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,amoremio.” 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,shewas 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 thesight of who was standing beside Emily andholding 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.
