“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!”