My Husband Is An International Idol

The final applause echoed through the grand ballroom as the Étoile International Charity Gala drew to a close.

Guests exchanged farewells beneath glittering chandeliers while photographers captured one last round of portraits. World leaders, celebrities, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists slowly dispersed into smaller groups, continuing conversations that would likely shape future partnerships.

Matthew glanced at his watch before turning toward Chris.

"Come with me."

Chris looked up.

"Now?"

Matthew nodded.

"A few influential business leaders are holding a private reception upstairs."

Amanda smiled knowingly.

"They specifically requested to meet you."

Chris frowned slightly.

"I thought the gala was over."

"It is," Matthew replied. "But events like this never truly end."

He rested a reassuring hand on Chris’s shoulder.

"If you’re going to inherit everything one day, these relationships matter as much as concerts and business meetings."

Chris understood immediately.

This wasn’t another celebrity gathering.

It was preparation for becoming the future head of the St. Claire family.

"I’ll come."

Matthew smiled proudly.

"Good."

Chris instinctively searched the ballroom for Liliana.

She was standing near the center of the hall, surrounded by diplomats’ wives, charity organizers, and fashion executives who continued congratulating her on the evening’s success. Every attempt to approach her was blocked by another guest asking for a photograph or conversation.

He checked the time again.

Matthew and the others were already waiting.

Unable to reach her, Chris took out his phone and quickly typed a message.

Lily, I have to attend a private reception with Dad. It’s important for the company. Go back to the hotel with Emily and Nathan first. I’ll return later. Don’t wait up.

He pressed send.

The message was delivered.

Satisfied, Chris slipped his phone back into his pocket before following Matthew toward the private reception.

He never knew that Liliana’s phone had completely run out of battery nearly half an hour earlier after countless photographs, congratulatory messages, and interviews.

The screen remained dark inside her evening clutch.

The message would never be read.

As Chris reached the entrance leading toward the private reception, a familiar voice called his name.

"Mr. St. Claire."

He turned.

Ruby Grey approached with her usual graceful confidence.

"I was hoping I’d catch you before you left."

Chris smiled politely.

"Good evening, Miss Grey."

"My father is here tonight."

She glanced toward an older gentleman speaking with several influential figures.

"He’s been looking forward to meeting you."

Chris recognized the name immediately.

The founder of Grey Atelier. One of the most respected designers in Europe.

"It would be my pleasure."

Ruby smiled warmly.

"Wonderful."

She naturally walked beside him as they headed toward the reception hall.

At that exact moment, Liliana finally managed to excuse herself from another conversation.

She looked around instinctively, hoping to find Chris. Instead, he saw him walking away beside Ruby Grey.

The two disappeared through the large double doors together.

Liliana stopped walking.

A strange heaviness settled quietly inside her heart.

She reminded herself that it was work.

Nothing more.

Ruby was his business partner.

Still...

For reasons she couldn’t explain, she suddenly felt very alone.

"Liliana?"

She looked up.

Alexandre Laurent stood before her with the same gentle smile he had worn throughout the evening.

"I hope I’m not interrupting."

She smiled politely.

"Not at all."

"I wanted to thank you again for the last dance."

"It was lovely."

"The honor was mine."

Alexandre glanced toward the palace windows overlooking the illuminated streets of Paris.

"The city looks beautiful tonight."

He hesitated briefly.

"Would you allow me to show you a little of it?"

Liliana blinked.

"I’m sorry?"

He smiled reassuringly.

"Not as a private date."

"As your host."

"Our security team will accompany us."

"There are a few historic landmarks nearby that are breathtaking after sunset."

"I think every first-time visitor deserves to see them."

Liliana instinctively searched for Emily.

Or Nathan.

Or Chris.

None of them were nearby.

The President himself happened to notice the conversation and smiled.

"Alexandre knows Paris better than anyone."

"I’m sure he’ll make an excellent guide."

Several officials nodded in agreement.

Diplomatic etiquette left very little room to refuse.

Rejecting the President’s son’s courteous offer in front of so many international guests could easily be misunderstood as disrespect.

Liliana smiled graciously.

"Thank you."

"I’d be honored."

Alexandre’s expression brightened.

"I promise not to keep you out too long."

Within minutes, a discreet presidential security convoy was assembled.

Two escort vehicles moved ahead while another followed behind.

As they left the venue, flashes from waiting photographers immediately illuminated the night.

"That’s the President’s son!"

"Who’s with him?"

"It’s Liliana Sterling!"

Cameras fired continuously.

The photographs spread across social media almost instantly.

Inside another wing of the palace, Chris was introducing himself to several influential businessmen.

Matthew quietly observed his son from nearby. He was pleased. Chris handled every conversation with confidence, humility, and remarkable maturity.

The young man who had once focused solely on music was beginning to look like the future chairman of the St. Claire empire.

Meanwhile, miles away, Liliana looked through the car window as Paris unfolded before her.

Golden lights reflected across the Seine. Historic bridges glowed beneath the night sky. The Eiffel Tower sparkled in the distance, illuminating the city like a beacon.

"It’s beautiful," she whispered.

Alexandre smiled.

"Paris has a way of making people fall in love with it."

Liliana nodded softly.

"It really does."

She never realized how those words would sound from outside the car.

Across the street, a freelance entertainment photographer happened to recognize her.

He immediately raised his camera.

Click.

Click.

Click.

Several photographs captured Alexandre opening the limousine door for Liliana.

More showed them walking side by side along the riverside with presidential security maintaining a respectful distance.

The images looked elegant, respectful and completely innocent.

Yet photographs never told the whole story.

By sunrise, those pictures would circle the world.

And somewhere inside the palace, Chris, busy talking to Ruby and photos were taken as well, still believed his wife had safely returned to the hotel with Emily and Nathan.

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