Liam's P.O.V
The day had arrived. The press conference was scheduled for 10 AM, and I stood in my penthouse, staring at the city skyline. The weight of the impending storm hung heavily in the air.
Emma had agreed to play the role of my fiancée, but I could sense the hesitation in her voice every time we talked about it. I didn't blame her; this was uncharted territory for both of us.
I took a deep breath, running my hands through my hair as I tried to shake off the anxiety. The media circus surrounding me was relentless, and my ex-girlfriend's accusations had only intensified the scrutiny. I had to take control of the narrative before it spiraled further out of my control.
Deep down, I was wrestling with more than just the threat of a media storm.
I felt the shadows of my past closing in on my fear of being painted as the villain again, the feeling of betrayal from someone I once trusted, and the gnawing doubt that my own shortcomings had led me here.
I was determined to prove them wrong this time, but a flicker of uncertainty lingered.
What if my attempts to regain control only made things worse?
What if I couldn't shield Emma from the fallout?
Suddenly my phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, I connected the call.
"Any news?" I asked.
"Yes sir, we found something on him and it can be used as an advantage."
"Good. Is the location all set?" I asked, rubbing my temple slowly.
"Yes sir, all set. But…there's bad…"
"Speak." I interrupted him.
"The canes pulled out, saying they can't work with us"
"Reason?" I questioned.
"They gave none." I sighed at his reply.
This was going too far and it had to be stopped immediately.
Whatever game Lucinda is trying to play, I'll be 4 steps ahead of her.
I hung up and stared into space, awaiting Emma.
Emma entered the room, her expression a mixture of determination and uncertainty.
"Are you ready?" she asked, glancing at her reflection in the window.
"Ready as I'll ever be," I replied, forcing a confident smile.
"We'll address the allegations head-on. Just remember, we're in this together."
She turned to face me, her brow furrowed.
"Liam, what if this backfires? What if people don't believe us?"
I stepped closer, closing the distance between us. "Then we'll handle it as it comes. I need you to trust me."
Emma nodded slowly, but I could still see the worry in her eyes. "I do trust you. It's just… this is a lot to take on."
"It is," I agreed. "But we can't let fear dictate our actions. I need you by my side."
As we prepared to leave, my phone buzzed with a notification. I glanced at the screen, and my stomach dropped. A new article had just been published, detailing my ex-girlfriend's latest claims. She had been interviewed and was painting me as a manipulative liar, twisting every detail to fit her narrative.
"This isn't good," I muttered, handing the phone to Emma. She scanned the article, her eyes widening. "You need to address this now, before it gains traction"
I clenched my jaw, frustration bubbling beneath the surface,
"That's exactly what the press conference is for. I'll set the record straight."
As we arrived at the press conference venue, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation.
Reporters milled about, microphones and cameras at the ready. My heart raced as I stepped onto the stage with Emma at my side.
"Liam, how do you respond to the allegations made by your ex?" a reporter shouted, and I felt Emma tense beside me.
I took a deep breath, prepared to speak.
"I want to address these allegations directly. They are not true…"
Before I could complete my sentence, a commotion erupted in the back of the room. A woman rushed forward, her eyes blazing with fury. "You think you can just lie your way out of this, Liam?"
My heart sank as I recognized her. It was my ex-girlfriend, the source of my troubles. Emma instinctively stepped back, her expression shifting from confidence to shock.
"Get her out of here!" I commanded, my mind racing. The chaos threatened to spiral out of control.
As security moved to escort her out, she raised her voice, "You can't hide the truth! I have evidence that will ruin you!"
The words hung in the air, chilling me to the bone. I glanced at Emma, who looked just as stunned as I felt. The press was alive with excitement, cameras flashing, recording every moment of this impending disaster.
I had to regain control. "This isn't over," I said, my voice steady despite the storm brewing inside me.
"I'll expose the lies, and I will prove my innocence."
The room erupted with questions, and I forced myself to meet Emma's gaze.
"Are you with me?" I asked, the weight of the world on my shoulders.
"I'm with you," she said, her voice laced with determination.
"But honestly, if this is your way of asking me to play pretend, you could have picked a less dramatic script. I didn't sign up to be your backup when your past comes charging in like a bull."
I managed a smile despite the gravity of the situation. Emma's sass was a reminder that, while I was fighting my battles, I wasn't alone. "You know I'd rather do this without any family drama."
"Yeah, well, it's a little too late for that. Just remember, I didn't sign up to be your punching bag, either." She looked around, her fierce demeanor returning.
"Let's give them a show they won't forget."
Nodding, I felt a surge of resolve. This wasn't just about my reputation anymore. It was about Emma too, and I would do anything to protect her from the fallout of my past.
As the press conference continued, the realization hit me hard, my struggles and fears were intertwined with Emma's future.
I wasn't just fighting for myself; I was fighting for us, and I was willing to take on whatever storm lay ahead.