Might not be updating next week thats why i was splurging T T

The story had been out for three days now. Three days of relentless coverage, speculation, and invasive commentary about Mars Tosin's private life. Every gossip network and entertainment magazine wanted the exclusive, The frenzy felt like it had no end in sight.

Mars sat at the long conference table in her manager's office, her arms folded as she listened to the bickering around her. Brandon, her assistant manager, was pacing back and forth, anxiously tapping on his phone every few seconds. Across the table sat Janice, Mars's manager and one of the few people she trusted, radiating cool-headedness in the middle of the chaos.

"Mars, the situation is escalating," Brandon said for what felt like the hundredth time, his voice strained. "You need to say something. People are speculating, and the waters are getting thick."

Mars leaned back in her chair, the exhaustion evident on her face. "Let them."

"I advise Mars to let this blow over," Janice interjected, her tone calm but firm. "This kind of frenzy won't last forever. A couple of weeks, and the news cycle will move on."

"That's impossible," Brandon shot back, throwing his arms up. "Mars has to be in London next week for the Nexus premiere. They're bound to ask her questions, and she can't just keep saying 'no comment.' It'll look suspicious."

Mars closed her eyes for a moment, rubbing the bridge of her nose. Brandon's frantic energy was giving her a headache.

"Can you, like, I don't know, shut the fuck up, Brandon?" she muttered without even looking at him.

Brandon immediately shut his mouth, mumbling a quick apology.

Janice smirked. "That's better."

Mars exhaled deeply, trying to weigh her options. She hated the idea of being forced into explaining her private life to the world, but she knew Janice was right—if they waited long enough, the media would eventually move on. But Brandon also had a point: she couldn't keep dodging every question indefinitely, especially with public events coming up.

"I'll do one interview," Mars finally said, her voice quiet but resolute.

Janice raised an eyebrow. "One?"

"Just one. That's it. We say what we need to say, and then I'm done."

Brandon jumped at the chance. "I'll call up Rolling Stone."

Mars waved him off. "Fine, whatever. Just make sure it's not some hit piece."

The meeting wrapped up shortly after that, and Mars headed home, drained from the weight of it all. It was well past Zaine's bedtime by the time she unlocked the front door and stepped into the quiet of their house. She slipped off her boots by the door, moving as quietly as possible so she wouldn't wake anyone.

The house was dimly lit, the only sound the soft hum of the refrigerator and the occasional creak of the floorboards beneath her feet. Mars headed straight for Zaine's room, as she always did when she got home late. Peeking inside, she saw him curled up under his dinosaur-themed blanket, one small hand clutching the plush T. rex he never went to bed without.

Mars crouched down beside his bed, brushing a stray curl from his forehead. He stirred slightly but didn't wake. She kissed his cheek, whispering, "Boa noite, ursinho," before standing up and making her way to the master bedroom down the hall.

When she pushed open the door, Billie was already in bed, propped up against the headboard with a book in her hands. She looked up as Mars entered, her eyes softening with affection.

"Hey," Billie said, setting the book down on the nightstand. "You good?"

Mars hummed in response, not quite ready to talk about the stress of the day. She climbed onto the bed and wrapped herself around Billie, resting her head on her chest and letting out a deep sigh. Billie's fingers immediately began tracing soothing circles on Mars's back.

They lay in comfortable silence for a moment, the weight of the day slowly melting away in Billie's warmth. Mars inhaled the familiar scent of Billie's lavender shampoo, grounding herself in the comfort of her presence.

"You good?" Billie asked again, softer this time.

"Mhm," Mars murmured, her voice muffled against Billie's shoulder.

"Happy birthday," Billie whispered suddenly, a playful smile tugging at her lips.

Mars stiffened slightly, lifting her head to look at Billie in confusion. "Mm—what?"

Billie grinned. "It's midnight. Happy birthday, Marscello."

Mars groaned, realizing Billie was right. "Shit. I forgot my own birthday."

Billie laughed softly, brushing a curl from Mars's forehead. "That's okay. I remembered for you."

Mars gave her a tired smile. "Thanks, baby."

Billie leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Mars's lips. "What do you want for your birthday?"

Mars thought for a moment, her mind still foggy from exhaustion. "Sleep. Lots of sleep."

Billie chuckled. "I think I can make that happen."

They settled back into the pillows, Mars draped over Billie like a content cat. For a few minutes, everything was quiet and perfect. But then Mars's thoughts drifted back to the mess waiting for her in the outside world—the interview, the press, the relentless questions about Zaine.

As if sensing Mars's shift in mood, Billie spoke again. "Hey. We'll get through this, okay?"

Mars let out a slow breath. "Yeah. I know."

"And after my shows, we're going on that vacation we talked about. No cameras, no media, just us and Zaine."

Mars smiled against Billie's neck. "That sounds perfect."

"It will be." Billie kissed the top of Mars's head, her voice a gentle promise. "I've got you, Marscello. Always."

And for the first time in days, Mars believed it.

She closed her eyes, letting herself sink into the comfort of Billie's embrace, and for that moment, everything else faded away.