Chapter 1 - Lila's life

Lila's pov

I leaned back in my chair, scanning the surroundings. A few years ago, I never would have imagined my life like this. But here we are: the bright lights, eager cameras, and faint sounds of fans cheering outside.

Let’s take a quick report into history. It all began two decades ago with the Catalyst Event—a cosmic anomaly that caused genetic mutations in the people. Suddenly, your next-door neighbor could fly, or your Son could shoot fire. Talk about a glow-up!

The Global Hero Coalition (GHC) was formed by the government to combat the rising crime rates and chaos that followed. Fast forward to today, and we have a bunch of superhumans running around. Some folks love them, some hate them—especially when you’re stuck in traffic because the “Golden Hero” is busy saving the day while the rest of us are just trying to get to work.

Enter The Prime Order: the first group of heroes formed by the GHC tasked with tackling the chaos. With great power comes great responsibility—or so they say as charge large fees for action figures .

And here I am, caught in this world of pretend. As a doctor married to Alexander Kane A.K.A. Alex, A.K.A. Hyperion, the leader of The Prime Order and the world’s number one hero. Lucky me. If you think my life is a never-ending adventure filled with romance, think again.

Because when your husband is saving the world, he isn’t home for dinner. Neither does he remember to celebrate your birthday or your wedding anniversary.

I was brought back to reality as Hyperion,my husband leaned into the microphone.

“Next question!” He grinned, flashing that dazzling smile that could charm anyone.

A reporter in the front row adjusted her glasses and leaned forward. “How would you describe your relationship with your wife?”

“Lila and I have an incredible relationship built on trust, respect, and love. She’s my greatest support. None of this would be possible without her.” Hyperion’s voice said, a rehearsed line I’d heard many times.

I smiled—partly because I felt I had to and partly because, well, what else was there to do? Inside, I rolled my eyes. Trust? Respect? Love? If only he’d actually been around to show any of it to me.

The crowd erupted in applause, their adoration pressing down on me. But they had no idea about the reality behind those perfect smiles.

“Yeah, I’d say our relationship is... perfect,” I replied, trying to match his enthusiasm. “He’s a busy guy, and I get that. The world needs him.”

The reporter nodded, scribbling in her notepad like she was uncovering the greatest scoop. Hyperion’s hand found mine, a quick gesture for the cameras, and I squeezed it out of habit, forcing the smile to stay on my face.

“You must feel so proud of him, Dr Kane,” the reporter said, her eyes sparkling. “Being married to a hero... it must be incredible, right?”

Incredible? More like exhausting. But I kept that part to myself because heaven forbid I ruin the show.

“Yeah, incredible,” I echoed, forcing a smile that felt more like a mask.

Meanwhile, Alex smiled in the spotlight,It was impressive how well he played the part of the number one hero, like a character in a well-scripted drama.

“Dr Kane,” another reporter chimed in, her voice eager. “As a doctor, how do you handle the pressures of your husband’s career? Does it ever affect your work?”

I felt heat rise in my cheeks but quickly stopped it with a bright smile. “It can be challenging, sure. But I believe in his mission, just like I believe in my own. Saving lives, whether on the streets or in a hospital, is what we both do.”

“Doesn’t it get lonely?” she pressed, her eyes glinting with curiosity.

Lonely? That was an understatement.Some people dream of fairy tales, but I dream of an evening without a supervillain crashing our plans.

“Sometimes,” I admitted. “But I know he’s out there making a difference. It’s a sacrifice we both make for the greater good.”

Alex nodded, his hand clasping mine. The cameras flashed, capturing our ‘perfect’ moment. I could practically hear the clicks of social media posts being drafted—#HeroCoupleGoals, #RelationshipGoals. I’d love to see them try living our life.

The reporter continued, her enthusiasm unyielding. “What do you do when he’s not around?”

“Catch up on my favorite shows. You know, regular doctor stuff,” I quipped, leaning into the sarcasm. “Maybe even save a few lives in my spare time.” A few chuckles rippled through the crowd.

But beneath the laughter, frustration swelled. I was a doctor yet here I was, playing the role of a joker to all thanks to my husband.

As the interview wrapped up, the applause filled the room, and I plastered on my best smile.

Alex took the moment to lean closer, whispering, “Great job, Lila.” His breath smelled faintly of mint.

“Thanks,” I replied, though I could feel the tension in my stomach. “Can we get going now?”

“Of course,” he said, but the distant look in his eyes told me his mind was already shifting to the next crisis, the next hero duty.

The crowd was still buzzing, but I could see the glimmer of excitement in Alex's eyes as he scanned the room. Then, without warning, he swept me up into his arms, lifting me effortlessly from my chair.

“Time for a little dramatic exit!” he announced, a playful grin spreading across his face. My heart raced with thrill as he launched us into the air, the world below shrinking away.

We flew out of the interview space, the bright lights and cheers fading into the background. Hyperion held me securely, and for a brief moment, I let myself enjoy the feeling of flight—the rush of wind against my face.

But as we glided over the city, I felt at peace . Below us, the streets sparkled with city lights, and I could see people stopping to snap photos of us.

Alex landed gracefully on the balcony of our penthouse. “Welcome home, my love!” he declared, sweeping his arm wide as if to showcase the entire city beyond us.

“Thanks,” I replied, forcing the words through clenched teeth. “But we need to talk about last night’s dinner. You were supposed to be there.”

“I know, and I’m sorry,” he said, his tone light, but I could feel the tension brewing beneath the surface.

“Sorry doesn’t cut it! You always put the world first, and I’m left waiting around like an afterthought,” I shot back, frustration boiling over.

He ran a hand through his hair, the familiar gesture signaling his irritation. “It’s not like that, and you know it! I’m saving lives out there!”

“Then how about saving our marriage?” I retorted, crossing my arms. “I’m tired of being married to a hero who doesn’t have time for me. I need you here, not just for the cameras.”

Just then, he tapped his earpiece, and his expression shifted. “I’ve got a call,” he said, his voice suddenly all business.

“See? This is what I’m talking about! You’re always plugged into that thing!” I exclaimed, frustration spilling out. “Can’t you take a break for once?”

He sighed, eyes focused on the call. “It’s important. The GHC needs me.”

“Of course they do,” I shot back, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “You’re their golden boy.”

“Lila, I can’t just ignore them! There are people who need my help!” he argued, his voice rising.

“And what about what I need?” I pressed, my heart pounding. “I’m not asking you to stop being a hero; I just want you to be my husband!”

Alex's gaze softened for a moment, but the silence hung between us. He took a deep breath, the tension thick in the air. “I promise I’ll make it to our anniversary dinner on time. Just give me a chance.”

With that, he stepped closer, wrapping his arms around me in a tight hug. I felt the warmth of his body, the familiar comfort that came with being in his embrace. He kissed my forehead, and for a moment, I allowed myself to soften.

“Let me fly you to your shift,” he said, his voice low. “I’ll make it up to you, I swear.”

I pulled back, searching his eyes. “Just go. I know you have something to attend to.”

He leaned in, capturing my lips in a quick but tender kiss. “I’ll be there, honey. I promise.”

As he stepped back, I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. “Just don’t make me wait again, okay?”

“Never,” he replied, determination etched in his features before he took off into the sky, leaving me standing on the balcony, heart heavy with uncertainty.