(3 weeks later)

"Welcome back to Wake Up California, Miss Sadler! How are you?" Julie asked. After all this time, she still knew how to be way too hyper for it to be so early in the morning. I was still half-asleep.

"Hi, thank you! I'm doing really well! It's great to be back!" I smiled,

"It's been awhile since we've seen you! Almost a year! How's your new album coming?" She began the interview.

"I know it's been so long! Well, this is my third album that I'm working on. It's set to be released on September 1st, so in a little over two months it will finally be out! We're adding the finishing touches now. Just getting it ready for everyone to hear!" I was really excited for this album.

"What's the music like? Are there any different sounds from what we're used to hearing from you?" She continued on.

"It's definitely more mature. The songs are very emotional and relatable. But, I did cut a few fun, dance songs, too!"

"Good, we all are ready to listen! Any news on when the first single will be released?" Julie edged towards her seat.

"Yeah, next week actually! So be on the lookout!" I wagged my finger at the audience, laughing.

"Ah, great! So exciting! Well, last time you were on the show, we talked about how Harry Styles had a little crush on you and now, you're dating! Tell us about that!" Her face lit up.

I laughed. "Well, he's absolutely amazing! We're doing really well!"

"Do you two get to see each other often though, with you both being so busy?"

"We make time for one another. Skype is a heaven-send. It can be tough sometimes, but we work through it. He makes me happy, so it's worth it."

"Oh, you're beaming! How precious! All thanks to Julie!” She flipped her hair over her shoulder.

“Any chance of a wedding soon?" Julie wagged her eyebrows.

"Well, if you're asking about any engagement, then no. We are not engaged." I smiled, part of me wishing I could have given her a different answer.

"I'll talk to Harry and work on that for you!" Julie laughed. "So, back to your album and career. Rumor has it that you're going to be taking a break? Can you tell us about that?"

"Yes, I am going to be taking some time off. This album will be my last for awhile. I just need time to take a break and spend time with family and just get my thoughts together. But I'm not leaving the industry for good. I hope to be back!"

"Aww, well as long as during that break there's a wedding, I don't think fans will be too disappointed." She laughed. "Coming up next, we're bringing out the summer's hottest styles! Thank you Leah for being here!"

The camera guys gave us the signal and the interview was over. Julie gave me a hug and I told Spencer goodbye and headed out the back door with a few body guards. Fans crowded the streets and I signed a few autographs and took a few pictures. Soon enough, the body guards had me in the private parking lot so I could be on my way.

“Thanks!” I waved at the body guards and then left the studio. I was ecstatic. I was going to start packing today to visit London next week.

I shouldn’t be packing so early, but I’m too excited! Whateverrrr.

Harry and the boys were almost through with the tour and I was going to be spending a week in London with them before spending my last two months in LA.

While in London, Harry and I were going to go shopping for his flat. He’d said we’d probably need to make it a little more feminine. Time together was much needed since it’d been a month and a half since we’d seen one another.

I flung open the front door and ran upstairs to start packing. I wanted to leave today, but that wasn’t possible with the signings and interviews I had set up for the next week.

I found my suitcase and began to plan outfits. My phone buzzed. It was Eleanor.

Hey lovely! I miss you tons! Can’t wait for you to be in London next week! I’ll be coming down from Manchester! Yay! Love you bunches! Xx

I quickly replied.

God, El. I can’t express how much I miss you! Can’t wait! Love you! Xx

I tossed my phone onto my bed and continued browsing my closet for things to take to London. While picking out shoes, I heard my phone buzz again.

Hey babe, I saw your interview this morning! Loved it! But, have you checked Twitter at all? Xx –Harry

My fingers tapped against the keyboard to reply.

Thanks baby! Love YOU! No, but I will. Everything okay? Xx

He sent one right back.

Everything’s fine. But prepare yourself. So called fans are talking about our relationship. Xx

I opened my Twitter app and scrolled through my mentions. Sure enough, people were bashing me and mine and Harry’s relationship. I read a few of the tweets. There were more bad than good.

Giving up a career for a boy? How pathetic are you?

LEAVE HARRY ALONE YOU BITCH! HE’S MINE AND YOU’RE NOT ALLOWED TO MARRY HIM. STICK WITH YOUR CAREER!

Why is Leah giving up her career? Harry will probably just leave her anyways. Poor girl.

My heart sank with the last one.

Do people really pity me? Taking a break from my career is going to make me happy, right?

I closed my Twitter app and spread out across the bed. I sent Harry another text.

Ouch.

He replied quickly.

Don’t listen to them, baby. You’re my world and all I want is for you to be happy. Xx

I didn’t reply to the last one. I hoped he’d meant what he’d said. If he left me, I would have nothing, and I would be absolutely crushed.

---

(1 week later)

I boarded the plane for London. I’d been uneasy all week. The hate wouldn’t stop. There were a handful of fans who supported me and my relationship with Harry, but those who disagreed were the ones who I seemed to listen to.

I’d been upset all week and Harry had noticed. He’d done everything he could to comfort me from an ocean away. I just couldn’t understand why my fans weren’t happy that I was happy. It almost made me hate my career – it made me want to run to Harry and never look back. But another part of me wanted to run to the fans and give them what they want after they’d given me the fame and all the success.

How could I let them down when they’d never let me down?

I put my headphones on and cranked up the music, hoping to drown out my thoughts.

After the long flight, and one long nap, I’d finally arrived in London. My big sunglasses and my fedora helped me to get into a taxi without being noticed.

I texted Harry to let him know I was on my way. He sent me back an aggravated text, because he’d wanted to pick me up. I rolled my eyes.

What a girl.

We pulled up to his gorgeous house and Harry met me outside to help me with my bags.

“You should have called to let me know you were at the airport!” He scolded.

“Why? I’m here safe and sound, aren’t I?” I grinned, handing him another bag.

He rolled his eyes and led me inside. My jaw dropped to the floor.

“I knew you’d be tired and hungry, so I wanted to pamper you.” Harry set my bags down and wrapped his arms around my waist, planting a kiss on my forehead.

“It’s beautiful!” I whispered, leaning into his muscular, sweet smelling chest.

Harry had the room dimly lit, with candles spread out. The table was set with my favorite dish of his – fajitas. I was beyond impressed.

“And there’s a hot bubble bath waiting for you upstairs after we eat.” He kissed my lips, tenderly. “I love you.”

“Harry, thank you so much! How did I get so lucky?!” I squeezed his cheeks and gave him a dramatic kiss, causing him to giggle. I let go of his face and we took our seats at the table to enjoy our romantic night together.

I was so mad at myself.

How could I ever doubt my decision to move to London with Harry? He’s perfect. He’s all I’ve ever wanted. This is right, I can feel it.

Notes