Chapter 117: Secrets and Staying Close

Chapter 117: Chapter 117: Secrets and Staying Close But what we didn’t realize was that every little smile, every whisper, every playful nudge between us was being captured on camera. The media wasn’t just recording our words, they were noticing every subtle detail, ready to broadcast it to the world. When it was our turn to present, Vanya went first. She spoke with precision and authority, walking the room through the project’s projected profits, potential risks, and strategic plan. Every slide she presented was clear, concise, and compelling. The media’s lenses followed her every gesture, but she never faltered. Then it was my turn. I took a deep breath, stepping forward to discuss the vision and mission of the project. I emphasized what made this endeavor unique: how it would impact the market differently, the innovative strategies we were implementing, and the long-term benefits for our stakeholders. I spoke with conviction, making sure every word reflected the careful planning and dedication behind our work. Through it all, the media kept their cameras on us, capturing not just our presentations but the small interactions between Vanya and me, the quick whispers, the reassuring nods, the tiny smiles that passed silently between us. But I didn’t care; I focused entirely on the task at hand, letting the numbers and ideas speak for themselves. After our presentations, the floor opened to questions. Other teams challenged our strategies, asked for clarifications, and presented counterpoints. Vanya and I responded with confidence, addressing each question thoughtfully, demonstrating not just our expertise but the strength of our partnership. By the end of the session, there was a noticeable shift in the room. Colleagues, competitors, and media alike seemed impressed, not just by the data, but by the seamless coordination between us, the subtle confidence we displayed, and the quiet strength of our collaboration. After our presentations, a journalist from the media raised a question. "You two seem very close, almost like this isn’t your first project together. How long have you been working as a team?" Vanya gave me a quick, playful tap on the arm and answered smoothly, "Yes, you’re right. We have worked together before, but this is our first time taking on a project like this and presenting it through the media’s eyes. It’s a new experience for us, doing something different, pushing boundaries, and learning to navigate it together." I nodded slightly in agreement, letting her words speak for both of us. The media scribbled notes, cameras still capturing our every gesture, while we maintained our professional composure. Another question came from the media, catching both of us off guard. "Are you working together mainly because you’re a team, or is there a promising future for you two... maybe even becoming a couple?" Vanya and I exchanged glances. This was not something we had expected, this was business, and I thought to myself, why are they asking something so personal? I could feel a flicker of irritation, but I kept it inside. Vanya smiled gracefully and responded with poise. "Actually, our main focus right now is putting all our strength and effort into this project so we can achieve the best results. As for questions like that, we prefer to keep things professional for now." I nodded subtly in agreement, reinforcing her answer. The media scribbled notes and snapped photos, but our attention remained on the work at hand. Professionalism came first, no matter the curiosity swirling around us. Then, without anything more, the interview ended. Just like that, it was over. Vanya, the team, and I walked out of the building and into the elevator. When we stepped outside, Vanya and I got into the same car while the others took another. As the car drove off, I turned to her, voice low, "Why do they keep asking personal things? This is just business. Why do they have to ask about things that aren’t related?" Vanya laughed softly. "You know the media, Evric. And this project... it’s huge. Before they entrust everything to us, they want to know us. It’s about trust. You understand better than anyone." I crossed my arms, still frowning. "I get it, but everything we said is going to be on media. I don’t like it." She laughed again, teasingly. "You don’t like it... or you’re scared your boyfriend might get the wrong idea?" I faced her sharply. "Vanya, this isn’t funny. I’ve worked so hard to get to this stage with him. This isn’t something that came easy. So yes, I care about how this looks to him." Vanya raised her hands in mock surrender. "Okay, okay, I get it. You just have to reassure him all the time. But honestly, I don’t think something like this would shake him." I shook my head and laughed, partly in disbelief. "Do you even know him personally?" She tilted her head, thoughtful. She replied, "Well, his restaurant got popular fast because of how the owner looks... hot, attractive. I had two friends who mentioned him. "They’ve even brought me food from his restaurant, I’ve eaten it a few times, and it’s really good, but I’ve never actually been there myself. One of my friends likes him a lot, but I’ve also heard some weird things about him... like him playing around with girls... wait, but this guy is straight? How do you..." Her voice trailed off, puzzled. I cut her off, my tone low but steady. "Exactly. That’s why I worked so hard to get to this stage with him. Nothing about this came easy, and I won’t let anything mess it up." Vanya gave me a small, approving smile. "Alright, Evric. I get it. You really care about him, huh?" I nodded, my gaze softening. "More than anything." He’s my everything, Vanya... I don’t know if you understand, but I really can’t stand him getting the wrong idea about this. "I understand you, Evric. But let me tell you something... For him to have decided to be serious with you, what he feels for you isn’t something the media can easily shake." "Are you sure?" I asked. "I’m sure," she said firmly. "Someone your father couldn’t shake off easily... someone like him will never just give up on you. Trust me." I looked at her, trying to gauge how much she knew. "What do you know about him and my father?" "Evric, I can’t tell you everything," she said. "I just know he feels the same way about you as you feel about him." I opened my mouth to ask more, but she cut me off. "Let me tell you one simple thing... but it won’t be easy to do." "What?" I asked, leaning in. She sat upright, her tone serious now. "Get him to start staying under the same roof as you. He’ll accept it, yes... but he won’t move in." I looked at her, trying to process what she just said. She leaned closer. "Until he actually moves in, don’t stop asking," she continued. "If you have to push him, do it. That’s the only way you’ll truly understand what’s going on between him and your father." I swallowed hard, my mind racing. "You mean... I have to force him?" She nodded. "Yes. He cares about you, Evric, and he’ll listen. But staying outside doesn’t let you see the real situation. You need him under the same roof to know the truth." I looked at her, still trying to process. "And if he resists?" "Then you don’t stop," she said, unwavering. "Keep asking, keep insisting. Make it clear this isn’t optional. He loves you, and he’ll understand, but he has to see you’re serious. Don’t wait until it’s too late." I exhaled slowly, running a hand through my hair. My chest tightened, but I knew she was right.