Chapter 53
Within a second, Emily was bombarded by reporters.
They tossed the most degrading comments about her so-called “sugar daddy” and how evil she was for causing Stella to get hurt knowing she was with a baby.
It was to the point that not even Talia and her bodyguard could block them off.
Speaking of Cameron, he looked seconds away from knocking them out cold.
Emily found a way out when he created a gap and ran for safety. Why was this happening? Why did these things have to happen today of all days? This was supposed to be a happy day!
She’d already decided to let the past be past. Nightmares had come from that day; Stella’s cry, the blood, the hospital. Now the sickening feelings associated with them all came clawing at her throat.
Breathe, Emily. Breathe.
As she made it down the hallway, a hand grabbed her wrist tightly. She saw it was a reporter.
“Why are you running away, Emily? Are you guilty of something? Why don’t you come inside and tell us the truth?
Better yet, you can say it right here. I’ve risked my entire career to show these photos.
My company was going to bury them for stupid reasons.
They even messed up the resolutions when they returned them to me, but I thought the world deserved to see them. ”
A photographer joined them, pointing a huge camera at her face, flashes blinding her.
“Stop it!”
She suppressed the rising feeling of a panic attack as the lights blinded her, whirling around to escape him, but it was so sudden that she lost her balance. Instead of the ground, familiar arms caught her.
Emily glanced up to see a pair of brown eyes.
“I leave you alone for one hour and you’ve already got the world in shambles,” Nicolas said.
Her lips trembled as she hugged him.
Cameron was standing behind them. His head snapped toward the photographer as another flash engulfed them. He grabbed the camera. “If you don’t want to regret ever knowing how to operate this thing.” He turned to the reporter. “And a mic, I suggest you leave before you’re unable to.”
The mic was lowered at his tone. It was eerie.
“Now!” Nicolas added while holding Emily, just as frightening, sending them scrambling away.
He looked back down at her as Cameron removed the SD card and tossed the device to the side.
“Why did you run away?”
She flinched at his disapproving tone.
“B-Because they were all believing that person…that I caused Stella to almost lose her baby, and the cameras and lights—”
“Emily,” Nicolas sharply interjected. “How many times do I have to tell you that it’s not your fault? You would never intentionally hurt an innocent person, much less an unborn child.”
Her panic halted at his bluntness, her form stilling.
His hand grazed the side of her face. “Have you forgotten who you are?”
A tear ran down her cheek. “No, I haven’t.”
His thumb wiped at it. “Then who are you?”
Her back straightened as she pulled away, her face morphing with faux confidence. “I’m Emily.”
He raised a brow, urging her to go on.
“I’m Emily Re.”
And now that you bear the Re name, I doubt you’ll be the one to lose.
His eyes widened for a split second before they seared with a heat that burned through her. “Yes, baby, you are. And how does Emily Re handle situations like this?”
She lifted her chin. “With grace.”
“Then let’s show them how graceful you can be, amore mio.” Nicolas offered his hand.
She took it without hesitation and let him lead her back to the chaos still happening.
When his hand had claimed her own, Emily knew it was in more ways than one. That was why when he stood on stage next to her, still holding that hand with reassuring eyes, she wasn’t deterred.
Nicolas was ready.
Above all, she was ready.
The reporters and fans turned their heads slowly, staring at the two of them in shock.
“Don’t tell me…”
Everyone’s eyes appeared rounder than usual at the sight of who was standing beside Emily and holding her hand.
“Isn’t that Nicolas Re?”
“Nicolas Re is here?!”
“Who’s that?”
“Are you fucking kidding me? You’re telling me you don’t know one of the richest men in the film industry much less the entire country?!”
“Why are they holding hands? Isn’t he married?”
Another round of commotion followed that.
Emily lifted the microphone she’d gotten from a staff after a hand squeezed hers gently. It was Nicolas reminding her that he was here.
“I never thought that the first speech I give today would be about this.” Emily gave a composed laugh. “Those pictures taken without my consent are false. Or should I say the story behind them is? I am not a gold digger. As you all may already know from my background, I have no reason to be.”
Murmurs came from the crowd. A few heads nodded in agreement while the other guests stood with their arms crossed, still unmoved.
“I also didn’t cause Stella’s unfortunate visit to the hospital. What happened to her was an accident and I’m glad that she’s currently recovering in private. To the paparazzi who used that as a means of drama, you’re sick and I hope you know karma’s real.”
The entire crowd leaned in at Emily’s words. Reporters especially drew closer, their pens poised and electronic devices being typed away at.
“And that man in the pictures is neither a sugar daddy nor a director.” She released a deep breath. “This isn’t exactly how we planned on telling everyone, but we’re happy to finally share it anyway.”
She gave Nicolas a look, her eyes pouring out all the sentiments she felt for him in that moment.
“Ladies and gentlemen, meet my husband, Nicolas Re.”
Cameras flashed at their fastest speed, voices shouted out inquiries and fans screamed loudly. If she’d thought what happened before was bad, this was sheer madness.
“Cameron!” She heard Nicolas shout. “Call the others to help us leave!”
“Yes, sir!”
The bodyguard spoke into his microphone and two other men appeared from backstage in the blink of an eye.
“Let’s go,” Nicolas issued, gently brushing her cheeks.
Stunned, Emily simply nodded and let him guide her, leaving everyone else with the most shocking news of the new year.