Chapter 15 Public Meltdown Syndrome （PMS）
Arielle learned two very important things that morning.
First: never trust a peaceful morning after a chaotic date.
Second: if a Cross man says “let’s keep it low-key,” run.
She was still in her pajamas when the noise started.
Not shouting.
Buzzing.
Her phone vibrated on the bedside table like it was possessed.
Once.
Twice.
Five times.
Ten.
She groaned, rolling onto her back.
If this is another group chat, I swear—
She picked it up.
And froze.
TRENDING #1
#ChairmanCrossDating
#CrossFamilyDrama
#CelebrityMomGlowUp
“…What.”
She sat up so fast she almost gave herself whiplash.
Her notifications exploded.
Manager.
Assistant.
Director.
Makeup artist.
Someone she blocked three years ago.
Oh no.
Oh no no no.
THIS is PMS.
She clicked the first link.
A video played.
Her.
Lucian.
Holding hands.
From last night.
Zoomed in.
Stabilized.
Enhanced.
The caption read:
“Chairman Cross spotted on secret date with wife after years of cold marriage. Trouble in paradise—or reconciliation?”
Arielle dropped the phone onto the bed and stared at the ceiling.
I asked for peace.
The universe said: “No .”
Golden Retriever Panic Mode
She hadn’t even changed when—
Knock knock knock.
Rapid. Urgent. Familiar.
Lucian’s voice followed.
“Arielle—please open the door.”
She squeezed her eyes shut.
Why is he here this early.
WHY does he sound anxious.
Why does my heart care.
She opened the door.
Lucian stood there, hair slightly messy, sleeves rolled up, phone in hand, looking like a man who hadn’t slept.
“I’m sorry,” he said immediately.
That was his opening line now.
“I didn’t realize there were reporters outside,” he continued quickly.
“I should’ve been more careful. I’ll handle it.
I promise.”
He stepped closer.
Too close.
She stepped back.
He stopped.
Golden retriever instincts fighting for survival.
Arielle crossed her arms. “You ‘handle it’ by trending worldwide?”
He winced.
“I deserve that.”
She tried not to smile.
Failed.
Lucian noticed.
His eyes lit up like he’d just been rewarded.
Oh no.
He’s learning my tells.
Before she could respond—
“Good morning, Mom.”
Four voices.
In unison.
She turned slowly.
All four sons stood in the hallway.
Fully dressed.
Fully alert.
Fully offended.
Rhett held up his phone. “Care to explain this?”
Darian’s jaw was tight.
“You said it was just dinner.”
Zayden scrolled silently.
“The footage suggests otherwise.”
Emrys tilted his head.
“Father, you’re trending.”
Lucian straightened.
“I am aware.”
Rhett scoffed. “Congratulations.”
The Press Ambush
They barely made it outside before chaos erupted.
Cameras.
Flashes.
Reporters calling names.
“Mrs. Cross!”
“Chairman Cross!”
“Is this a reconciliation?”
“Are the divorce rumors false?”
“What about the White Moonlight?”
Arielle froze.
WHY would they say that out loud??
Lucian stepped in front of her immediately.
Protective. Solid.
“No comments,” he said firmly.
Rhett blocked one camera.
Darian shielded her side.
Zayden signaled security.
Emrys held her hand.
Arielle blinked.
…Why am I being escorted like royalty?
One reporter shouted, “Mrs. Cross, how do you feel about Chairman Cross suddenly becoming affectionate after years of distance?”
Arielle’s mouth opened.
Lucian stiffened.
The sons tensed.
Arielle smiled.
“Oh,” she said sweetly.
“People change.”
That was it.
That one sentence exploded the internet.
Sons vs. Golden Retriever
Inside the car, chaos resumed.
“You’re enjoying this,” Rhett accused.
“I am not,” Arielle replied automatically.
“You smiled,” Darian said.
“That was strategic,” she argued.
Lucian glanced at her, hopeful. “It was nice, though.”
Four heads snapped toward him.
“Don’t encourage her,” Zayden said flatly.
Emrys hummed. “Mother seems… radiant lately.”
Lucian’s lips curved.
The sons noticed.
They did not like that.
Arielle’s Realization
Later, alone in her room, Arielle scrolled through comments.
Supportive ones.
Hateful ones.
Curious ones.
And then—
Edits.
Her.
Smiling.
Laughing.
Walking confidently.
…
When did I start glowing?
She sighed.
This was supposed to be my quiet arc.
Why does it feel like I’m entering my main character era again?
Downstairs, voices argued.
Lucian insisting on “another date.”
The sons rejecting the idea violently.
Arielle smiled to herself.
…Maybe chaos isn’t so bad.
Her phone buzzed again.
A message from an unknown number.
Unknown: We need to talk. You’ve changed.
I don’t like it.
Arielle stared at the screen.
Her smile faded.
…Oh.
So PMS isn’t over yet.
Author’s Note ??
HELLO MY CHAOTIC LOVES ????
THIS is PMS at its peak:
Media explosion ??
Golden Retriever Lucian apologizing for breathing
Sons in full protective mode
Arielle accidentally becoming hotter by minding her business ??
?? Comment if you laughed at the sons’ jealousy
Vote & FOLLOW so I keep writing FUNNY chapters
?? Next chapter: second date sabotage OR White Moonlight retaliation?