MAYELI.
"The cars are here, Sir!" Adam announced the second he walked into the room with Dane and I well seated.
As Dane and I rose from our seats, I felt a sense of determination wash over me. I was ready to face the media and prove my innocence.
Exiting the hospital, Dane suddenly stopped and turned to me, his action catching me off guard.
"If we want to play the part of the couple they think we are, then it's best to do it right," he stated, extending his hand towards me.
I hesitated for a moment, staring at his outstretched hand before meeting his gaze. "I'm sorry, but I can't live a lie, no matter what," I declared firmly, preparing to walk away.
However, before I could take another step, he grabbed my arm and pulled me back towards him, our eyes locking in a heated exchange.
My hand resting on his chest became clammy, and I couldn't help but blink nervously at the intensity of the moment. A lump formed in my throat as I felt my anxiety rise.
"You're the billionaire's bride now... you're my responsibility," he asserted, his voice low and commanding as his hand released my arm and encircled my waist.
"You don't walk alone. You walk with me," he declared, guiding me towards the exit of the hospital.
Despite my reservations, I couldn't deny the strong pull of his presence, and I found myself reluctantly following him, unsure of what the future held.
As we stepped outside the hospital, we were immediately confronted by a swarm of media eager for answers.
Dane's guards swiftly surrounded us, creating a barrier as we made our way to the waiting car.
"The company," Dane commanded as soon as we were seated in the car, his demeanor shifting back to his usual cold and aloof self.
He withdrew his hand from my waist, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment at the sudden change.
Adam, our driver, navigated the car through the crowded streets, heading towards our destination.
Before long, we arrived at the company, and it was time for me to carry out Dane's instructions.
With Dane at my side, I strode confidently into the company building, following his lead as we made our way to the meeting hall where I would meet with the executives.
As the doors swung open, the room fell silent and every eye turned to Dane, showing their respect for the billionaire. He took his seat and I followed suit, settling in beside him.
"You may sit and begin," Dane commanded with unwavering authority in his voice.
"What's this about you being sick? Last I checked, Mr. Hale assured us a competent and healthy leader," one of the executives remarked, his tone dripping with skepticism and disapproval.
From what I observed, it was evident that there was animosity towards Dane among the executives, and it wasn't difficult to understand why.
"I'm not sick! My wife can attest to that," Dane declared, drawing me into the conversation.
"She was with me all night, and when she wasn't feeling well, I attended to her," he continued, turning to me and gently brushing his hand against my cheek.
His actions were convincing, and it seemed the executives were inclined to believe him.
"Is this true, Mrs. Hale?" they inquired, turning their attention to me. I found myself in a difficult position, compelled to speak the planned statement despite the consequences.
Turning to Dane briefly, I then faced the men in front of me, drawing in a deep breath before delivering the statement they wanted to hear.
"I would be lying if I said my husband, Dane Hale, is sick. He simply took care of me, and that's all," I stated boldly, meeting their expectant gazes before glancing at Dane, who flashed me a smile.
Although I knew his smile was forced, it still brought a sense of calmness. It was oddly comforting.
"If that's settled, then I suppose the meeting is adjourned," one of the executives announced.
With that, they all rose from their seats, offering respectful nods before Dane and I followed suit, exiting the room with Adam trailing behind us.
As I was walking out of the company alongside Dane, my phone suddenly beeped, causing me to stop in my tracks.
I retrieved my phone, unlocked it, and was surprised to see a text from Bryan.
"Come out to our usual spot tonight! I have something for you," the message read, but I couldn't help but scoff at it.
I was about to dismiss the message and return my phone to my bag when it beeped once more, prompting me to look at it again.
"Don't make me wait, Mayeli… I can make your life miserable in a second and you know it!"
Feeling scared and bewildered at this point, I read Bryan's threatening message again. His words sent a shiver down my spine.
I never expected him to resort to such behaviour after acting cowardly that night, especially now that I was married and stuck to Billionaire Dane Hale.
My mind raced with questions. What should I do? Should I confront Bryan and try to reason with him? Or should I ignore his threats and hope they go away?
But then, another thought crossed my mind. What if Bryan decided to go through with his threats? Could he really make my life miserable?