#softlispoken

She was a quiet individual. Her thoughts, ideas, passions, and inspirations often cast away in the treasure box called her mind. Expressions of emotions jailed behind soft lips he often tried to pry open. She was a quiet individual, and that's what drew him toward her.

She was a lot like him in many ways. At times she found it difficult to speak when anxiety suffocated her like warm hair in a sauna. Eye contact made her nervous as she found it to be "too intimate" with anyone outside of her husband. There were good days and there would bad days, but the growth was commendable.

A bad day came sooner than she would have liked. Premiere day was one that she dreaded. At that point, she'd have to come out of the shadows and the world would have a face to match with the title "Austin Butler's wife." She was fine with no one knowing who she was, that meant no one could bother her. However, she could only go so long with being faceless and nameless.

She'd never been to Paris before and the trip came quicker than she expected. From dreaming of buying a purse in the YSL store (which she had the privilege to do), to riding in the slickest of limos seated next to her husband of just over a year.

He was a beautiful man, both inside and out. Gentle and calm, polite and honest, warm and attentive. Everything she desired in a partner, she found in him and she couldn't be more grateful for that.

He turned his head after catching her heavy gaze. Austin's left hand moved to rest on her inner thigh, the coolness of his wedding band against her warm skin causing her to jump. He massaged her flesh with his thumb.

"You look stunning, love." He leaned over to kiss her neck gently. "Absolutely stunning." She'd been dressed by Cartier for the evening in a floor length gown with a thigh slit going up the left leg. The dress was a deep blue-purple to match the small flower on his chest. Her shoes were silver as well as her jewelry. She typically wore her hair in a bun, however, it'd been pressed and framed her face beautifully.

"You alright, baby?"

The corners of her lips rose to produce the most convincing smile she could muster. She saw the twitch of his brow and the restraint on his face. He wanted to ask why she was lying about how she felt, she could tell. But, he didn't want to push her.

"Mhm. You let me know when you wanna tell me how you're really feeling."

The doors to the limo opened before she could fix her lips to respond. She inhaled deeply as she turned her rings around to calm her nerves. The cheers were heard from excited individuals when Austin came into view. They only got louder when she was fully out of the car.

"And here we have it, actor Austin Butler has arrive with who we are almost certain is his wife." Multiple reporters spoke into microphones and earpieces as they were ushered to the carpet. Her grip around his hand tightened, causing him to pause.

"You alright? We don't have to walk right now, if you don't want to..."

"No, no, it's okay. A little nervous," she admitted. "I'm okay." She gave a reassuring nod and squeeze of his hand before allowing him to lead the way to the carpet. She wondered if they could tell that she was ready to collapse from all that was going on.

The yells and hollers, flashing lights, jeers and boos. How did he deal with it? How did anyone deal with it? She felt his hand snake around her waist and rest on her bottom. "Almost done, baby, you're doing great."

She met his eyes with a nervous smile. "Mrs. Butler!" Her name being called captured her attention. "Tell us--how did you and your husband meet?"

"Coffee shop in Australia during filming," she managed to answer sweetly. "Mid to late 2019, I'll say." "What attracted you to him? His looks or his occupation?" Her eyebrows furrowed. "Was he an opportunity to put your name out there as an attorney?"

She was taken back. Taken back, angry, confused, and embarrassed. They tried to make her out to be a gold digger. Not a woman who worked damn hard in her profession to make it where she was. She needed no help from no man.

"Excuse me?"

"I don't know what you're trying to get at here," Austin interrupted boldly, anger bubbling within him. This was exactly what he feared--a lack of respect for his wife.

"The whole gold-digger assumption is outdated and ridiculous. A woman can be successful without the help of a man. I have nothing to do with her success, it was all her. I just support wherever she needs me to. I won't let you belittle my wife for the sake of a good story to take back to your boss. Talk about me all you want, I'll be damned if you come for her."

"Let's go, sweetheart."

They trailed further toward the end of the carpet. She stopped him though, resting her hand on his chest and bringing her blood-stained lips to his ear.

"Thank you, honey. I appreciate you defending me."

Austin smiled and pulled her closer by her waist, letting his hand drop further. "I always got you...and I'll have you later when this dress is off." A soft giggle fell from her lips as she tipped her head back. She kissed his lips gently and she felt her nerves washing away.