ready,” he responded evenly, “Aren’t you busy with work?”
Clara shrank back, her confidence wavering. She almost whispered, “Not really. My lawyer said not to worry about it… I’m sorry, Edward.”
Since their marriage, she had rarely used that name for him. Clara hated that he still saw her as a little girl, but now, faced with the reality of divorce, it felt almost easier to let it slip out.
Sir Edward turned away from her, remaining silent. For some time, Clara wondered if he hadn’t heard her, hesitating to repeat herself.
“Understood,” he finally replied curtly. “We can finalize the agreement later.”
Before she could formulate a response, he turned and walked away, disappearing up the stairs, leaving Clara in stunned silence.
She stared at his retreating figure for a long moment, feeling a mix of emptiness and relief.
Shaking her legs, she quickly finished the lukewarm yogurt she had been nursing, then sprang up from the sofa.
She headed upstairs.

Chapter 5

Jade hesitated as she glanced at the partially open bedroom door, a sliver of soft light spilling into the dim hallway.
After a long moment of indecision, she steeled herself, turned away, and walked into the adjacent guest room, carefully closing the door behind her.
The quiet click of the latch echoed sharply in the stillness.
***
On the first day of her break, Jade slept in until noon.
She tossed and turned in bed, reluctant to get up, until she finally fished her phone out from under the pillow. After scrolling through various apps, she eventually opened The Town Crier.
Her alt account “JadeV” had just gone live. Jade rarely posted herself, typically relying on Dame Cordelia to update her followers with promotional content.
The last post was a photo of her from the set, clad in a flowing gown that made her look ethereal.
【Ahhh, our little fairy queen! Isn’t she stunning? I can’t!】
【The fairy finally made a post! Be sure to take care of yourself, don’t overwork!】
【OMG! Is she trying to steal my heart? I've been screenshotting like crazy!】
Jade propped her chin on her hand, reading through the compliments with a smile that slowly faded when she switched to her other account.
The vibe was just as lively, but the warmth dissipated as she scrolled. Ever since her last post announcing a hiatus, she had been absent without a trace, leaving her followers to wonder.
Logging in, she was met with a barrage of comments and messages asking about her well-being.
One particular username stood out: “Sir EdwardIsMyHusbandAhhh.” She had created this account when she married Sir Edward Shire, often sharing fan fiction for fun.
Although her stories received a good amount of praise, it was evident that they were somewhat divisive. Her take on Sir Edward—while heartfelt—often drifted into OOC territory.
She was fully aware of it: the Sir Edward in her stories was an enigmatic gentleman, charming yet slightly possessive, in stark contrast to the real man she had married.
[Sir Edward turned to her, a low chuckle escaping his lips as he pressed a soft kiss to the corner of her mouth. “Your back feels better now.” His touch was gentle and courteous, as if he were a true gentleman, devoid of the tension of cornering her.]
Some people, though they appeared sweet on the surface, were revving up inside.
Jade cleared her throat, browsing through her past writings, glancing at the familiar names in her DMs. She hesitated over editing her goodbye post.
She had drafted the farewell message days prior but couldn’t bring herself to post it. A part of her felt reluctant to let go.
Just then, her phone buzzed twice, startling her. A name flashed on the screen.
“Lord Sebastian.”
Sebastian Quinn was one of her biggest supporters in the industry, providing her with opportunities and managing her itinerary. He was far more involved in her career than her supposed husband.
Feeling slightly guilty but not overly so, Jade paused before answer the call.
“Hello, Lord Sebastian.” She yawned, “What’s up?”
***
At nine that morning, the annual meeting of the Rivers Consortium had just begun.
The sleek glass building stood tall in the heart of Riverville, a recognizable landmark for the company. Inside, the top floor was buzzing with heated discussions.
“Lord Arthur just made a minor misstep; with all he’s contributed to the Shire family, he shouldn’t have to resign.”
“A minor misstep can tarnish our brand image. Even if Lord Arthur is a key asset, this kind of scandal is not to be taken lightly.”
A group of sharply dressed middle-aged men was locked in a fierce debate, yet the man at the front appeared unfazed, absentmindedly staring off into space.
Sir Edward Shire tapped his fingers rhythmically on the table, his gaze lowered, unreadable.
It was rare for him to zone out, but the chatter around him still echoed in his ears—“Divorce,” and “with Jade… divorce.”
That was a possibility he had never contemplated before.
With his hands laced together, he composedly pressed his lips into a thin line. He had no discontent with his marriage and had no intention of giving up on their child.
Perhaps it wasn’t that simple. Logically, he could see that there were minor issues between him and Jade, but they weren’t insurmountable.
“Sir Edward, what’s your take?”
The topic of conversation finally drifted toward him.
He looked up, a rare glimmer of coldness in his eyes. His voice remained calm, “Is this really something that needs so much discussion?”
Seemingly losing patience with what felt like a waste of time, he stood. His assistant promptly collected the documents from the table and handed him his coat.
“Lord Arthur is getting older; wanting to retire is understandable.” Sir Edward’s tone was curt. “Pack your things immediately; I expect everything resolved within the hour.”
The supporters' faces drained of color. Just half an hour ago, Sir Edward had calmly assured Lord Arthur to take the rest of the day off, and now he was demanding his immediate resignation.
Was this a tactic to buy more time? After all, Lord Arthur had left with tears of gratitude, swearing never to drag Rivers into any troubles…
But Sir Edward’s focus had already moved on.
“Sir Edward.” One brave soul spoke up as he prepared to leave. “Doing this—aren’t you concerned about how it will reflect on you? You aren’t even the true heir of the Shire family; isn’t that a bit heartless?”
Those words struck a nerve. Even others present felt the tension.
Though Sir Edward was not the official heir of the Shire family, his ruthless approach had earned respect and fear in equal measure.
He halted, not looking back, his voice unfazed: “Then you can join him in his retirement; the Rivers Consortium doesn’t tolerate incompetence.”
With two board members dismissed, Sir Edward displayed no sign of hesitation. The Scribe trailed behind him nervously, certain of one thing:
Sir Edward was in a very foul mood.

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