Prologue
967 Words
XYRIL
After half an hour, I could still hear the clicking sound of cameras along with their blinding flashes. This is the reason why I insisted on wearing my dark sunglasses despite John's disapproval.
As expected, the conference room was filled with more than seventy journalists and bloggers from all over the country. It was bigger than the number of their invitees. Each one of them was holding either a phone or a camera, afraid to miss a single word from me. At the center, I could clearly see the main camera that they set up for full coverage.
My mouth twitched as I continued fighting a smile.
Drumming my fingers on the table, I couldn't help but wonder: if this were the last interview I would have, then does that mean that whatever I say now would also be the last thing they would hear from me?
"I know there are still lots of questions, but I'm afraid we can only accept one more before we end our press conference for this afternoon," John announced. He looked at me just in time to see me taking a quick glance at my wristwatch. I caught him wiping the sweat off his forehead with trembling hands.
I have patience for people who do what I tell them, but I don't have it for those who don't.
John knew I was planning not to be a part of this press conference. Even if it was about my upcoming concert and movie. I just didn't care anymore – especially after what he told me. But because Sophie begged me to be here, and I didn't want John to be blamed for my sudden disappearance, I still came. I'm now sitting in front of these people and answering questions that don't matter at all.
All I was asking was for him to cut this press conference short, and he failed to do so.
Sitting at the back, I saw Lolita raising her hand. Probably in her late 40s, she is the blogger that I almost sued for libel a month ago for spreading false statements about me. Her pink bob-cut wig made her distinct.
I clearly remember asking John not to invite her to any of my interviews, so how come she was able to attend today?
Before I could call out John's attention, I saw her grab one of the microphones. I let out several curses in my head but tried my best to hide my disappointment.
"Of course, we all know that you're a self-made billionaire, a famous celebrity, and a successful entrepreneur. But I'm sure everyone's dying to know what or who made you the person you are today?"
John coughed several times after hearing her question. I instantly gave him a death stare, even though I knew he couldn't see my eyes. If only I could strangle him right now, I would be more than willing to do so.
I thought working as my road manager for five years was enough for him to know me better than anyone. I asked him to filter out the questions, and yet this happened. Is there something wrong with his comprehension or sense of hearing?
I forcibly lifted my lips upward before I gave my answer.
"My first love," I immediately stood up, afraid of the heavyweight in my chest as the void inside me grew more.
"Alright! That concludes-"
"And where is she now? Is she here with us?" Lolita added, making the press clamorous.
Now my eyes started to feel like they were burning. I clenched my hands.
According to the investigator we hired, Heaven Lim and her entire family died fifteen years ago when their mansion was caught on fire.
HEAVEN LIM
DIED
It was as if the world started spinning before my eyes. John's voice echoed in my head on repeat. I looked at him and Sophie from a distance. Both of them were shaking their heads.
I knew it was not my obligation to answer Lolita's question, but it felt like I was about to explode if I forced myself not to say a word.
I also realized that this would probably be the last thing they would hear from me if my plan ever worked.
So, instead of walking away, I stopped and looked at the main camera with a grimace.
"She passed away.” I didn’t expect my voice to c***k. I cleared my throat right after.
After what I said, the cameras started flashing more vigorously, and I could no longer understand all their follow-up questions as they overlapped with one another.
The marshals guided me towards the back door of the conference room. They accompanied me until I was able to get inside the company van safely.
I took out a few deep breaths and placed a call to John. After one ring, he answered.
"Hello, Sir-"
"Cancel all my schedule tomorrow and book me a room in my hotel."
"Copy. Is the room also for tomorrow?" I closed my eyes in annoyance.
"Yes," I replied, even though it sounded foolish to me. I was about to end the call when John spoke again.
"How about your diamond ring? Where would you like it to be delivered?"
"Bring it to my house tonight."
The call ended, and the van started moving forward. It was then that the news on the headrest TV monitor caught my attention.
"Zheng Gang is still on the loose. According to Chief of Police Philip Santiago, the PNP is still searching for the said thieves believed to be responsible for countless burglaries in the Philippines-"
I turned off the TV and closed my eyes instead. The throbbing pain in my head was too much to bear, and all I want right now is for it to stop.
- Writer
