Chapter 53: Clarification is Necessary

"Who's arrived now?" In a seventh-floor hospital room at the medical school, Brittany's manager stood at the window, observing the chaotic scene of reporters near the entrance. "Who could cause such a frenzy?"

He was puzzled, knowing Brittany didn't have many friends who could draw such media attention.

Then, he saw a young man breaking through the circle of reporters and, with the help of hospital security, making his way into the building.

As the young man got closer, the manager's brows furrowed when he recognized the face, and he cursed under his breath, "F@#k! What is he doing here?"

It was Matthew Horner, the man rumored to be romantically involved with Brittany from the music video.

His presence now could only add to the chaos.

"What's wrong?" Brittany, half-reclining and reading a magazine, noticed her manager's sudden outburst. "Did the reporters clash with my fans?"

"Not exactly," the manager shook his head. "Matthew Horner is here."

"Matthew's here?" Brittany seemed unsurprised. "He called me last night, said he would visit in the next few days."

"This isn't a good time for you to see him," the manager cautioned. "Remember, there's a rumor circulating about you two!"

Brittany dismissed his concerns. "That's all fake, and you know it."

She scoffed, "When have the reporters ever stopped making things up about me? Matthew helped me out."

Seeing Brittany's determination, the manager thought for a moment but didn't argue further. Since he couldn't get a hold of Matthew's manager, it was an opportunity to speak with Matthew directly.

After taking the elevator to the seventh floor, Matthew, holding a bouquet, arrived at Brittany's room. The hallway was filled with flowers from fans, judging by the messages on the cards.

He knocked gently on the door.

The door opened from the inside, revealing Brittany's manager.

"Hello," Matthew said, not knowing his name. "Is Brittany here?"

"Hi, Matthew!" Before the manager could respond, Brittany's voice came from inside. "I'm here! Come on in!"

The manager frowned slightly, noting Brittany's casual familiarity with Matthew, but he stepped aside to let him enter.

Matthew smiled at Brittany's manager as he walked in and placed the flowers on the bedside table. "How are you feeling, Brittany?"

"Much better," Brittany looked spirited. "The doctor said I can walk normally in a couple of days and return to the set, as long as I avoid dancing."

"That's good to hear," Matthew showed genuine concern. "I was worried about your leg."

Brittany, noticing Matthew standing, pointed to a chair. "Have a seat, make yourself at home. Water's over there in the cabinet if you need it."

"Thanks," Matthew said, sitting down comfortably. "I won't be shy."

He scratched his head, adding, "I came to see how you're doing and to apologize."

"Why apologize to me?" Brittany asked, puzzled.

Matthew looked embarrassed, "The papers today... they said I... well..." He scratched his head again, "They said we're dating because I helped you into the car yesterday."

"That's nonsense," Brittany waved dismissively. "How could that be your fault?"

Matthew gave an awkward smile.

Brittany wasn't bothered, aware of how the media could exploit her for headlines. "Have the reporters been harassing you?"

Matthew sighed, frustrated. "Today, after my class, they cornered me at the school gate. Just now, they surrounded me at the hospital entrance. Without security, I'd still be outside."

Brittany nodded, "They can be really annoying. There were times I wanted to smash their cameras."

"Me too," Matthew joked, then hesitated as he began to explain their intrusive questions.

Brittany was curious. "What did they ask?"

Matthew, reluctantly, "They asked when we were getting married. Isn't that crazy?"

Brittany laughed, dismissing the absurdity, "Idiots."

Their conversation was easy and lively. The manager, observing from a distance, especially noted Matthew's demeanor—nothing special, much like Brittany, seemingly straightforward in handling matters.

Perhaps it was the simplicity in their thoughts that made their conversation flow so well.

As they continued chatting amiably, the manager decided it was time to intervene, considering this wasn't helping the situation.

"Sorry to interrupt, Mr. Horner," the manager interjected. "The doctor instructed Brittany needs to rest."

Brittany's smile faded, "I'm not tired."

She was nearly bored to death; finally, someone interesting to talk to had come along.

"It's my fault; I lost track of time," Matthew stood up, smiling at Brittany. "I'll visit you again soon."

"Make sure you do," Brittany urged. "It gets boring here alone."

Matthew mimed

 a phone call, "I'll be just a call away."

After saying goodbye to Brittany, Matthew walked out with her manager following.

Just outside the room, the manager stopped him. "Mr. Horner, a moment, please."

"Call me Matthew," he stopped and turned to face Brittany's manager. "What's up?"

Without mincing words, the manager said, "Can we have a word in private?"

"Now?" Matthew guessed it was about the rumors. "Sure."

The corridor was empty, providing a private space. "The stories being spun in the papers about you and Brittany are causing her a lot of trouble."

Matthew nodded earnestly, "I know, that's why I apologized to her just now."

The manager was pleased with his attitude. "We owe you thanks for yesterday."

"No problem," Matthew replied courteously.

Seeing Matthew's cooperative spirit, the manager continued, "We need to communicate something. The media is likely to keep hyping your story with Brittany. To avoid unnecessary negative impacts on both of you, we should clarify things with the media."

"Clarification is necessary," Matthew agreed, eager to shake off the pesky reporters.

"We should act quickly," the manager said, planning to contact the media and the record company.

"Sir," Matthew interjected, "don't forget to contact my manager."

"Helen Herman?" The manager recalled the unreachable woman, his mood souring. "Can't you just notify her?"

"I haven't been able to reach her since this morning," Matthew explained. "I called the agency, and they said she's out of town and forgot her phone. I still can't get through to her."

The manager frowned deeply. "We'll arrange a media meeting to clarify, and you inform her when she returns. I'll also give her a heads-up."

"That works."

As the manager contemplated which media outlets to contact, Matthew spoke up, "Actually, I can't do interviews without my manager's knowledge. It's in my contract—doing so would be a breach."

The manager, frustrated, knew some agencies used such clauses to protect inexperienced clients from making statements without guidance.

"Sorry," Matthew said sincerely. "I can't help without her knowing. It would cause me a lot of trouble."

"Darn it!" The manager cursed internally but couldn't pressure Matthew further. "Let's both keep trying to reach Helen. Notify her as soon as you do."

"Will do," Matthew agreed.

"You can go," the manager dismissed him, then added as Matthew started to leave, "And don't talk to the media."

"Don't worry," Matthew assured. "I won't cause any more trouble for Brittany."

"Take the side exit," the manager advised as he waved Matthew off. "There are no reporters there."

Matthew thanked him and made his way to the side exit, leaving the hospital through a less conspicuous route.

As the day progressed, more media outlets began to speculate wildly about Matthew and Brittany's nonexistent relationship. While major newspapers focused on Brittany's condition, the tabloids indulged in sensationalism, crafting headlines as they pleased.