CHAPTER 116: CHAPTER 116: EYES OF THE MEDIA

That hit me like a punch. My chest tightened, my steps froze. For a moment, the night air felt heavier than ever.

I turned to her, my voice low but sharp. "What do you mean... by my boyfriend?"

"I saw him," Vanya said with a knowing smile, her eyes catching the glow of the city lights. "The man who followed you to the airport. He’s handsome, Evric... you’ve got a good eye."

A dry laugh slipped from my lips. "Just because he followed me doesn’t mean he’s my boyfriend."

She tilted her head, her smirk widening. "You could have denied it, Evric. But instead, you asked me a question. That says more than enough."

I straightened, meeting her gaze head-on. "I’ll never deny him. He’s my man, and I love him so much."

Something softened in her expression, and I saw honesty rather than provocation for the first time. "I wish my girlfriend were as loyal as you," she whispered.

That startled me. I leaned in closer, lowering my voice to a whisper. "Are you... a lesbi...?"

Her lips curved into a half-smile, her eyes glinting with mischief. "You don’t have to whisper, Evric. I’m actually bi. But yes... I fancy girls more."

I raised a brow, curious despite myself. "What’s the story behind that?"

She chuckled lightly and shook her head. "Evric, we still have two whole weeks together. You’ll hear plenty of stories before then."

Then her smile shifted, almost relieved. "But from tonight... I’m giving up the task I was given."

I blinked. "Task

?"

She turned fully toward me, extending her hand with a formality contrasting her playful nature. "Nice to meet you, I’m Vanya Martixus. Let’s be friends, Evric Draeven."

Despite my confusion, I couldn’t help but smile. I shook her hand firmly. "Friends."

"And don’t worry," she added softly, her tone sincere. "I won’t do anything silly anymore. I’m sorry for the way I behaved before."

I exhaled, nodding. "It’s okay."

She smiled, tilting her head. "Evric, are you gay... bi... pan..."

I didn’t let her finish. "I’m gay," I cut in, firm but calm.

Her eyes flickered, then softened with a teasing glint. "Then tell me honestly, do I really need to work out more, or did you just say that earlier to make me feel bad?"

I studied her face. The way she asked, almost vulnerable, made me realize my words before had been too harsh. I let out a breath. "Vanya, I won’t compliment you. Every good word I have is for my man, not for anyone else. So what I said earlier... it wasn’t true. That’s all I’ll say."

She blinked, then smirked faintly. "Fair enough. At least I know I’m in good shape."

I smiled back, letting the subject drop.

"Come on," she said, brushing it off. "It’s time to head back. The party’s waiting."

And just like that, something shifted. Vanya and I weren’t at odds anymore, we became friends.

That night, at the welcoming party, the music was loud, the drinks were endless, and laughter spilled across the room. I drank too, but alcohol rarely hit me hard. Vanya, on the other hand, was a complete mess. She kept drinking until she finally staggered, pale, and vomited.

I quickly asked some of the female hotel staff to take care of her. They helped her change and settle into bed while I waited outside, leaning against the wall. When they were done, I slipped in for just a moment. She was sleeping peacefully, her face calm at last, no trace of her earlier wildness.

Closing the door softly, I told Karl to head back to his room and rest too. Then I returned to mine, drained from the long day.

I tried calling Zayn, but he didn’t pick up. Maybe he was still out with his friends. I sent him a text instead:

I’m going to sleep now. Goodnight, baby. I love you.

With that, I set my phone aside and let exhaustion finally take me.

The next morning, it was Karl who pulled me from sleep. His firm knock rattled the door.

"Boss, wake up. Get ready, we have less than an hour to leave. The car’s already waiting outside."

I dragged myself out of bed, still heavy with sleep, and called back, "Karl, knock on Vanya’s door too. Not sure if she’s awake."

He nodded and went off to do just that while I forced myself to the bathroom.

By the time I dressed up, the weight of the day already sat on me. First day, and it already feels like I want it to be the last. I just want to go back to my man... The ache of missing Zayn pressed into my chest more than the tie around my neck.

I checked my phone before slipping it into my pocket. He had called. Left me a message. My lips curved faintly at the sight of it. Of course, the time difference... six whole hours. That’s going to mess us up a lot.

I typed quickly:

Good morning, baby. I’m off to work now. I’ll text or call whenever I get the chance, keep your phone close. I love you, always.

Just as I hit send, Karl reappeared, announcing everyone was ready. Vanya was dressed, though the faint pallor of her skin betrayed the hangover. The rest of her team filed out with us, and soon we were heading down to the waiting cars.

By chance, Vanya and I ended up in the same car while the others took the second. She leaned against the window, her sunglasses failing to hide the dullness in her eyes.

"How are you feeling?" I asked.

"Fine," she said, then let out a small groan. "Just... a little headache."

"Maybe we can get you something... tea, or some medicine for the hangover."

Her lips curved in a tired smile. "Thanks, Evric."

For a moment, the car fell quiet. Then she turned her head toward me. "You know, all of our presentations are going to be delivered in front of the media throughout this project. Are you ready for that?"

I frowned slightly, my fingers brushing the hem of my sleeve. "Honestly? I really don’t like the media. And I’m not sure I’ll do well in front of them."

Before I could say more, she cut in with a small laugh. "You don’t have to worry so much. It’s not as hard as you think. Just follow my lead." She tilted her head, eyes glinting as if she was back in her element. "Here’s the secret, not every question needs an answer. If you don’t want to respond, just smile. A smile can shut down more than a hundred words."

I studied her as she spoke, animated despite her hangover, almost glowing as she lectured me.

Then I thought maybe she wasn’t just a business partner forced onto my path. Maybe, in some way, she could be an ally.

Not long after we arrived at the tall, gleaming building, we were escorted straight to the boardroom. The moment we stepped in, assistants rushed over, announcing they would "restyle" us so we’d look more presentable. It felt less like business and more like a debut stage for some K-pop idols. I hated every second of it. But what choice did I have? All I wanted was for this project to be done, so I could fly back home to my man.

As the stylists fussed around, Vanya leaned closer, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Once today’s presentation gets broadcast, Evric, we’ll be turning into celebrities, recognized everywhere as some of the youngest successful CEOs."

I tilted my head toward her, lowering my voice. "Why do you sound so happy about that?"

She grinned, her eyes glimmering. "Because it feels good, Evric. To be recognized everywhere without needing to introduce yourself."

I sighed. "People already recognize me."

She shook her head. "This is different. This is life-changing."

I smirked, studying the powder and gloss they’d just brushed onto her face. "Well, I should tell you, this makeup they’ve put on you doesn’t make you look beautiful. It makes you look... otherwise."

She gasped, smacking my arm lightly. "Evric!"

I chuckled. "You’re welcome."

Her smile softened as she rolled her eyes. "Thanks for the compliment... I think."

But what we didn’t realize, every little smile, every whisper, every playful nudge between us... was being captured on camera. The media wasn’t just recording our words, but the small details too, ready to broadcast them to the world.