Beneath The Cameras
The room was swarming. Cameras lined every available edge of the press hall,their blinking red lights like rows of watching eyes. Microphones, wired and wireless, jutted forward like weapons on the battlefield. The hum of speculation filled the air- buzzing, hungry, electric.
Elara stood under the harsh press lights, her expression the image of composure. A simple yet elegant dress hugged her form, chosen carefully to send a message: I am not ashamed.
But beneath the fabric, her skin prickled. Every click of a shutter felt like another inch of herself being stripped away in public view.
Beside her, Killian was a wall of tailored steel- his navy suit sharp,his gaze unreadable. If he felt the weight of the moment, he didn't show it. This was his arena, not hers. Yet somehow, she'd been dragged into the center of it.
The PR officer took the mic. " Thank you for coming. Today we confirm the engagement between Mr. Killian Reeve and Miss Elara Vance. The couple will now answer a few questions."
An eruption of noise followed. Dozens of hands shot into the air.
"Mr Killian," one voice rang above the rest;
"When did your relationship begin?"
Killian stepped forward without hesitation.
"Months ago. What's happened recently is unfortunate but has no bearing on how we feel."
A clean answer. Too clean.
"Miss Elara," another voice pushed.
"Your critics are calling this a stunt- alleging the video was leaked to manipulate public sentiment. Care to comment?"
Elara met the reporter's gaze with practiced calm. "People will believe what they want. But I've worked for this company for years. My position is not a product of scandal."
A woman in the back shouted, "Then why the sudden engagement."
Killian's jaw ticked. "Our decision to go public was accelerated by circumstances. That doesn't change it's validity."
Another reporter raised a hand. "Are you confirming the video's authenticity?"
The air stilled.
Elara's voice was cold,deliberate. "The video was recorded and shared without consent. Legal steps are underway. That's all I'll say."
The PR rep swiftly intergected. "We'll be taking two more questions."
A younger man stood. "Mr Reeve do you love her?"
The room collectively leaned forward.
Killian's pause was brief but loaded.
"We're committed to building something stable. That's what matters."
No smiles. No warmth. Just survival.
"One last question," someone pressed.
"Will the company be affected by this- by your relationship?"
Killian's response came swift and sharp. "No. My personal life will not compromise Granex Corporation.
If anything, it will strengthen it."
With that, the PR officer announced the conference's end.
Flashes burst in volleys as they turned from the stage.
No words passed between Elara and Killian. Cameras followed them all the way to the exit, through the private corridor. Security held back the crowd, and within seconds, they disappeared behind the executive wing.
There was no small talk. No shared glances. No moment of shared breath.
Killian walked briskly toward his office,immediately surrounded by assistants and legal staff with folders and updates. Meetings awaited him. Repercussions needed addressing. Shareholders needed assurance.
Elara turned the opposite direction, her heels clicking against the marble as her own team followed behind her- two coordinators, a legal advisor, and a corporate strategist. Her phone buzzed nonstop in her hand. Emails. News headlines. Staff memos. The world had cracked open and swallowed her whole.
She didn't look back.
There was no space for vulnerability. Not now.
And so,without a word,the two walked into the eye of the storm- bound together.