Cassie zips her bag up, sighing with the effort.

She has been away from home for a month, and with the tour finally over, she was glad to be home, to feel the warm breeze of Oceanside on her face.

Except she wasn't home. She was sleeping on Nora's couch, her friend gladly let her stay the night until she could go back to her place. Cassie expects today would be the day.

When Cassie dreamed of becoming an artist, she pictured crowds singing to the lyrics of her songs, people screaming her name. She fantasized of how awesome it would be to known, but especially, how freeing that could be for her.

In her innocent mind, being famous was equal to being successful on what she was doing. It was having the liberty to actually do whatever she wanted, because now, people would respect her, respect her career.

And damn, she was wrong about that.

On their second week on tour, her numbers of followers on Instagram started to grow. People now knew her name, and wanted to know more about her, and as a recommendation from their agent, she started to post more photos, with the band, her mom, even Peaches had her share on Cassie's feed. Everything was going fine, until Jake, Luke's brother left a comment saying how proud he was of his sister in law. Then, things went shit.

Cassie still doesn't know how it happened, but people found out about her marriage with Luke. And worst, they did a little dig deeper and discovered that he was in prison, and the reason why he was incarcerated.

Clueless to what was happening, Cassie started to see her name popping up on pages like Buzzfeed and TMZ. The headlines, the worst thing she could ever read. And not listening to Nora's advice, she started to read some of those stories.

Some of them were bad, calling her names, racists comments demanding her to go back to where she belonged to even though she was an American citizen, to stop stealing from their government. At one moment, she just had to turn off her phone. Growing up, she had heard those kind of insults before, but instead of what she thought, they never grow old. They sting, just like it did the first time she heard them.

Days later, the nice articles started to come out, pointing out the highlights of their story. About how broken the country's health care system was, that people had to get married in order of not dying – Cassie made the mistake of sharing a bit of routine about living with diabetes on her Instagram and people guessed she had benefited from the wedding too. Articles about what people do to survive, not having enough money to keep going were out there too.

Then, they found out she was still visiting Luke in Pendleton, and none of them had filed for divorce. They started to pay more attention to her songs, realizing they were love songs about their relationship, and people went crazy. Her Instagram was filled with comments of fans saying how much they admired their relationship, their resilience to not give up on their marriage when things got hard.

People had strong feelings about her and Luke, and to her surprise, most of them were good.

But things had escalate really fast, and their record label was not happy about the bad publicity, even though their numbers were growing on every streaming service, so Cassie had to put out a statement. She hated every word of it, despising the feeling of having her whole life exposed like that, on words pre approved by their record label.

Focusing on the good, like their agent said, Cassie began by saying their relationship didn't start with the right way. They got married days after meeting for the first time, because between of the strong feelings they had for each other, love was among them, close to the need of being with each other. Every single day was a challenge, like she thought every marriage should be, but in the end, they loved each other. The whole conviction thing was a misunderstanding and she couldn't wait to go back home e be with him.

Cassie hated it. But their agent said the right words could do some magic and they could turn the situation to their beneficial. Cassie knew what that meant, full exploration of her life, milking as much money as they could from it, preaching about their love story as the imperfect and real relationship of nowadays.

She knew he was right. With the cards played right, she could go big with this story, after all, everyone loves a good lovestory, they said to her. But she just couldn't.

She wanted to be known for her art, her music, not for her scam marriage that had gone wrong. Besides, she already had to share her most vulnerable part of herself with the world. Cassie wished, that at least, to keep Luke to herself.

Not to mention how unfair it was for The Loyal, her band's work not receiving the credits they deserved.

So on interviews, which started to happen near the end of the tour, she would keep to herself, letting Nora and other band mates answer the questions. And when the interviewer had some directed at her, they had to be pre approved by her, or else she wasn't answering any.

When The Loyal ended their last opening show, Cassie thought the nightmare would end. She was thinking about taking a break, focusing on new songs and herself. But that dream didn't last, because as soon as the taxi that drove her from the airport neared her apartment, Cassie saw paparazzi waiting outside. Somehow they got word she was coming home today and she wanted to strangle the person responsible for that.

She texted Nora right away, asking if she could crash at her place, at least for that night and the blonde said yes, letting her take the couch.

Cassie takes a big breath, something she has been doing a lot recently, she noticed.

"Hey, you got everything?" Nora asks coming in to the room, to sit next to her on the sofa.

She nods, looking around to see if she missed anything. Her back was stiff from the couch but at least she had a place to stay last night. "Yeah, I guess"

"So what's the plan here? You're going back to your place to see if the paps are gone?" She asks crossing her ankles on the coffee table.

"Actually, I thought about going to Pendleton now. See Luke, and then, to my house. I'm just praying those stalkers are gone, I still have to go to Jake's to pick Peaches up" Cassie comments suddenly feeling tired.

"Jake is the one from the Instagram comment, right?"

"Yes" she grits out, thinking about what could be avoided if Jake had just kept his fingers out of her damn photos.

"Hey, don't be mad at him" Nora slips closer to her, nudging her ribs "It was not his fault. We were getting big, someone would find out about your marriage at some point and we would end up in the same situation" she reasons.

Cassie sighs. "I know, I know. But right now, every aspect of my life is out there, for anyone to see and I can't even go to my house or pick up my dog because my privacy is gone. I guess I just need someone to blame and he's the easy target"

"I get it, but maybe you can blame yourself too" her blonde friend suggests and she huffs.

"Thanks, Nora"

"You're welcome, honey" she replies ironically. "I'm sorry, Cass, but you had to know this was going to happen someday, or you were so pessimist about our band that you didn't think we were going to get famous?"

"No, I wasn't" Cassie groans "Are you still mad at me for not telling you before?"

She decided to come clean to her friend the day after the Hollywood Bowl, not able to hold the information for herself any longer.

Nora got mad for being in the dark for so long, but the feeling didn't last, especially because her friend needed her. The first few days after Luke's imprisonment were not easy for Cassie.

"You know I'm not, I get it, you did what you had to do. And less people knowing about it the better" she let Cassie lay her head on her shoulders "I'm on your side, girl. But just like you, I'm trying to be realistic. Your life is not the same you had a month ago, face it, Cass"

Cassie groans, covering her face with her hands. "What am I going to do?" Nora pats her thigh, feeling sympathy for her. "Oh my God. Luke. Luke is going to hate me"

"He's not going to hate you. The guy went to jail for you. He loves you, so calm down"

Cassie tries to repeat like a mantra in her head. He loves you. He loves you. He loves you.

"You don't have to tell him today, he still has some months left, right?"

"Three" she says on automatic "And yes, I have. I already asked Jake and his dad to not mention anything to him, I want to do it myself"

"Then I'm sorry for you"

"God, Nora, you're really not helping"

"I can help you" Nora offers "You can stay here until the buzz die down and call Jake, asking him to keep the dog for a few more weeks, since he was the culprit of this" Cassie laughs, lowering her hands to her lap "And it will be nice to have a roommate. As long as you try to keep your things organized and finally shows me the songs you've been hiding from me"

"Not now, Nora. We were having a nice moment right there" Cassie tries to change subject and her friends let it go.

"Fine" she concedes "Just keep your shit to yourself, considering this is a small living room, and we're good"

"Deal" Cassie lifts her hand to shake Nora's, sealing their agreement. "Now that has been dealt with, go see your Prince Charming. I bet he's dying to see you" Cassie stands up, deciding to follow Nora's council.

She takes a cab to Pendleton, since she left her Subaru at her mom's house, and goes through the same process she's already used to do to see Luke. Except, when she passes her ID, she's sure the guard is looking at her differently.

Freed to go, Cassie sits on the uncomfortable chair, fidgeting. She tries to practice a nice and chill expression for when Luke gets there, but she's too nervous for it.

All she could think was how Luke was going to freak out when she tells him he was famous now.

And he wasn't wrong. Being famous was a shitty thing to wish for. She knows that now. She hears the familiar sound of metallic doors opening and Luke's face appears.

His hair is longer than it was a month ago, near his ear, and she already has a joke or two on about it on her head. He opens a smile the second he spots her and she can't help but do the same.

He sits, reaching for the phone with a soft laugh. "Hey, rockstar"

"Hi, Luke" she greets warmly. Today, more than any other, she craved his touch, his hug, to feel his arms around her. She clears her throat, putting her feelings aside. "So I'm gone one month and suddenly I'm married to a hippie" she nods to his hair.

"Hey, watch it" he warns pointing his finger at her "I'm trying a new style. Kyle, from two cells over thinks I look cool"

His seriousness makes her laugh. "I'm pretty sure Kyle is messing with you"

"I think you're just jealous about my hair and my friendship with Kyle"

"And I think someone got overconfident while I was away"

He huffs. "I have to. I'm a married to a famous singer, didn't you know?"

She raises her brows. "I didn't. She sounds awesome"

"She is. Super talented with an amazing voice. Bet you've heard of her. In fact, you've probably heard one of her songs. Most of them are about me because I'm such a good husband. I'm her muse" he continues with a smug smile.

"Lucky girl" she says wanting to slap that smile off his face.

"Lucky me" he replies and she fights her urge to roll her eyes. "I've missed you"

His tone is soft and Cassie can feel that he meant it.

"I know, I've missed you too" she admits.

"It was weird, not seeing you every week"

She nods. "I get the feeling. It felt wrong, I don't know how to explain"

"But it was worth it, right? How was the tour? Did you like it?"

His questions make her freeze on her seat. "It was nice. Didn't Jake tell you anything?"

"Only that you were rocking it. And that we own him a new couch, Peaches ate his"

Cassie rolls her eyes. "The heck we do" she mutters.

Luke frowns. "Are you okay? You look bothered by something"

She takes a deep breath, gathering her courage. "We need to talk"

"Oh... I don't like the sound of it"

"And you're not going to like what I have to say either" She can seeing him widening his eyes.

"Now I'm scared"

She sits straight. "So, in the middle of our tour, Jake left a comment on my Instagram, something about me being his sister in law. I already had a ton of people following me and they saw that comment, which led to people finding out about us"

"You're serious?" he questions, clearly not believing her.

"Unfortunately, I am. If you put Luke Morrow on Google you will find your photo next to mine, along with a few articles accusing us of robbing the government, or discussing America's health care system or saying about how beautiful our lovestory is"

His shocked face is hilarious but she holds her laugh, aware that was not the time.

"Oh" That's what he says after a few moments in silence. "We are not getting Jake a new couch"

She shakes her head. "No, we are not"

Cassie takes a moment to watch his face when he keeps quiet. "How are you feeling? I know this is a lot to digest" she asks carefully.

"Do they know everything?"

"Not everything. They know you're in jail, that you admitted to entering in a fake marriage with me because of the benefits. And I don't know how, but they found out I'm still visiting you and that we're still married so most of what is being said on the internet is assumptions, but some them are right"

"Oh my God" he audibly exhales.

"I know, it's a lot" she cringes with his reaction. "And it gets worse, they know my address now. There were paps all over the block when I got home yesterday. Nora's letting me stay at her place for a few days until the buzz dies down, which I hope it will be soon"

Luke groans. "Do they hate us?"

"Surprisingly, no. At least most of them. There are a few haters but they're the minority. Apparently we are America's favorite couple. The two lovebirds fighting against the system"

"Really?" he asks skeptical.

She nods. "I guess we just have one of those friendly faces, which makes it easier for people to fall in love with us. I mean, with the longer hair you look practically like a golden retriever, maybe Peaches's brother"

"Very funny. And stops mocking my hair"

"Maybe her cousin, since you're not adorable as she is" she continues like he didn't say anything.

"Cassie"

She raises her free hand as a surrender. "I'll stop. I'll try, at least. But I can't make any promises, this is stronger than me"

"Cassie, can you please just focus for like five minutes?" he pleads and she feels bad, noticing how shaken he looks.

"Sorry" she apologizes "I had more time to sit on this than you did. You're still in shock"

"Yes, I am" he says exasperated. She keeps to herself, biting her lip so she doesn't say anything wrong. "God, this is getting way bigger than I thought it would. It's out of control now"

She slips her hand closer to glass, itching to touch him. "I know, but it's not as bad as you think, I guess"

"Our lives are exposed for anyone to see and you can't even go home" Luke sighs "I'm sorry, Cass, I never meant to drag you in to this"

His words makes her stop. "You're sorry? Luke this is not your fault. It was my idea to get married, remember, not yours"

"I was the one that admitted to the judge our farse. I'm the incarcerated one, I can ruin your career by just being married to you"

"Luke, I say that with respect, but shut up" she snaps "One, you did that to save me. We both know I could be charged then I would be convicted too. We both would be in jail and I wouldn't have a career right now. So second, you didn't ruin anything for me, you gave me the opportunity to move on with my dream" she counts "If anyone should be saying sorry, it should be me. It's because of me and my music that we're in this situation"

"Hey, don't ever apologize for being successful. You deserve this. You just don't deserve the stress that comes with it"

"Yeah, but this is my whole concern. Things can get worse, especially if my career takes off the way I want it to. And you didn't sign for this, Luke" she says tired, rubbing her forehead.

She lowers her gaze, missing the concerned look he gives her.

"Cass, why don't you tell me what are you afraid here?" he asks softly and she lifts her eyes, staring at his furrowed brows.

"Luke –"

"Come on, give me your worst" he encourages her.

"I'm actually afraid of everything" she confesses, laughing a humorless laugh. "We have this amazing thing going on between us, and I'm actually living my dream, becoming the artist I want to be. I guess... I'm just waiting for the other shoe to drop" she shrugs.

Luke sends her a sympathetic smile, pressing his palm on the glass, like he was touching her face. "I'm sorry to disappoint you, Cinderella, but it wont"

She chuckles, teary-eyed. "Oh my God, Luke, that was terrible. I bet this is Kyle's bad influence on you" she jokes, trying to dissipate the tension.

"You don't even know, Kyle"

"If that guy is telling you to keep that hair, you shouldn't be friends with him. Bad influence" she states pointing her finger to his hair.

"I'll try to keep my distance from him but I think I'm stuck with him for a few more months"

"Three" she corrects him right away. "Ninety more days"

"But who's counting, right?" he teases and she rolls her eyes. Cassie mimics his position, pressing her hand on the glass too, right where his was.

She takes a minute to watch, their skin almost touching but still separated by a thin wall of glass.

"Do you promise?" She whispers, scared of breaking the moment.

"What?" he whispers back.

"That the other shoe won't drop?"

"I promise I'll try my best to avoid it happening. As I'm sure you will too" he replies and she can feel the truth in his voice.

It's not the answer she wanted, but it was the answer she needed to hear.

"Thank you"

"You're welcome, Cass" he winks at her "I love you"

"I love you too" she pouts "Can you say that again? I missed hearing you say those words"

He chuckles. "I can, but you have to stop mocking my hair if I decide to keep it that way"

Cassie curls her lips. "I don't think that's going to happen" she admits making him huff. "You sound like Nora, you two and your impossible requests"

"I knew I liked her. As soon as I get out of here, you have to properly introduce us. I bet she knows some interesting stories about you" he muses and she rolls her eyes. Luke and Nora were probably better kept apart. "What are her demands?"

"She offered me to crash at her place on two conditions. One, keep my things in place, and two, show her the songs I've been working on"

Luke makes an excitable sound. "So you do have new music! Cass, this is incredible! I admit I was starting to get a little worried. Why didn't you say anything before?"

"Because I was trying to keep it quiet for now" she whines. "Nora only found out because she just has this need to mess with my things whenever she's bored, and now she keeps annoying me about wanting to hear it"

"How many new songs?"

"Five"

She was still finishing the fifth.

"Any about me?" he inquiries

"Maybe two. It could be about Peaches too, I'm not really sure"

"They're about me. I guess two is a good number" he narrows his eyes. "And why she can't hear them?"

Cassie leans forward, as if she was telling a secret. "You don't remember what I said to you three months ago? Because I stand by what I said, and I still want you to be the first to hear my songs, even if it means letting you see my most vulnerable side, and trust me, it's not something easy for me"

Luke blinks a few times, clearly speechless. "Wow" is all he manages to speak.

Leaning back against the chair, she crosses her legs, enjoying the feeling. "See? I am a good wife too"

He chuckles, nodding. "The best. And I can't wait to hear them when I get out of here, unless you want to give me a preview?" he suggests raising his eyebrows but she shakes her head.

"No, I prefer to do it in person"

"So in three months?"

"Three months" she agrees. Liking the light mood, she uses their pause to stare at his face, paying attention to every detail, like she does everytime she feels their time is running out. "Will you still wait for me, commando?" she asks, using the same question he does every now and then to her.

It brings a smile to his face, recognizing her move. He knows that today, she's the one needing his reassurance and not the other way around like usual.

So he puts on his serious face, staring at her brown eyes. "You bet it, Salazar"