“Is it really true that you two are back together?”
“Will there be an engagement soon?”
“Will you two finally get married this time?”
Many reporters stood up from their seats and shouted their questions toward the couple seated on the stage. As if led by the example of others, many other reporters stood up and started yelling out their questions as well. Chaos erupted along with the loud voices of the reporters. The sound of camera shutters going off and camera flashes filled the room as cameramen rushed forward to get a better shot of the couple.
“Security, please help out…” I said into the microphone attached to the collar of my suit to make sure that the members of the security team were on top of things.
There wasn’t much for me to worry about, at least in terms of security. With the two CEOs gathered in the same place, the security consisted of teams from both companies. Ace and Elizabeth did not look at all worried about all the ruckus that was happening in the room. In response to the storm of questions that was being hurled at them, the two of them just sat side by side and smiled. That was what was agreed upon before the start of the conference and it seemed like the two of them were going to be quite strict in how they handled the questions.
“Just to make this clear, although I guess you already know as much, we will not answer any questions that requires us to make any commitment regarding the future. For example, things related to our future engagement and marriage and how thing will progress…” Elizabeth warned sternly as she sat opposite us across the table.
After making up our mind to go ahead with her proposal, Elizabeth swiftly set up another secret meeting for us to visit her at the same house where we had met her before. Unlike the first time meeting her in that place, the conversation of our second meeting was more concise, and it felt more like were really on the same team. Whatever was going to happen from then on, we would be in it together as a team. It felt strange to say the least to be on the same side as her.
“I know that already but thanks for the reminder,” Ace replied passively.
Despite agreeing to go ahead with the plan based on my decision, I had to say that Ace had been grumpier than usual because of it. It must have taken a lot of control to stop himself from snapping at Elizabeth. As for me, I didn’t want to risk facing his wrath and decided to stay silent until his mood improved.
“I’m sure that Ace already understands the reasons behind this thinking, and he seems to be in a rotten mood so I’ll explain to you instead so that we’re all on the same page here,” Elizabeth said before smiling at me.
“Right…” I murmured.
Ace faced the other way as he stared off into space as if he was glad that he was finally being excluded from the conversation. I let out a soft sigh while thinking of how I could possibly improve his mood before this tension between us killed me.
“It’s all for future negotiation with my father. If we announce that we already plan to get engaged or get married, then we’ll have less chips to bargain with. Therefore, we should not commit to anything and then as the merger progresses, if needed we can bring out more cards onto the table,” Elizabeth explained like she had all of this calculated and figured out.
Simply put, I was amazed at how in control she was and how far she had thought ahead about all this. I could see the merit in her words, and I was also relieved that they didn’t have to announce their engagement or host a fake wedding ceremony right away. Hopefully, it wouldn’t ever have to come to that because it might be too much for me to watch.
“I understand. Thank you…” I said before showing her the best smile that I could put on at that moment.
The sound of the security manager talking to me through the Bluetooth earphone that I had inserted in one of my ears brought me back to the present. His report that everything was under control as far as security was concerned did not surprise me. I could see with my own eyes that the various bodyguards had already formed quite an intimidating line between the reporters and the fake couple on the stage.
“Thank you. Hopefully this will end soon…” I replied while stating my dearest wish.
My attention returned to Elizabeth as she seemed ready to address the questions from the crowd of reporters. Ace sat close to her with a calm smile on his face as he played the role of a very supportive boyfriend. It was clear that he was going to let Elizabeth do most of the talking and I also thought that that was a pretty smart and energy-saving move.
“We are unsure about what the future holds for us, but for now, we are extremely happy to be back together. Hopefully soon, we will have some more good news for everyone,” Elizabeth replied smoothly before smiling beautifully.
The reporters asked some more questions, but Elizabeth only replied vaguely without making any commitments while Ace sat with a polite smile by her side. It didn’t take long for the press conference to wrap up and come to an end. I couldn’t wait to have Ace back by my side although it hadn’t been that long since I lent him out to Elizabeth. Thinking of it that way made me feel like I was treating Ace like an object and that made me feel even guiltier than before.
“Good job, Rina…” Ace complimented me with a kind smile as they both came to stand in front of me.
Some reporters were still around but they were already making their way out.
--To be continued…
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