The press conference was at noon, and the excitement was palpable. Claire stood in front of the mirror in her tiny apartment, trying to smooth out her blazer. Her hands shook, and she didn't recognize the person staring back at her.
This wasn't how she imagined starting her event planning business or her life. Ethan's words echoed in her mind. The burden of her family's debt pushed her to take his offer. Now, she was about to step into the spotlight and face everyone's judgment about their unusual deal.
Ethan wanted them to announce this together. He thought it showed teamwork and meant this partnership was about more than just money. But standing there, she felt different. She never planned to marry for business, yet here she was, bracing herself for the world's opinion.
She checked her phone, buzzing with messages. One was from Mia.
Mia: Claire, are you sure about this? It's not just about money, right?
Claire sighed and hovered her finger over the screen. She wanted to confess everything—the worries, the doubt. But how could she say it without sounding like she was just making excuses?
She typed back quickly:
Claire: I don't know, Mia. It's complicated. I'll be okay.
But even after hitting send, she didn't feel okay. She wasn't sure who she was anymore. She had gone from wanting a fairytale wedding to signing a legal paper to secure her future.
"Ready?" Ethan's voice pulled her from her thoughts. He stood in the doorway, blocking the light. He had a strong presence, and she felt small next to him.
She nodded, her heart racing. "As ready as I can be."
Riding the elevator down felt like it took forever. Ethan stood beside her, calm while her heart raced. The press conference was in a fancy hotel ballroom, and reporters were already waiting.
As they entered, cameras flashed. Claire's mind went blank with all the attention. The room was packed with people, some curious, others eager for details. It felt surreal—as she had walked onto a stage, she never wanted to be on.
Ethan stepped up to the microphone. "Thank you for being here. I'm with Claire Thompson. We're starting a partnership to help her with her business and let me fulfill my commitments. This is a professional arrangement based on respect."
Claire stood beside him, her hands clasped in front, feeling dizzy. She wasn't sure how to react as the press began murmuring questions.
A reporter spoke up, "Mr. Blackwood, is this a marriage of convenience, and Ms. Thompson, how do you feel about marrying for business?"
Claire's stomach flipped. She wasn't ready for this. The spotlight made it hard to breathe.
Ethan jumped in before she could reply. "This is what it looks like—a partnership. It benefits us both. No need for rumors."
But she could sense the control in his voice. He was used to this world—where deals matter more than feelings.
Another reporter shouted, "But Claire, are you okay with this? You're marrying a man you don't love for business. Doesn't that bother you?"
Claire's heart raced. The question felt too personal. She wanted to bolt from the lights and curious stares, but she couldn't. This was her choice, now laid out in front of everyone.
She turned to the crowd. "This is an opportunity. I'm taking a risk, like any businessperson. I'm not here to share my personal life. This is about my future and my family."
Her words were a shield, protecting herself from questions she didn't want to answer. But inside, she felt the weight of a lie. Was she actually okay with this? Was this the chance she dreamed of, or was it a choice she'd regret?
The reporters kept firing questions. Ethan answered confidently, while Claire stayed silent, lost in her thoughts. She was caught in a moment with no escape.
As the conference wrapped up, Claire felt heavy with pressure. Ethan placed his hand on her back as they left, but it felt distant. The buzz of the announcement faded, replaced by the reality of her life becoming public and messy.
Everyone would watch her now, judging her choices and wondering if she made the right ones. Claire couldn't help but question it too.
With each step, the uncertainty grew. What had she signed up for?
As they exited the hotel, reporters rushed toward them, voices blending into a jumble of questions Claire couldn't answer. She glanced at Ethan, wondering if he felt anything at all. His calm face revealed nothing.
Inside, Claire felt different. The scrutiny was just starting, and she had no clue how to handle it.
Her life and decisions were no longer just her own.