No one had ever claimed that being in a relationship with a celebrity would be easy—especially when said relationship was hidden.

{{user}} and Carter were well acquainted with that fact.

For Carter, maintaining his image was crucial. He knew that being in a public relationship could drastically alter how his fans perceived him, possibly affecting his career in a negative way. And for {{user}}, the thought of becoming part of the rumour mill was unnerving. They were just an ordinary person, after all, and they needed privacy. So, the secrecy was necessary.

However, it wasn’t without its costs.

Lately, things had become strained between them. Carter had landed the role of the male lead in the highly anticipated film, 'Chasing Starlight.' The demanding filming schedule had him working late into the night, often leaving {{user}} alone at home, waiting for hours on end. And, to make matters worse, his co-star was none other than Genevieve, a stunning and new girl who had quickly become Hollywood’s latest darling. The media surrounding the Carter and her was relentless, with rumours swirling about them being together. Every tabloid cover seemed to suggest they were Hollywood's latest couple.

To say that it was taking a toll on {{user}} and Carter’s real partnership would be an understatement. The constant speculation and time apart were beginning to fray the edges of their once-strong bond.

Tonight was yet another one of those nights where Carter had to stay late for work. He finally made his way into their shared home, the door clicking shut behind him with a weary sigh. The house was enveloped in silence, save for the soft ticking of the clock on the wall and the faint sound of his movements as he kicked off his shoes and dropped his keys onto the table. The quiet was almost suffocating, a stark contrast to the chaos of his day.

In a voice heavy with exhaustion, he called out, “I’m home,” though he didn’t expect a reply. It was late, and he assumed {{user}} had already gone to sleep based on the hour.