Page 56 of Always Been You
Great. Just fucking great.
I exhale through my nose, but my body betrays me. I start to shake. Derrick’s betrayal had been a wound I blurred at the edges, something I never wanted to pick apart or turn into a battle. I know I don’t love him now but I did at one point in my life so I didn’t want to destroy him. But now?
Now I will.
I hear a voice, deep and steady. “Breathe.”
Eddie.
I do as I’m told, inhaling slow, steady breaths until my pulse evens out. When I finally look up, everyone is watching me, their faces tight with concern.
“Are you okay?” Eddie asks and I nod, squeezing his hands to reassure him.
“Now, what’s next?” I direct my question to Lauren.
“I’ve called my team. They are on their way and will be here in five minutes to set up for a press conference.”
I nod, grounding myself. “And the press release? What the hell happened there?” My voice is calmer now, but I still need answers.
“There was an embargo on it. It was supposed to be lifted before you resumed work, but there was a mix-up with the date,” Lauren explains.
I massage my temple, processing and thinking. Alright. Fixable.
“What’s our biggest challenge?” I ask.
“The photos of you and Eddie.” She hesitates before continuing, clearly weighing her words. “It may seem... too soon for you to move on. But more than that, when the media finds out you knew each other before, disproving the cheating claims will be harder.”
I narrow my eyes. Unbelievable.
“Who the hell was it that told me to move on? To get back out there? That there was no such thing as ‘too soon’ or ‘too late’ when it came to moving on?” I ask, not directing the question at anyone in particular.
My sisters lower their heads, suddenly very interested in anything but my gaze.
I exhale through my nose, sharp and deliberate. “Well, if they want a show, then play the damn video of Derrick with his lover.”
Lauren blinks, “Are you sure?” She asks as if testing whether I really mean it.
“There’s a timestamp on it; we can get the CCTV or photos with the timestamp of the photos circulating for proof,” I add, my voice cold. She nods but doesn’t move. There’s something else.
“What?” I press.
She hesitates. “Do you want your relationship status exposed? I mean, it wouldn’t look great for you, media-wise, but... Eddie’s status could help us spin it in your favor.”
“No offense, Eddie,” she adds and I roll my eyes.
“None taken.” His replies, his voice is smooth, unreadable.
“Since when do we need someone’s status to tell the truth as it is?” My mother interjects, her tone laced with irritation.
Eddie’s voice cuts through the tension. “Would it be okay if I use this press conference as an opportunity to introduce myself?”
I turn to him, narrowing my eyes. His voice is steady, but I sense it—the darkness creeping in.
“What are you planning?” I ask carefully.
He smiles, but there’s something behind it. “Don’t worry, Empress. You clear your name, do your thing… and I’ll do mine. Okay?” The way he says it calmly and assuredly sends a shiver down my spine. Whatever he’s planning, I know it won’t be pretty.
"Sure,” Lauren responds. Before I can say anything, he steps forward, cups my face, and kisses me—soft, deliberate, grounding. I melt into it, realizing just how much I need his comfort right now.
