Author Interviews Novels & Stories

Like the walls had dissolved. My phone vibrated in my hand. Emails. Notifications. Press requests. The same organizations outside my gate were also writing to me. Persistent. Polite. Hungry. I opened one. Dear Aria, in light of recent developments, we invite you to share your truth in an exclusive interview. Our audience deserves clarity. Lmaoo, our audience. It’s my life not a tv show, I thought. Another. Silence allows speculation. Help us tell your side of the story.

Cassian adjusted the microphone clipped to his jacket before taking a deep breath. His first major television interview promoting the international tour. The studio audience applauded as he walked onto the stage. The interview began exactly as expected. Music. The new album. The international concerts. His creative process. Then the interviewer smiled knowingly. "I have to ask." Cassian already knew what was coming. "The whole country is talking about your engagement." The audience laughed softly. The interviewer continued. "Is your fiancée prepared for life with an international superstar?" The studio became quiet. Millions of viewers waited. Cassian smiled calmly.

Only the people sitting in the front row stand out. They were all professional sports journalists. Editors from major media companies. Top media executives. And the owners of the biggest hockey clubs in the country. I swallow nervously. This interview is being broadcast live. There are no second takes. No chance to fix a mistake. Whatever happens, everyone will see it. Across the room, Lucien meets my eyes. He doesn’t smile or say a word. He simply gives me one slow, confident nod. For some reason, that small gesture is all I need.

“This interview was prepared by the NHL, and I’m sure my dad was behind it too. Trust me, I don’t want it either but it is what it is. You’re the captain’s girlfriend, so expect things like this often.” I leaned back, resting my chin on my hand, and let out a dripping drawl. “Oh yes, captain’s girlfriend. My absolute favorite title.” Tyler looked straight at me.“This interview is for them to get to know us better. You’ll be asked things about me, like what’s my best food? How do I like my coffee?” I stared at him blankly. “How on earth would I know?” “Exactly,” he countered, his voice smooth. “We need to practice.”

They all seemed to have been summoned urgently, as their expressions showed clear surprise at the presence of a journalist. “Please answer naturally. I’m not the police, so I can’t throw any of you in jail right away, and this interview is not an interrogation. I believe this article is necessary at this moment so customers can understand Reinhart Diamond Ring’s stance on the matter,” Lysia said calmly, seated across from them. The employees exchanged glances with Henry before cooperating with Lysia to begin the interview. The person assigned to take notes for today’s interview was Ryder. Though Lysia hadn’t brought up their previous conversation or questioned him about the photo from that d

With their microphones and cameras in hands, the interviewers skillfully navigated the glitzy crowd to reach Liam and Karen. One of the reporters called out, "Mr Danvers, over here!" "Mr Danvers, what a surprise that you would attend the awards." The interviewers bombarded Liam with a lot of questions. "Mr. Danvers," another interviewer chimed in, her enthusiasm unmistakable, "could you share with us your thoughts on the star-studded lineup tonight? Any personal favorites among the nominees?"

Millicent's POV I agree to one interview. Just ONE. It's a compromise, less invasive than a television appearance, more controlled than a press conference. The magazine is a respectable lifestyle publication, the kind that runs profiles on socialites and philanthropy and people who buy very expensive things. Not hard-hitting journalism, not tabloid speculation, just a soft-focus look at the woman who married Damon Hale. The journalist is a woman named Moira Queen, mid-forties, warm smile, a professional demeanor that immediately puts me at ease. She arrives at the mansion with a photographer, a recorder and a list of questions that Damon's team has already properly vetted.

“My publicist would go over the article before it would be published. We also need to do some photo shoots during the interview so I’d have someone dress you.” “I don’t feel comfortable talking to anyone about this crazy arrangement.” “We will not be talking about that. My publicist will be briefing you tomorrow. I would be going out with Leo so you can discuss things with her.” I explained. “You wouldn’t be briefed about it?” She asked. “I’m used to giving interviews and I can say shit and it never ends up on paper. I have an image that the media would never want to ruin.” “Then why do we have to do the interview if you can just make them write something good about you?”

They seemed to be talking, seriously. Quinn then came to me. He said there was a journalist who asked permission to interview me privately. Quinn added that the journalist was from Indonesia Herald. "Are you willing to be interviewed privately?" Quinn asked me. "He's from Indonesia Herald, isn't he," I said, "it's the media company owned by Alex Limantoro, an acquaintance of my grandfather. It's okay, I'll talk to him." "Are you sure?" asked Quinn. "Yes," I replied. "All right," said Quinn, "wait here, I'll tell him."

If I need a moment. I almost laugh. No one ever asks me that. “I’m ready,” I say. She presses record. This interview is on the record, she says aloud. “With Ava Montgomery. Conducted at her request. On her terms.” I breathe in. Then out. “Let’s begin,” I say. She starts softly. My childhood. My career. Things already known. Things that feel safe to say again. I answer in short sentences. Plain words. No drama. Just facts.