Behind the Glamour and Secrets

Chapter 1

Title: Has the Star Actor and his Boyfriend Divorced Today?
**Dual Perspectives, Primarily Focused on the Protagonist; A Sweet Tale with No Divorce!**
In the glitzy world of Hollywood, two lives intersect in surprising ways. One is Lucas Shenton, a young actor known for his jaw-dropping good looks and a fanbase in the millions. The other, Thomas Langley, is the dark horse of the industry—an immensely talented thespian whose career remains under the radar despite his accolades.
Unbeknownst to the world, these two were childhood sweethearts who have been legally bound for six years. But everything changes when rumors of a divorce begin to swirl around the two stars, unraveling their hidden relationship layer by layer.
As the tabloids go wild, the media exclaims: “Aren’t they supposed to be strangers?” Meanwhile, fan factions bicker, accusing each other of opportunism. The onlookers? They find the unfolding drama curiously delightful, exclaiming, “This only gets sweeter!”
**Rich and Powerful, the Overprotective Boyfriend** VS **Beautiful, Kind-hearted, and Just as Talented**
**Lucas Shenton's Advantages:**
1. Wealthy heir with pressures—not acting well means returning to manage his family's $666.6 billion enterprise.
2. A strong backing—multiple powerful figures claim relation to him.
3. Popular with a massive and fiercely loyal fanbase.
**Thomas Langley’s Advantages:**
1. Timeless good looks, always appearing youthful, even when he has to deliberately age for roles.
2. Unmatched acting skills, potentially an award-winning candidate.
3. Comes from a stellar lineage that boasts over 400 years of prestige.
4. He possesses a significant other named Lucas Shenton.
**A Quick Note:** All events and characters in this story are purely fictional—do not conflate them with real-life entertainment and fandoms! This narrative focuses on light-hearted fun and is not meant to reflect real-life surrogate situations or divorces. The core, after all, is simple sweetness!
**Plot Tags:** Unconditional Love, Reunion, Entertainment Industry, Sweet Romance
**Key Characters:** Thomas Langley, Lucas Shenton | Supporting Characters: Catherine Bright, Walter Drake, Sylvia Grey, Arthur Eastwood
**Brief Synopsis:**
Thomas Langley and Lucas Shenton grew up together, dating for a decade and marrying for six years. A misunderstood surrogate pregnancy escalates to divorce rumors. As Lucas rises to stardom with his unbeatable charisma, Thomas continues winning awards, although directing fewer eyes to his work. A chance photo snapped in a parking garage thrusts Thomas into the public eye, slowly revealing their intertwined lives.
This story pivots off a reluctant separation teeming with complexities. Lucas, born into privilege, loves fiercely and unabashedly; Thomas, shaped by his own family’s expectations, harbors a deeper pride that sometimes drives him to retreat rather than confront their issues head-on. The author captures their daily lives, rich with laughter and tears, through a gentle yet vivid lens.
---
As relationship strains arise and public scrutiny intensifies, these two will have to navigate the choppy waters of love and fame to determine if their bond can survive the pressures of the outside world—and ultimately, if they can rediscover the sweetness they thought they lost.

Chapter 2

Thomas Langley met Lucas Shenton on a sweltering summer day.
Back then, Boroughtown was still a quaint place, devoid of towering skyscrapers and bustling with fewer cars. The streets were a maze of narrow alleys, intersecting at odd angles. Boys in school uniforms rode their bikes around without a care in the world, never worrying about getting lost or being stuck in traffic.
The Moonlight Lake District now features an array of uniquely designed buildings lined along the water, with the newly completed crescent-shaped twin towers quickly becoming the town's landmarks. Between them stands a massive LED screen, showcasing ads that cost upward of thirty thousand for just a minute of airtime.
As the traffic light turned red, the passengers in the car glanced out, just in time to see an advertisement featuring Lucas flickering on the screen. Even on a mammoth display, that face still shone with a flawless beauty that was hard to ignore.
Seeing his handsome features made Thomas’s heart race. After a decade of knowing him, a wave of unfamiliarity washed over him at that moment.
— Has it really been six months? How has he been?
Outside, a jubilant scream cut through the usual noise of honking and revving engines. A group of brightly dressed girls had clustered in front of the screen, striking various poses, pretending to take selfies with their idol.
The driver, Little Lyn, chuckled, “Wow, after six years in the industry, Lucas is getting more famous by the day.”
Though it was meant to be a lighthearted comment, it made Thomas look down, lost in thought.
— What if they went public with their relationship?
A married, openly gay A-list star would surely create a media frenzy that would rock the entertainment world.
Thomas tightened his grip on his hands, solidifying his resolve for divorce.
Walter Drake, seated in the passenger seat, shot Little Lyn a disapproving glance. “Green light, and we're still sitting here.”
Little Lyn shrugged, shifting gears to accelerate, afraid to speak further.
An eerie silence filled the car until Walter leaned forward and switched on the radio.
Thomas liked listening to the radio, especially when he was feeling down or stressed. It was a habit from school that Walter had never forgotten.
FM 188.1, Entertainment Tonight at six.
“Today, popular artist Lucas Shenton was spotted at St. Jude's Hospital at 10:30 AM with a woman, likely for a check-up….”
Walter’s brow furrowed. He quickly turned it off.
Looking back at Thomas he managed a nervous smile, “These entertainment channels are losing their credibility; they grab any gossip to stir up drama. Just wait, Sylvia Grey is bound to send them a cease-and-desist letter.”
“Yeah, this isn’t the first time,” Thomas replied, offering a dry chuckle, pretending it didn’t bother him. “Walter, ask Sylvia if the divorce agreement has been modified.”
Walter choked on his words, his honest face pleading, “Thomas, this situation is absolutely a misunderstanding. Lucas, he…”
Thomas looked over, giving a slight smirk that was both tender and piercing.
Walter always believed that Thomas’s choice to keep a low profile was simply to give Lucas some space. After all, with a face like that, he could easily attract attention from the media.
His skin was pale and flawless—he could sometimes play roles without needing any makeup, and sometimes the opposite, requiring him to get a tan for certain parts. At twenty-seven, he still held onto a youthful roundness that seemed to rejuvenate him.
Especially those eyes, clear and inviting, like tranquil waters. When he looked at you with a hint of a smile like that, no one could feel inclined to turn him down.
Walter squeezed his thigh, wanting to continue the conversation.
“Unless you’re gonna make the call, I will,” Thomas interrupted, “I’ll just reach out directly.”
The “him” was unmistakable.
The potential fallout from that conversation sent a chill down Walter’s spine. Reluctantly, he pulled out his phone.
His contacts showed only two pinned names: Thomas and Sylvia Grey.
As Thomas’s exclusive manager, Sylvia was Lucas’s.

Chapter 3

In the same year they both entered the industry, just six years later, one was set to produce an Oscar-winning actor, while the other was poised to launch a superstar. Their success was the envy of all. But suddenly, the two found themselves enmeshed in a messy divorce, and they became the salty filling in a cookie sandwich, drawing everyone’s attention.
Walter Drake tapped away on his phone, venting through a chat message, “Thomas, I think we shouldn’t rush this. You know how Lucas is; he never really wanted this divorce. He only agreed to it because he wants to tweak the agreement. If we keep pressuring him every few days, what if he gets cornered into doing something wild…”
“Get Gaius Oatcake back,” Thomas interrupted, cutting him off mid-rant. “Have Evelyn deliver him to West Hill Apartments.”
The implication was clear; there would be no room for negotiation, and as for Lucas, he didn’t even want to see anyone.
Walter sighed softly, resigned to the chaos that was unfolding.
Great, just great. When gods fight, mortals get hurt.
***
Boroughtown Airport.
As soon as the plane touched down, Sylvia Grey whipped out her phone. She quickly checked missed calls and voice messages before finally opening her messaging app.
A contact named “Big River” lit up at the front, showing a red circle in the corner with the number “66” inside.
“Damn it!” she muttered under her breath, her vivid nails tapping impatiently. She skimmed any irrelevant messages and paused momentarily on “Gaius Oatcake.”
She looked over at her client, the talented artist and boss, and stated with determination, “Thomas told me to bring Gaius Oatcake to West Hill Apartments.”
Lucas, dressed casually with oversized sunglasses, was happily assisting a young intern with their luggage.
Upon hearing her, the luggage cart jolted forward unexpectedly, causing the intern to stumble. She hurriedly chased after it.
With a knowing smile fading, Lucas crossed his arms and said coldly, “Tell him Gaius Oatcake is my hostage—not going anywhere without my permission.”
Sylvia rolled her eyes at his antics, thinking, “Just keep playing.”
She tossed her phone into her bag, opting not to respond.
Right now, her biggest headache was getting this “walking spotlight” out of the airport without drawing unwanted attention.
Lucas stood at six-foot-three without shoes, and with just a pair of socks, he was almost six-foot-seven.
His build, broad shoulders paired with long legs, was a product of six years of honing his craft. Standing amidst the crowd, he was a magnet for attention, commanding gazes effortlessly even without saying a word.
Glancing toward the VIP exit, Sylvia’s gut twisted with dread as she exclaimed, “Why are there so many people at the exit?”
As soon as she said this, a bodyguard rushed over with urgency, whispering, “Lucas’s flight information was leaked. The VIP exit is swarming with fans, and we’ve spotted several cars with paparazzi.”
It was no mystery why all those people were there; most likely, they had come following a recent false rumor about a “pregnancy test” from the morning.
Her expression darkened. Lucas had chosen to reroute to Boroughtown only an hour before boarding, and the leak was almost certainly from someone inside the fold.
“What a bunch of trash, and all for nothing considering how much you’ve invested in them,” he grumbled.
Lucas’s mood darkened further. He had managed to carve out three hours in his busy schedule just to see Thomas for a moment. Every second counted.
Concerned that Lucas might slip away, a paparazzo disguised as a passenger raised a phone attempting to sneak through the barrier.
Lucas smirked, pulling his bodyguard closer before turning to enter the VIP lounge.
Sylvia guessed his intentions and clattered away in her high heels in the opposite direction.
The young intern, freshly assigned by the company, was still learning the ropes of Lucas’s unpredictable nature, trying to figure out whom to follow as her head jerked back and forth.
Before long, Lucas emerged from the lounge again.
The intern blinked, recognizing that even in his casual outfit and sunglasses, he bore the same extraordinary height and presence—but something felt off.
Without waiting for questions, Lucas leaned forward and slipped into the VIP passage.
Fans surged forward, excitedly screaming, and reporters perked up, desperate to snap his picture.
All eyes were drawn to him, and in the noise, no one noticed a figure in black, resembling a bodyguard, sauntering through the regular exit straight to the parking lot.
A moment later, a dark crimson Hummingbird V8 skidded around the turn and parked smoothly at the exit.
The seasoned agent wasted no time. The moment the car stopped, she grabbed her small bag and rushed over, opening the door, hopping inside, slamming it shut, and speeding off without missing a beat.
By the time the paparazzi realized once again they had fallen for Lucas’s tricks, he was already zipping along the highway in his high-end sports car.

Chapter 4

**"Except for him, I’ve never bowed to anyone else."**
Boroughtown, located just a stone’s throw from the Imperial City, is notorious for its steep living costs and boasts a number of prestigious universities. Thus, it became the perfect locale for the promotional tour of the film "The Sovereign."
Goldstone Studios, situated in the picturesque Moonlight Lake District and governed by the local powerhouse, Shenton Enterprises, was a newly opened venue in 2028, described in four words — luxury perfected.
As one of the lead actors, Thomas Langley arrived at the venue well ahead of time. This was his inaugural experience participating in a film roadshow.
Until now, he had only starred in critically acclaimed yet commercially unviable art films that garnered accolades but were overlooked during promotions. "The Sovereign" was his first mainstream commercial film, and the director was fiercely determined to dominate the box office this summer.
At 5 PM, thirty minutes remained until showtime.
The female cast members hurried into the makeup room immediately upon arrival, eager to freshen up their makeup and change outfits while snapping selfies. The male actors, on the other hand, relaxed in the lounge, signing autographs and sipping tea as they chatted casually.
A young man from the PR team entered with a schedule, bowing slightly before addressing the group. “Director Lydia, Mr. Edward, Mr. Thomas, please let the makeup artist touch you up.”
Given that the event was being recorded, failure to apply makeup would result in lighting issues that could wash them out, leading to an unflattering broadcast that the PR team would inevitably be blamed for.
Edward Rivers, the distinguished actor, was portraying the venerable Emperor Wu of Han. His voice resonated with a commanding presence, reminiscent of royalty. “What nonsense! At my age, I no longer count on this face for my livelihood. If I must, let old Lydia handle it.”
Director Lydia Starling, a robust figure in his fifties and exuding warmth like a jolly giant, chuckled, “So, I've become a face decorator, now, have I?”
Having collaborated with Edward for many years, Lydia’s casual speech added a layer of comfort that left the young PR staff feeling slightly awkward, standing there feeling helpless.
Thomas smiled gently, “I possess neither Mr. Edward’s skills nor Director Lydia’s talents; it seems I must rely on makeup.”
His words were laden with humility and wit, prompting amused chuckles from both seasoned actors.
Declining the makeup artist's assistance, Thomas picked up a powder brush and made quick work of a simple touch-up. He adjusted his gold-framed glasses, completing his polished look.
Edward glanced at Thomas, one eyebrow raised. “While makeup typically enhances youth and beauty, your appearance…”
The fine bangs fell slightly askew, and his dark eyes, obscured by his glasses, painted him in a serious, mature light.
Though still attractive, he had lost the erstwhile warmth and gentleness that characterized him.
Leaning in slightly, Thomas maintained his politeness and respect. “This suits the character of the young Liu Che better.”
Edward smirked, “That’s true. Quite perceptive for someone your age.” He appreciated Thomas's commitment. “Alright then, give me a touch-up too, or I’ll end up on the internet as ‘old news.’”
The makeup artist quickly approached him, “Mr. Edward, please take a seat here.”
The PR staff exhaled in relief, casting a grateful smile towards Thomas.
Director Lydia also smiled, with eyes narrowing slightly in appreciation.
***
Inside Goldstone Studios, The Dolby Chamber had reached full capacity with 336 seats occupied.
Among the attendees were fans of the female stars, while others arrived due to Lydia’s esteemed reputation. As for Thomas, although there were a few enthusiastic female fans, many appreciated his artistry from his previous films, but he lacked a strong mainstream following.
Ultimately, his earlier artistic endeavors, while lauded, remained niche; even with an award under his belt, recognition among the general public had eluded him.
Yet, his brilliance shone regardless.
To his left sat the disheveled veteran actor, while to his right was the stout director. Meanwhile, Thomas, clad in an ash-gray suit, caught the eye with his slender build, standing out like a young white poplar against the women beside him.
It was hard to ignore him.
The girls gripped the backs of their chairs, their whispers barely concealed, “Who is that handsome guy sitting next to the director?”
“Are you talking about the one playing young Liu Che? He was in the trailer.”

Chapter 5

"Wow, I can't believe it's him! He looks so young without any makeup, even better than on screen."
"He's an Oscar-winning actor, way more impressive than your Lucas Shenton!"
"The Pebble Squad will always love Lucas Shenton!"
Thomas Langley heard Lucas Shenton's name mentioned and instinctively glanced towards the audience. He couldn't quite place the feeling in his heart—just like everyone said online, Lucas Shenton's fans were everywhere.
The host casually handed him the microphone, and the camera panned to his face, showcasing his slightly baby-faced features. The gold-framed glasses reflected the stage lights, and his gaze was a bit dazed, like a kid zoning out in class—it was kind of adorable.
Thus, more than three hundred audience members witnessed Thomas Langley’s moment of distraction.
"Looks like Director Oliver's speech has captivated Thomas," the host joked playfully.
Laughter erupted from the audience.
Finally, Thomas Langley snapped back to reality, clearing his throat awkwardly and smiling as he replied, "Yes, you’re absolutely right."
His clear, melodic voice traveled through the microphone, and the eyes in the crowd sparkled.
"Wow, Thomas has such a lovely voice."
"Totally alluring."
"Ahhh! Don’t hold me back, I want to take him home and keep him!"
For the first time facing the excitement of his fans, Thomas Langley shyly scratched his ear, a slight dimple appearing on his left cheek.
The girls erupted in another wave of cheers and heartfelt gestures.
In the following segment, the host skillfully encouraged Thomas Langley to share more.
Thanks to his charming appearance and timely humor, Thomas Langley garnered a whole new wave of casual fans.
***
Meanwhile, Lucas Shenton had just exited the highway and met up with his driver and bodyguard at South Fourth Ring. It was rush hour, and traffic within the second ring was a complete mess. Even in his powerful 1,400-horsepower supercar, he couldn't do anything about it.
He glanced at his watch, grew irritated, and unfastened his seatbelt.
"Where do you think you’re going?" Sylvia Grey, his manager, warned, grabbing his arm.
"Running there," he huffed.
"You'll be stuck by the time you reach the South Third Ring; Thomas will have caught the high-speed train by then."
Lucas furrowed his brow tightly. "Damn, finding a bike share is still faster than this."
Just then, he spotted a bike on the side of the road.
As he was about to jump out, Sylvia's voice came chillingly close, "Go ahead; the Trending Topics are waiting for you up front."
Raising an eyebrow, Lucas smirked, "Well, that’s rich. Others would need to fork out money to get there."
"Do you want to save money or see him?"
“Gotta save money, but also see the guy,” Lucas grinned mischievously and opened the car door.
Sylvia folded her arms, slowly saying, “The Oscar-winning Lucas Shenton on a bike, trapped in traffic. Meanwhile, the award-winning Thomas Langley rides back to city in style. The headline: ‘Unfortunate Meeting.’”
Lucas’s smirk dropped, his playful demeanor disappearing as his foot hovered over the asphalt.
Lucas Shenton had risen to fame at a young age, coming from a well-connected family. In this industry, he didn’t need to yield to anyone—except for Thomas Langley, whose connection he couldn't shake off.
Sylvia shook her head, unsure whether to laugh or cry.
As the traffic began to crawl again, Lucas leaned back against the seat, his captivating eyes slightly closed amid the calming music playing softly in the car.
After a pause, Sylvia broke the silence. “Thomas found out about your affair with Celeste Lockhart.”
Lucas held his breath for a moment.
"Notify the agency to issue a statement."
He had worked non-stop for over twenty hours to see Thomas, only catching a moment of rest on the airplane. He got off the plane, dealt with paparazzi, and now was stuck in traffic, with no time to check his phone, unaware of the rumors swirling about him.
Some people deliberately waited for such opportunities to strike.
Feeling guilty, Sylvia gently advised, "It's partly my fault for not stopping it sooner. After all, it’s Lord Roderick’s decision; we shouldn’t make waves."
Lucas squinted, "Which Lord Roderick? Who does he think he is to challenge me?"
Although he didn’t say it harshly, the atmosphere in the vehicle plummeted several degrees.
Sylvia remained silent, and Lucas dialed a number, getting straight to the point. "Get that trending topic down in thirty minutes."
The voice on the other end whined, making all sorts of excuses.
Lucas's expression hardened. "Don't play games with me. Issue the statement and pull that topic; try delaying even a second."
"And let Nathaniel know that if he insists on playing with all his little girlfriends, he won't be able to handle the consequences." Without waiting for a response, he ended the call.
Sylvia sighed, softening her tone. "I mentioned this to keep you prepared for when you see Thomas. You’ve got four more years at the agency. Just think of it as doing this for old White."
Lucas snorted, "In thirty years, I’ve never bowed to anyone."
…Except for that one little troublemaker.

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