Markian
Just 2hrs ago, an article of the photos of Livy at the scene of the accident- an accident Sophia and Carlos orchestrated, was leaked.
I stared at my phone for few more seconds, but I couldn’t find any answer to the questions that kept popping into my head.
Why is she doing these? What exactly does she want?
Stirring up rumors about the past 6months would only put her at loss once I’m done with this press conference, so why is she so persistent?
At any moment now, I’ll be called into a room full of reporters and press who will be asking me baseless and absurd questions about my marriage to Livy.
I’m not happy about answering any of those questions that would justify my remarriage against Sophia’s allegations. Doing so would be equivalent to a slap on my integrity and prestige.
I didn’t get much sleep last night because Olivia had another episode and was restless all night. So, unfortunately for me, I’m currently at my wit’s end.
My blood was boiling and I began to doubt if I would be able to make it through the interview without flipping out in annoyance.
“Maybe we reschedule. I don’t think I can face a room full of reporters asking pointless and rumor-based questions just to satisfy the masses.” I confessed to Judy who stood beside me.
She wasn’t phased about any of these and that made me worry even more.
I don’t know how she manages to stay calm in such a situation. I guess she’s had lots of practice and experience in handling bad press and rumors.
“It’s now or never, Markian. They may be baseless and pointless, but we have enemies waiting to peck at us, and they will use this news to do that- as pointless as it may seem…” She answered back calmly.
She had her game face on now and her mean demeanor. For the first time since I’ve known her, her current disposition didn’t border me at all.
When I didn’t say anything else, she turned to me. Surprisingly, she straighten my suit and tie, then place her right hand on my shoulder. This little action of hers brought some kind of relief to my unsettled heart.
“… You’ll be alright. Don’t think of it as Sophia’s effort to insult you, or some kind of gesture to prove her wrong. But think of it as defending and protecting your wife’s pride, dignity and the love you both now share. Moreover, you won’t be going in there alone, I’ll be right there with you. So if it gets hard, let me know. ok?” She encouraged as she pat my shoulder gently.
This is the first time since my mother’s death, have I felt the touch of a mother- and it felt really nice.
Honestly, a lot have changed since the past 6months. For instance, falling in love again, selflessly protecting that love with everything I have, and Judy Luthel smiling at me.
Thinking back, I kinda owe her big time for everything that has happened. If not for her adamant insistence and persistence that I marry Olivia, I probably would have never found out what Olivia truly meant to me- my first love.
“For Olivia…” I stated, “… I’ll be able to do anything for her sake.” I assured as I took a deep breathe in and my mind slowly began to settled.
“Good…” Judy stated as the door swung open, “… because it time now. Are you ready?” She asked.
And with a nod, I replied, “yes.”
We both walked into the room together and took our seats at the table positioned on the stage, with Judy sitting by my left hand side.
I can do this for Olivia. I’ll protect her honor.
“Thank you all for being here. This press conference was organized so the public would know the truth behind the latest rumors trending on every gossip column and social media platform. You may begin with your questions as we promise to give an honest answer to you.” Our PR stated.
And with that, the commencement of the conference was remarked as all the reporters had their hands up in the air to ask their questions.
I sighted a pleasant looking young lady in front and point at her, “Yes, you in front.” I said.
She seems neutral. Maybe I won’t have too much problem if I let only the nice ones ask me the questions, but I was wrong.
“Mr Winfrey, is it true that you secretly got married to your first wife’s sister just a month after you falsely confirmed her death?” She asked slyly.
Secretly? I admit that Olivia and I didn’t get a chance to go public with our marriage. But why did she have to put it in such a scandalous way?
I looked over at Judy, then back at the reporter with my fist clenched.
“Did I marry my ex-wife’s sister after a month of her announced death? Yes I did…” I said.
I was about to explain further that my marriage to Livy was not a secret since our parents were present, and that I didn’t falsely confirm Sophia’s death. But I was interrupted.
“Then it’s safe to say that you were indeed having an affair with your wife’s sister before her presumed death?” She asked again ruthlessly.
I really wanted to shut her up as my hands unconsciously clenched into a fist. I didn’t presume Sophia was dead, that was what we were all made to believe.
Sophia orchestrated her own death, I wanted to scream.
But I don’t think I’ll be able to get that through to reporters like her. She’s hell bent on making me out to be the bad guy here, that’s why she’s asking dual questions and not giving me a chance to answer both.
I have to be smart about this and choose carefully which questions to answer. I could either try to convince them that Sophia faked her death, or I could try to prove Olivia’s innocence in all these.
“My relationship with Olivia when I was married to Sophia was strictly that of brother and sister-in-law, nothing else…” I stated calmly, but I was burning with rage.
“but…” she tried to interrupt again, but I shut her up immediately.
“… and my marriage with Olivia was not done secretly since both our parents and family members blessed our union, even though it was also and arranged marriage.” I stated clearly.
Luckily that answered her question, so I moved on to the next person.
“You at the mid-left, your question please” I requested.
“Mr Winfrey, why wasn’t your first wife accepted back after her sudden return?” The young man asked politely.