Chapter XX: May this never END

During a highly anticipated press conference, Antonnia stood before a sea of reporters, her expression a mix of resolve and vulnerability.

"Thank you all for coming today," she began, her voice steady but tinged with emotion. "I have an important announcement to make. After much thought and consideration, I have decided to take a hiatus from my career for the next two years to focus on my personal life."

The room fell silent, every ear straining to catch her words.

"I started in this industry when I was just 15 years old. For the past 15 years, I have dedicated myself completely to my career. I've given my heart and soul to my work, spending countless hours in training, performing, and striving to meet the high expectations set for me."

She took a deep breath, her eyes scanning the room. "I've worked tirelessly to achieve my dreams, and I am incredibly grateful for the love and support I've received from my fans, my team, and everyone who has been part of this journey. But now, it's time for me to take a step back and focus on myself, my health, and my personal happiness."

A murmur of surprise and concern rippled through the crowd, but Antonnia continued, her voice gaining strength. "This decision wasn't easy, but I believe it's necessary. I need this time to reconnect with my loved ones, to explore parts of my life that I've neglected, and to simply be me, without the constant pressure of the spotlight."

She smiled, a hint of relief in her expression. "I hope you all can understand and support this decision. I promise this isn't goodbye forever. I'll be back, stronger and more inspired than ever. Thank you for everything."

As the press conference continued, an interviewer raised a hand and asked, "Is your decision to take a hiatus connected to your love life?"

She took a deep breath, her expression turning serious. "Yes, my personal life has played a significant role in this decision. I believe in being honest with my fans and the public. My real girlfriend is a private person, and it's not the person rumored to be my girlfriend."

A ripple of surprise and curiosity ran through the audience.

"I respect her privacy, and I want to protect our relationship from the intense scrutiny that comes with being in the public eye. This time away will allow us to build our life together without the constant pressure and intrusion that comes with my career. I hope everyone can understand and respect our need for privacy."

With that, she nodded firmly, signaling her determination to prioritize her personal happiness and the well-being of her relationship.

Antonnia took a moment to compose herself, then continued, "I want to thank all of my fans for being there from the very start of my career. Your support has meant everything to me, and I wouldn't be where I am today without you."

She paused, her eyes scanning the room. "But in this world, we need love to inspire us to live fully. My love for my fans is deep and unwavering, and I owe my position to each and every one of you. However, the love I have for my girlfriend is different. It's a love that inspires me to be my best self, to push beyond my limits, and to cherish the moments we share."

The audience listened intently, moved by her heartfelt words. "She has been my rock, my source of strength, and the reason I strive to do my best every day. As much as I love my career and my fans, this love has given me a new perspective on life and what truly matters."

With a sincere smile, she concluded, "I hope you can all understand and support this decision. Thank you for everything, and I look forward to seeing you again in the future."

With that, Antonnia stepped back from the podium, her announcement hanging in the air as the reporters processed the news. She felt a weight lift from her shoulders, ready to embrace the next chapter of her life.

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Antonnia POV

I've returned home, my heart pounding with a mix of anxiety and excitement. As I stepped through the door, Michelle immediately wrapped me in a warm embrace. "I'm so proud of you," she whispered, tears of joy glistening in her eyes.

We shared a tender kiss, my feeling a weight lift from my shoulders. "I want to take a break, just the two of us," I said softly. "Let's go to our private farm for a vacation."

Michelle nodded, a smile spreading across her face. "That sounds perfect. We both need it."

Hand in hand, we began planning our escape to the peaceful sanctuary, looking forward to the time we would spend together, away from the spotlight and pressures of the world.

In the farm, we found solace in the gentle sway of a hammock, wrapped in each other's arms. The tranquility of the countryside provided the perfect backdrop as we exchanged kisses, our laughter mingling with the rustling leaves.

I looked into her eyes, a nostalgic smile playing on my lips. "Do you remember our first encounter?" I asked softly.

Michelle nodded, a fond smile spreading across her face. "Of course, I do. How could I ever forget?"

We reminisced about that first meeting, sharing stories and memories that had woven the tapestry of our love, cherishing every moment that had brought us to this peaceful retreat.
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Antonnia POV

In a flashback, I was enjoying a vacation in the Philippines, carefully disguised to avoid attention. Strolling through a bustling market, I suddenly bumped into a woman holding a camera.

Startled, I immediately thought I was being secretly photographed. With a scoff, I turned to the woman and said, "Do you want my autograph or something?"

The woman, taken aback, looked up from her camera, her eyes widening in surprise. "Autograph? No, I was just trying to capture the local scenery. I didn't even realize you were there."

l blinked, my initial irritation giving way to curiosity. "Oh, I see. Sorry for assuming. Are you a photographer?"

The woman nodded, a smile spreading across her face. "Yes, I am. I love capturing the beauty of everyday life."

I still intrigued by the encounter, decided to test the waters further. "So, do you know who I am?"

The woman looked at me calmly and nodded. "Yes, I do. But I respect that you're on vacation. It's not your job to entertain fans."

My eyes lit up with amusement and admiration. This woman wasn't fazed by my fame and seemed genuinely uninterested in exploiting it. She respected boundaries, which was a refreshing change for me.

"That's... different," I remarked with a smile. "Most people would be asking for a selfie by now."

She chuckled. "I figured you might want a break from all that. Besides, I'm more interested in the real person behind the fame."

My amusement deepened, my interest piqued even further. This was the beginning of something she hadn't expected but welcomed wholeheartedly.

I explained that I rarely met someone like her. "Most people around me, especially in my work, aren't genuine. They come and go," I said, my voice tinged with a hint of melancholy.

I was intrigued by her genuine passion, felt a spark of interest. "I'm on vacation, trying to keep a low profile. Maybe you could show me some good spots for photos, Miss?"

"My name is Michelle Dee by the way." she smiles with her eyes

We walked together to a beautiful spot, a hidden gem in the Philippines. Michelle pointed to the view. "This is my favorite spot. Isn't it beautiful?"

I nodded, but my gaze was fixed on her face. "Yeah, beautiful," I agreed softly, my eyes reflecting more than just the scenery.

And thus began our unexpected and fateful encounter, laying the foundation for a relationship that would blossom over time

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Michelle POV

At present, Antonnia and I decided to take a painting class together. We made a playful bet: whoever created the most beautiful painting would win a reward. I focused intently on my work, my brushstrokes confident and deliberate. Meanwhile, Antonnia was visibly anxious and nervous, her eyes darting between her canvas and me.

When it came time to present our work, I proudly displayed my beautifully detailed painting. Antonnia however, revealed her canvas with a flourish. Instead of a traditional painting, it bore the words "Will you marry me?"

My eyes widened in surprise. For a moment, the room was silent, then filled with laughter, applause, and happy tears.

I was a crying mess, tears streaming down on my face as I looked at the words on the canvas. When Antonnia knelt on one knee, holding out a ring, I choked out a joyful "Yes!"

Overcome with emotion, I helped her to stand up and kissed her deeply on her lips, sealing my answer with a kiss. The room around us erupted in applause, but in that moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the world.
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Antonnia POV

Cuddled together on the couch, Michelle and I watched the video of our proposal on a tablet. We weren't sure who had released it to the public, but it didn't matter to us. Some viewers were delighted by the news, while others were not as supportive. However, I was blissfully happy with my life now, too content to care about the negative comments.

As we watched, I tightened my arms around Michelle, a serene smile on my face. "I'm so happy," I whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. Michelle nodded, our fingers intertwined, both feeling a profound sense of peace and fulfillment.
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Michelle POV

As we continued to cuddle, Antonnia asked me with a playful glint in her eyes, "So, what do you want as a reward for winning our painting bet?"

I grinned mischievously. "I want you," I said, my voice teasing.

She laughed softly and replied, "Well, you already have me, but I guess I can be your prize again." She leaned in and kissed me tenderly, sealing her playful promise with a kiss.

I pinned her down and hovered over her, a playful glint in my eyes. "I want to claim my prize now," I said with a teasing smile.

Without another word, we made love passionately, savoring every moment together. The evening stretched into night as we lost ourselves in each other, our love rekindled and stronger than ever.
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Antonnia PoV

In a candid interview after a prolonged hiatus, I, sit down with a renowned journalist. As the interview progresses, I delve into my career, the challenges I faced during my break, and my plans for the future. The atmosphere is warm and engaging, with the journalist skillfully guiding the conversation.

Midway through the interview, the journalist asks about my personal life, hinting at the rumors that have circulated during my time away from the spotlight. With a serene smile, I lean forward and addresses the camera directly.

"I know there has been a lot of speculation about my private life," I begin, my voice steady and sincere. "I took some time off not only to focus on my health and my career but also to nurture a very special relationship."

I pause, allowing the gravity of my words to sink in. The room is silent, the audience hanging on my every word. "I am deeply in love with someone who has been my rock through all of this," I continues. "And today, I want to introduce her to the world."

As I speaks, the camera shifts to the side, revealing a woman stepping onto the set. Michelle is poised and elegant, with a calm and confident demeanor, and as she approaches, my face lights up with genuine affection. The journalist, momentarily taken aback, quickly regains composure and extends a warm welcome.

Michelle takes a seat beside me, and we exchange a glance filled with mutual admiration and respect. "This is Michelle," I say, intertwining my fingers with her. "She has been my greatest supporter and my inspiration. We've shared many private moments, and today, we wanted to share this with all of you."

The surprise appearance sparks a flurry of questions from the journalist, ranging from how we met to how we've managed to keep our relationship private. We answered candidly, revealing that how we met and quickly bonded over our shared values and interests. We speak about the challenges of maintaining privacy in a high-profile relationship and the joy we find in each other's company.

As the interview continues, I reveal one more piece of news. "During my hiatus, Michelle and I got married," I say, my voice filled with emotion. "It was a small, intimate ceremony, surrounded by our closest friends and family. It was the happiest day of my life."

The audience reacts with a mix of surprise and joy, the news quickly spreading across social media. Our openness and vulnerability resonate deeply with fans, marking a new chapter in my career and personal life. The revelation is met with overwhelming support and excitement, showcasing a powerful love story that transcends the spotlight.

Taking a deep breath, I looked into the camera and bravely announced, "I love her. She's the one who has been by my side through everything."

The room was silent for a moment, then Michelle, with a proud smile, added, "And I love her too. Her name is Antonnia Porsild, and she's my everything."

The audience erupted in applause, and the interviewer smiled warmly, acknowledging the courage and love that radiated from us. It was a moment of triumph, not just for us, but for love itself.
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Michelle POV

One sunny afternoon after her concert, Antonnia and I walked along the beach, our hands entwined. The sound of waves crashing was soothing, a perfect backdrop to our quiet conversation.

Suddenly, a group of fans approached us. Antonnia expected the usual barrage of requests for photos and autographs. To her surprise, the fans went straight to  me, asking for a picture.

I smiled, posing graciously with the fans. She watched, a proud and amused smile playing on her lips, as she saw me bask in the attention.

The scene was a testament to how far we had come, together and individually.
As the fans took their pictures, one of them turned to me and confessed, "You're so beautiful and cool. I think I might be in love with you."

Antonnia, hearing this, playfully pulled me into an embrace, declaring with a grin, "Sorry, but she's mine only. She's my wife."

I burst into laughter, my amusement echoing along the beach. The fans laughed along, delighted by our playful banter. Antonnia and I shared a knowing look, our bond stronger than ever as we navigated our unique journey together.

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Antonnia POV

As we sat together, watching the last rays of sunlight fade, we began to playfully banter about who was luckier.

"I think I'm the luckier one," I said with a smile, "because I met you."

Michelle chuckled, "No, I'm the luckier one because I get to be loved by you."

We laughed, the sound of our joy blending with the gentle crash of the waves. "I guess it's a tie," Antonnia conceded.

"Maybe it's not about luck at all," I said thoughtfully. "Maybe it was fate that brought us together."

She nodded, her eyes shining with love. "Fate," she agreed. We sat in silence, feeling the truth of those words wrapped around us, knowing that no matter what, we were meant to be together.

I leaned my head on her shoulder, sighing contentedly.

We sat in peaceful silence, watching the colors of the sky shift and blend, our hearts full and our hands entwined, knowing we had truly found our forever in each other.

Michelle turned to me, planting a gentle kiss on my lips. "I'm the grateful one," she replied softly, "to have you by my side, now and always."

"I love you so much," I whispered, "and I can't thank you enough for being there with me until the end."

With tears of joy in our eyes, we leaned in and shared a tender kiss, a symbol of our love and commitment.

As we pulled away, we whispered to each other,
                    "May this never END."
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A/N: Thank you for reading. 😘

Please check my other stories
          
           * The Story of Us
           * The Break up Mission
           * Hell and Heaven Love

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