Press conference

Music recommendation for this chapter: Shameless by Camila Cabello...

As Dunice stepped out of the car, the flashing of cameras was blinding. Dunice went to the stage of the conference hall and in front of the microphone, stared out at the crowd. It was her first public appearance since the rumors about her had been spread. She was determined to clear her name and continue her work. She took a deep breath and began to speak…

"Good day everyone present here, I am H.D. Jasper the CEO of Nice Cosmetics, I'm here to clear my name in the article about my divorce rate was reduced yesterday. As you know I just launched my new product before this unfortunate incident occurred."

"I was once married but I divorced him due to personal reasons," Murmurs filled the air immediately after the audience heard what she had to say.

Many reporters raised their hands to ask questions and Dunice signaled to a male reporter.

"Go on," she said in a calm tone.

"You have to tell us who the person is and the cause of the divorce if not your name won't be completely cleared up," The man said as his gaze pierced through her.

"I insist on keeping the reason I divorced private," she said in a firm tone as her gaze scanned through the audience.

However, she continued, I'll reveal the man I got married to. As she said her gaze met Alex who was looking at her from the audience, His heart was beating in his chest.

Not because he was scared that Dunice would mention his name as he and Dunice already talked about it while he was in her room at midnight," He was scared that her job would be at stake and all that she had labored for would be in vain because the public frowned against divorce.

"This damned press conference is a bad idea in the first place," he thought aloud.

"He is Alexander Lopez," she declared.

The sound of the clicking of multiple reporters' keyboards could be heard and Murmurs filled the air once again

"Do you mean Alexander Lopez of Xander Construction, ma'am?" A reporter shouted from the back.

"Yes I do," Dunice replied in a calm tone.

The moment Dunice confirmed the information to the reporters their cameras shifted from Dunice to Alexander who was at the back. Some of the reporters rushed to Alexander with their cameras and microphones. And Alexander's bodyguard clears the way for him to leave the hall.

"Silence!"

One of the bodyguards shouted to keep the audience from talking, and the room fell silent once again.

"There's one more information ," Dunice spoke again.

"I have a daughter," she said and everyone gasped!

"Her father and I have been working together to take care of her and give her the best upbringing," Dunice said in a firm tone.

"Yes?" Dunice signaled to one of the female reporters raising their hands.

"This is not a question but I hope you do well in your personal and business life," she said as she looked at Dunice, and Dunice just nodded.

"That's enough information about my life, I'd like to plead with business supporters and sponsors not to stop supporting NICE cosmetics because of one article, it'd be nice to keep business life from personal life," she said.

"Thank you" Dunice added as she bowed deeply to the audience and walked out of the hall.

As Dunice tried to leave the event, a throng of reporters blocked her way, shoving microphones in her face and asking her a barrage of questions. She felt overwhelmed and trapped, but then she saw Jeff standing at the front, holding back the crowd. He shouted at them to make way for Dunice, and they finally backed off. She was grateful for his protection and felt relieved to be away from the clamor of the reporters. As they got into the car, she let out a sigh of relief.

Finally getting out of the hall Dunice got into her car and let out a deep breath.

Just then her phone beeped.

It's Alex's message.

"When we get to the next stop, alight from your car and get into mine. I want to take you somewhere, I'll be waiting."

"Jeff, please drop me at the next stop she ordered," and his eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"Ok ma'am," he said regardless.

Getting to the next stop, Jeffery stopped the car and she highlighted.

"You can head to the office Jeffery," she ordered him.

Dunice spotted Alex at the order end standing in front of his car with his legs crossed.

Alex looked dashing in his outfit. The black shirt he was wearing was unbuttoned at the top, showing off his muscular chest. His black trousers were tailored to fit him perfectly, and he exuded an air of confidence. It was as if his whole demeanor had changed from the night before. He looked like a completely different person. His hair was styled in a way that accentuated his strong jawline and chiseled features. He was, in a word, breathtaking. Dunice found herself speechless as she stared at him.

"Hello," he said and Dunice jumped in surprise.

"When did he get to her side?" She asked herself.

"Oh-he-hello," she stuttered.

"Why did you call me here?" she asked as she squinted her eyes.

"I'd like to take you somewhere, would you go with me?" He asked with a pleading look.

Dunice couldn't turn him down not with the look on his face so she gave in and accepted.

"Fine, where are we going?" She asked curiosity

"It's a surprise, Alex," said and she wondered what surprise he was giving her.

Dunice's cheeks turned pink as Alex walked around the car and opened the door for her. She felt like a princess as she slipped into the car. She could smell the subtle cologne that he wore, and it made her feel a little lightheaded. He walked around the car and sat down in the driver's seat, starting the engine. As they pulled away from the event, Dunice couldn't help but feel her heart racing. She had never felt this way around him before, and she didn't know what to make of it.

After a 45-minute drive, Alex pulled the car over in a secluded area. Dunice was surprised to see that they were next to a small, crystal-clear stream, surrounded by trees. The air smelled fresh and clean, and the sun was shining brightly. She looked around, feeling a sense of peace and tranquility that she had never experienced before. She turned to Alex, who was looking at her with a soft smile on his face.

"This is my special place," he said. "I come here when I need to clear my head."