Lyndsey's POV:

I had barely made it through the front door before the grocery bags were scattered across the kitchen counter. Out of habit, I turned on the television for background noise while I unpacked everything. The room filled with the low hum of daytime entertainment as I moved through the kitchen on autopilot.

I was holding my gluten-free bread, halfway into the pantry, when a familiar, overly enthusiastic voice cut through the noise.

"Welcome back to Hollywood Life! I'm Ali Stagnitta, and wow do I have the scoop for you."

My hand froze.

"We all know about Niall Horan's new single, 'No Judgment,'" she continued, "but what we didn't know is that it appears Niall may not be single anymore."

The bread slipped from my fingers and hit the floor.

I didn't even notice.

I ran into the living room, my heart pounding as I stared at the television screen.

"Niall Horan was spotted earlier this week wearing a white shirt, blue jeans paired with a brown belt, and—of course—sunglasses," Ali said.

I swallowed hard.

"Now, while we may have some questions about Niall's fashion choices," she added with a smirk, "the girl he was with absolutely stole the show."

My breath caught.

"The mystery redhead was seen wearing blue jeans, a white top, and a long light-pink cardigan perfectly matched with her heels. Not only does she clearly have incredible style, but she also managed to stay anonymous. As you can see, she kept her sunglasses on the entire time the two of them were out together."

The screen cut to grainy footage of us walking side by side.

Of me.

"So who is Niall Horan's new girl?" Ali teased. "That's the question everyone's asking."

"Catch you next time on Hollywood Life."

The screen faded to black.

I grabbed the remote and shut the TV off, the silence in the room suddenly deafening. My pulse roared in my ears as the reality of what I'd just seen crashed over me.

We'd been photographed.

I'd been photographed.

I sank onto the couch, my hands trembling as I pulled out my phone and dialed Sara's number.

She answered on the second ring.

"Hey, girl," I said, my voice barely steady. "You need to watch Hollywood Life's latest story on Niall. Right now."

There was a pause. Then another.

"Oh my God," Sara finally breathed. "Lyndsey... you were caught by paparazzi."

"I know," I said, letting out a shaky laugh. "I know."

"How are you feeling?" she asked carefully.

"I'm in shock," I admitted. "I always knew Niall was famous—like, world famous—but I never actually let myself think about what that meant for me. I never thought I'd be part of it."

"It's a lot," Sara said softly. "Are you okay with everything that comes with it?"

I hesitated.

"Not really," I said honestly. "But at least they don't know who I am. And..." I exhaled slowly. "I think I care about Niall way too much to turn back now."

"Aww, Lyndsey," Sara said warmly. "Besides, if anyone watches that clip, the only thing they'll notice is how badly you outshined him. And technically, no one knows you're actually dating."

I laughed, tension easing just a little. "Thanks, Sara."

"Anytime," she replied. "Call me if you need anything—day or night."

After the call ended, I sat there for a moment longer, staring at my dark phone screen. Then I stood and made my way back into the kitchen, stepping over the forgotten loaf of bread on the floor.

"Oh my God," I whispered to myself.

"This is real."

I paused, my heart racing.

"I'm dating a celebrity."