Page 204 of Invisible Bars
Clinging.
They were tearing me apart without ever knowing who I truly was, mercilessly prodding wounds I hadn’t even finished healing from.
Before I could bring it under control, my tic emerged: a sharp twitch of my shoulder, sudden and jarring, like a wire pulled too tight.
Tightening my eyes, I tried to stave off the embarrassment flooding my face, warmth creeping up my neck, and burning hot behind my closed lids.
But then… I felt him.
Imanio’s hand slid over my thigh—steady, warm, certain. A quiet presence, not demanding, just there. With a deliberate rhythm, his thumb traced slow circles against my skin, not to silence me but to ground me in the reality of his companionship.
“So what do you suggest?” Imanio asked, his tone sharp but curious.
Saroya leaned forward, folding her hands neatly on the table as she considered our options.
“I suggest we make a public post—specifically, a photo of the two of you that you can share on your official platform. It should be accompanied by a thoughtfully crafted caption—something that conveys intent and sincerity. Keep it clean and unapologetic, yet grounded in authenticity.” She looked between us, her expression shifting from thoughtful to expectant. “Doyou two have any recent pictures together that could capture this moment?”
Imanio and I glanced at each other, then both shook our headsno.
She nodded. “Okay. That’s fine. We’ll make something work. If youreallywant my professional opinion, it needs to be a high-quality image. Nothing casual. A professional shot—donetoday—so we can release ittoday. The longer the internet speculates, the harder it is to control the narrative.”
“And how do you expect us to do that?” Imanio asked, raising his brows skeptically, arms crossed over his chest.
I was wondering the same, given the short notice.
Saroya let out a soft chuckle, her confidence flickering like the light from a nearby lamp.
“Imanio… with the considerable budget at your disposal, you could assemble an entire production team—cameramen, makeup artists, stylists, and editors—all within two hours if you really put your mind to it. And let me assure you, this isn't just a luxury; it’s a necessity. If this post is executed correctly, it has the potential to not only silence the swirling speculation around you but also to reclaim the narrative and put it firmly in your own voice, not theirs.” She leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with determination. “This is your moment to influence the conversation.”
Imanio nodded slowly; the wheels were already turning behind his eyes.
Then he looked at me. “What do you think?”
“I… I agree,” I responded, more confidently than I expected. “I like the idea.”
Saroya smiled, clearly pleased. “See?”
“Aight,” he said, nodding once. “I can do that. My sister Dess usually helps me out with last-minute stuff when it comes to all that.”
“Perfect!” Saroya exclaimed, clapping her hands. “We need her on the phone ASAP! I want to begin drafting the caption while the shoot is being prepped. Something short, tasteful, and firm. It will go up from your official page, so it has to match your tone without sounding combative.”
She turned her phone around to show us a sample caption.
“I was thinking something along these lines:‘In a world full of noise, we choose peace. I’m grateful to share life with my wife—Naji. Thank you for respecting our privacy and supporting our journey.’”
It was nice, polished, and clean… but of course, it was too ‘soft’ for Imanio.
“Nah,” he said. “Something like this—Her name is Naji Kors. My wife. My peace. My business. Stay out of it.It’s classy… with a touch of criminal.”
My jaw twitched as a small burst of laughter slipped out.
“Thatdoessound like you,” I finally spoke.
Saroya playfully rolled her eyes with a smile. “Yes, therealhim. And that’s exactly why we’renotposting it.” She tapped her screen and flipped it back around. “You hired me to protect your image, remember? Let me do that. This post is about control… reclaiming the story—not stoking more fire. The internet wants drama; we’re giving them poise.”
Saroya looked at both of us seriously. “Imanio, this is your moment todefineNaji publicly—for the first time. Not as a rumor or screenshot, but as your wife. If we do this right, it changes the tone of everything moving forward—interviews, appearances, brand partnerships. And most importantly… it givesherspace to breathe.”
I nodded slowly, her words landing somewhere I n the middle of my chest.
