30. Will
“How bad is it now, Anthony?” I asked as I paced around my room.
“Well, to be honest, Miss Elizabeth seems to be taking most of the hit, and that is sad but good for the business.”
“Excuse me?” I retorted almost immediately, anger rising within me.
“I’ll advise you to take that back immediately. Elizabeth is my fiancée, and she doesn’t deserve to take the hit for an error that I made.”
“I’m sorry, sir,” Anthony said, bowing his head immediately.
I waved a hand, dismissing the issue as I thought of what to do next.
“And the lady who wrote the blog post?”
“Not reachable still, sir.”
“How about the blog post?”
“The team is working hard to have it taken down, sir.”
I let out a sigh as I pondered what steps to take next, particularly to alleviate the hate and attention focused on Elizabeth.
Lydia called to inform me that they were at her place because of the load of reporters stationed in front of Elizabeth’s house. Rubbing my forehead, I looked out of my floor-to-ceiling window. I couldn’t help but wonder why we were facing all of these challenges just a day into us getting back together. Was life really intent on separating Elizabeth and me? Couldn’t we just love each other without all of this drama? I could only imagine how she felt, especially after reading all of those comments online. Even the few I read online were enough to push me into considering legal actions against all parties involved in using negative language and statements against my fiancée.
“I’ll ensure the team handles this properly, sir. But if I may suggest, isn’t it best that the contract between you and Miss Elizabeth is called off now? I mean, this will be the best time to do so.”
I looked at the man I referred to as my right-hand man and immediately felt annoyed in my spirit.
“Are you being serious right now?”
“I just thought I”d suggest, sir. I mean, it would be best so as to preserve our image in the sight of our clients.”
“So that’s all that matters now, right? The business?”
“Well, sir, I’m only doing what you’ve always asked me to do—putting the interest of the business at heart.”
At that moment, it hit me that he was right. That used to be the kind of man I was—one who only cared about figures and money. But now, I was different. I had met Elizabeth, and she had changed me.
“Well, I’m glad to inform you that I’m actually realistically engaged to Elizabeth,” I announced abruptly before gesturing for him to leave. I didn’t want to hear any of his apologies or “words of advice.” What I needed now was a solution to the current situation. As I thought hard, an idea suddenly struck me. I needed to tell the whole world. I needed everybody to know that Elizabeth was mine and that I loved her. Making up my mind, I immediately dialed Anthony.
“Yes, boss.”
“Invite all the media personnel, journalists, reporters—everyone. Have them gather in our main hall,” I instructed.
“Sorry if I may ask, what for, sir?”
“I’m going to be holding a press conference.”
“A press conference, sir?” Anthony asked in disbelief.
“I believe I did not stutter. Invite them all. By four p.m., we go live, so they need to hurry,” I said before dismissing him, trusting him to do the needful.
Since they were prying into a relationship that was none of their business, it seemed prudent to provide them with the information they were so eagerly keen to obtain.
After a few minutes, Anthony walked back into my office to inform me of their arrival.
“Good. I’ll be with them shortly,” I said as I prepared a few key things I needed to say.
To do this, I would have to start from the beginning, telling the truth all the way. I mean, what’s the best way to start a clean slate of a relationship if not based on the truth? After all, it was their rumors that got me here in the first place. The only good thing was if they had not done that, I would never have had this thing I had with Elizabeth.
So, all in all, I was grateful for all that had occurred up to this point. But now, it was high time I set the record straight, ensuring everyone got the memo that Elizabeth was my fiancée and soon-to-be wife.
With my thoughts properly put together, I took a deep breath and downed the rest of the water in my cup before walking out of my office. I could feel the stares of my employees on me as I walked past them and down to the hall where all of the reporters were now gathered.
As I was about to step in, I felt Anthony grab my hand.
“Sir, I still think this is not a good idea.”
“Well, I don’t remember asking you what you think,” I said, and with a single look, I saw that he knew best to get his hands off me.
“Sorry, sir.”
I adjusted my suit before walking boldly into the room. Immediately, the reporters sprang into action, their cameras clicking away, filling the room with noise. I stepped up to the podium and adjusted the microphone before addressing them with assurance.
“Thank you for coming. I know a majority of us already have an idea why we’re here. Rest assured, I’ll be addressing all the rumors that have circulated since morning. However, I must say that I don’t appreciate all of the hateful comments that have been directed at my wife-to-be, especially considering the fact that I’m the one here at fault, and she’s the one who deserves apologies.”
“Are you confirming that the rumors are true? Did you truly cheat on your fiancée with some old fling?” one of the reporters threw the question at me, and of course, I was ready for this.
I went on to explain to them that, at first, the news of my engagement to Elizabeth was fake and merely a charade. Therefore, technically, I had not cheated or done anything wrong. However, we were now officially a couple, and we would not tolerate any hateful comments directed at us.
As expected, my revelation about the fake relationship stirred up the room. With questions coming from all directions, I chose to address only those that required clarification, disregarding the rest, who were only seeking gossip.
“With all that said, I want to officially apologize to the love of my life, Elizabeth. I don’t know if you’re watching or listening to me right now, but I hope you are. I love you so much, and I’m so glad all of these happened because they have made me realize how much I love and cherish you. I never want to live life without you, and once again, I’m sorry for the pain and hurt that you must be dealing with at the moment. I can’t wait to see you this evening.”
On that note, I exited the stage, leaving all of the reporters behind with their million questions that never seemed to stop.
“Well done, sir. That was well said and put together,” Anthony said as he handed me a face towel.
“Well, thank you. Now, please clear up my schedule for the day and make a reservation at The Seed for seven p.m. I’d like to take Elizabeth out for our first public date as an official couple.”
“Noted, sir. Have a wonderful day ahead.”
“And you too, Anthony,” I said as I went back to my office, cleared up for the day, before exiting it and down to the parking lot.
I quickly texted Elizabeth to prepare for our date at 7:00 p.m. I also reached out to Lydia, asking her to work her magic. I wanted my wife-to-be to look even more beautiful than ever before.
As I drove out of the parking lot, I could tell the internet was in an uproar, but I couldn’t care less. What mattered most was saving my relationship, and now that was all sorted.
As I reached home, I excitedly freshened up and hastily decided on an outfit suitable for a night as special as tonight. Finally, I settled on a very expensive suit that I had custom-ordered from Italy by a renowned fashion icon. I set it out, knowing it was the perfect piece to wear.
There was just a joy within me as I anticipated seeing the love of my life in a few hours from now. In no time, I was out of my home again and on the road, driving over to Lydia’s house to pick up my date. Upon reaching her home, I parked my car and walked up to the door. I rang the bell and waited a few seconds before Lydia opened the door.
“Hey, lover boy. I saw what you did earlier today. That was a good one.”
“Of course, only doing what I ought to do,” I said, looking around but not seeing any sign of Elizabeth.
“Umm . . . where is my wife-to-be?” I asked, both impatient and curious.
“You just wait a moment. She would be out soon,” Lydia said before turning to see her. “Oh, there she is.”
I immediately looked up. As my eyes met with Elizabeth’s, I felt a surge of electricity flow through my body, taken aback by the beauty that stood in front of me. One I had never beheld in my entire life. How is it that Elizabeth had always been there, yet I never once considered the possibility that she was the one for me?
“Hey,” Elizabeth said shyly, with a soft smile on her face.
My eyes continued to linger on her body, tracing her curves, her lips, her eyes, her nose, and every single detail.
“Umm . . . hi, wow, you . . . umm . . . you look so beautiful,” I stuttered as I managed to say what I had on my lips.
“Thank you,” Elizabeth responded as she looked at me shyly.
“Cough, cough. Could you guys leave already? I need to lock my door.”
Elizabeth chuckled at Lydia’s statement, causing me to melt from within as I watched her smile and laugh so beautifully.
“Come on, shall we? Before Lydia throws us out.”
“We shall.” Elizabeth locked her arm through mine before we said our goodbyes to Lydia.
I opened the door for her and assisted her into the front seat. After closing her door, I hurried over to the driver’s seat.
“Set?”
“Yup!”
On that note, I began the ride, filling the car with sweet songs from my stereo. The ride was silent yet so peaceful and calming. It confirmed to me that Elizabeth was my sanctuary.
In no time, we reached the restaurant, where a porter welcomed us as soon as we pulled in. As we were led to our reserved spot by a waiter, I could see the amusement and surprise on Elizabeth’s face. She clearly did not expect to be brought to a place as grand as this.
“Will, isn’t this too much?”
“For who? You or me?” I joked, reminding her of who she was dating.
“Nice one. But you know I would have appreciated a small date, too.”
“I know, but I want to spoil you, to give you an elaborate life. Is that too much to do as your fiancé?”
“Well . . .”
I proceeded to hold her hand as I looked her in the eyes. “Look, I have no doubt that you’re the one for me, and I want to treat you accordingly. I want to take care of you because you’re my world.”
“Will . . .”
“Look—”
“No, you listen to me,” Elizabeth insisted as she held my hand with her other hand.
“I love you, too, and I love how you’re taking care of me. I saw what you did earlier, by the way, and I appreciate it. But I don’t need a lavish lifestyle. I’m okay with what I have with you.”
“Elizabeth . . .” I felt my heart ache as we held on to each other’s hands dearly.
“Thank you for everything, and I’m excited at what the future holds for us.”
“Me too, Elizabeth. I can’t wait to make you mine forever,” I said with all genuineness as I kissed her hand.
This was all I wanted—being here with Elizabeth and knowing she was mine.