Murmurs can be heard in the hall. Geoff stood still on the stage, probably thinking whether he should stay where he is now or follow Erica to comfort her. In this situation, I should feel happy and proud because I am gradually having my revenge, but why do I have the feeling that the people present in the hall are looking at me like a villain?
Holding Colin's hand in one hand while holding the trophy on the other hand, I couldn't help but to look down. I have to avoid stares of those people seated on their seats. Colin still looks so relaxed. I'm not sure whether he could sense the judging eyes glaring at us.
A little later, Geoff decided to get off the stage as well. I guess he couldn't stand to be in the same place with me. After he left, all the awardees with their partners took pictures. I had to force a smile not to look awkward in photos.
As we get back our seat, some reporters approached Colin.
"Mr. Andrews, can we have a short interview? We just have a few questions." One reporter said.
Colin stopped walking and smiled at the reporter. I, however, had to pretend to be busy by looking at the stage. The lights are now turned off and a singer was called to perform. I couldn't go back to our seats since the reporters are blocking the way.
"How do you feel about getting this award for eight consecutive years, Mr. Andrews?"
"It's always an honor of course, and this is something that I'm always thankful for. I will never get used to the feeling of being called on the stage and being presented with the award."
"Do you have new plans or projects that we have to look forward to?"
"That's a surprise. My team will be letting you know once the projects are already decided."
"Can we ask some private questions, Sir?"
"Sure, as long as it's not offensive."
"Can you please introduce to us the lovely woman behind you?"
"Oh, of course." He then looked at me and smiled. "Honey, they want to know you." He guided to stand beside him. "This is my wife, Jessica Myers. I can consider her as my saviour, to be honest."
"Isn't she the ex-wife of Mr. Geoff Han, Sir?"
"Oh, about that. I think you already know that the answer is yes, and as you've said, he was the ex-husband. I think we should focus on the present. She is now Mrs. Colin Andrews and I will do everything to protect her."
"How about her daughter, Sir? Please don't get me wrong. Mr. Han has always expressed how much he wants to have his daughter and that he was not given a chance to meet her?"
"About that, my wife has reasons why she and her daughter came to hiding. We will all present those reasons in court since I'm planning to adopt her to be her legal father. I think since this becomes a public interest, you will get to know the full story once this matter has been filed in court. If you will excuse us, we want to enjoy the rest of the evening. Thank you." Colin ended the interview with a smile. The reporter looked puzzled after the interview. He started writing some notes on his notebook and left.
"Are you really planning to adopt Athena?" I asked Colin after we were seated.
"Of course. Sorry if I didn't tell you my plan but my lawyers are already looking into the matter. We have to make sure that Geoff will not oppose it. Anyway, his name is not written on Athena's birth certificate."
"I don't want my daughter to be exposed in the public. She is too young to be the topic og rumor."
"Don't worry. I think we have to expose your story without Athena. As you can see, people think you're the one who cheated on your ex-husband. Probably some would think now that you're also the reason why I and Lara separated so we also have to do what Geoff has done before."
"Is that really necessary?"
"I guess so. Don't worry, I'll handle everything. Just watch. I will let you have your revenge. I still can't accept that someone gave you all those suffering."
I can't help but worry for me and Athena. I have been protecting her for the past years and our lives have always been private since we moved to Marshville. I'm thinking whether being introduced as Colin's wife is a good move or not.
People in the hall still glare at me, like I'm some kind of a criminal. I could see some of them whispering to the person beside them after examining me from head to foot. I never expected people to like me or accept me but I also never expected that they will look at me this way. I guess that's what Erica wanted so she left the stage. She wanted people to sympathize on her. And I suddenly remember something.
"Colin, people don't know that I'm already divorced with Geoff, right?"
"Yes, dear. The reported didn't ask anything about it so I guess they thought the two of you are still married. We don't need to worry about that. I'm sure reporters will ask that to your ex-husband. He can choose to be quiet or tell others about it. You don't need to worry, really, I have everything under control. I have the paper he signed for the divorce and he signed it to get more deals from my company. If he says something that I don't like, then I will let everyone know about the deal." He said with a smile.
"Do you think people will stop looking at me like a bad woman?"
"Haha! I never told you my plans, sorry. I actually wanted to surprise you. Can't you wait until tomorrow? You're so impatient." He said still smiling. How could he look so relax while I'm already panicking?
I stopped asking him questions. I want to fully trust him but the thought of having my daughter talked about by people makes me so worried. I can't forgive myself if Athena is dragged into any of this.
After about 30 minutes, Colin and I decided to leave. We decided to just head home directly instead of our original plan which is to have dinner in a hotel. I lost my appetite and all I wanted now is to go home and be with ny daughter. Colin didn't insist and I could sense that he wanted to tell me something but chose to be quiet.
"Can I sleep beside Athena tonight?" I asked Colin.
"Are you mad at me? Don't you trust me?"
"It's not. I fully trust you. I just can't stop worrying about her."
"She is also like a daughter to me and believe me when I say I will do everything to protect you and her. I can't help but feel disappointed knowing that you don't trust me. I know it's my fault not telling you about my plans but please, can you wait until tomorrow morning?"
"I trust you. That's true. I haven't slept beside Athena since we moved here. Can't I do that sometimes?"
"Okay, you can do that. Let's talk tomorrow." Colin said and headed for our room. I went to Athena's room. She is now sleeping soundly. She has gotten used to sleeping by herself and she loves her own room. I wanted to hug her but I'm afraid I would just wake her up so I went to the bathroom, took a shower and cried. I thought I already forgot about all the fears I have for my daughter but now, everything seems to come back. The fear that I have now is not only with the possibility that Geoff can get her but also with other people who can judge me and say nasty things about my daughter. That is something I cannot tolerate.
...
The next day, I was awaken by Nancy who seemed so excited. She is now in Athena's room and walking back and forth.
"What's happening?" I asked her, still feeling sleepy. I barely slept last night because of worrying.
"You have to see the news. Your ex-husband is the talk of the town today!"
"What news?!" I started worrying again.