A step of faith

Interview with the press

Alex a handsome young man that stands at around 6 feet tall, with a lean yet athletic build that hints at his active lifestyle. His hair is a rich, dark brown, styled perfectly to accentuate his chiseled features. His eyes are a bright, piercing blue that seem to sparkle with warmth. His nose is straight and proportional to his other facial features, and his lips are full and inviting, curling into a gentle smile that puts those around him at ease.

His skin has a warm, golden glow, a testament to his love for the outdoors. His jawline is strong and defined, framing his face with a sense of confidence and determination. He has a small scar above his left eyebrow, which adds a touch of ruggedness to his otherwise polished look.

He moves with a quiet assurance, his long legs eating up distance with ease. His style is effortless and understated, yet he always looks put-together, whether he's wearing a simple white T-shirt or a tailored suit.

When he smiles, his whole face lights up, and his eyes crinkle at the corners, giving him a boyish charm that is impossible to resist. He exudes a sense of quiet confidence making him a magnet for those around him.

He sat on his coach scrolling through his phone when it suddenly rang. He saw his girlfriend, Savannah's, name flash on the screen and answered, expecting a usual conversation. But Savannah's voice was shaking and panicked.

"Alex, I need to tell you something. I'm in trouble," savi said, her words trembling.

"What's wrong?" Alex asked, immediately concerned.

Savannah took a deep breath. "My parents... they're forcing me into marriage. To some Andrew. I don't know what to do."

Alex's grip on the phone tightened. "What? That can't be happening. You're not going to go through with it, are you?"

Savi's voice cracked. "I don't know, Alex. He is threatening to take my father to court hence loosing everythingif I refuse to marry him. I love you, not some stranger they want me to marry."

Alex's mind raced. "We'll figure something out. I won't let this happen.

Alex's determination grew. "We'll find a way, savi. I promise. Just hold on, okay?"

Savi's voice barely whispered. "Okay... I love you, Alex."

"I love you too, savi. We'll get through this together.

The only suggestion that could come out was for them to elope. Alexa concord to the idea and drove home.

She walked up to the door, pressed the bell and waited for the door to open.

"Welcome Miss Alexa." Greeted Lilian, their housekeeper while offering to take her bag.

"Thank you, but I can do it," she smiled and walked past her, heading straight for the staircase leading straight for her bedroom. All she wanted at this point in time was to lie on her bed and think about how to get out of this mess with her very limited time.

"Alexa?" Her mom came in from the sitting room. After meeting her eyes, she knew she was aware of the situation

at hand Sadness swirled in her eyes, and her face told a tale of disparity. Her father crept in behind her, the same look filling his features. They must be in here to talk about their predicament.

"Alexa? How are you feeling honey?" Mum asked as she walked up to her and took her hands into hers, and dad followed behind her. Their actions were suffocating, she needed to think and be alone at the moment

"Alexa. I know you do not want to do this, but sometimes, you have to sacrifice for people you love and now is one of those times.

She took a deep breath as she tried to force a smile.

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The next morning

She put on a long sleeved red dress and matching gold jewellery with stilletos gave her a temporary confidence as she marched into the intimidating office building. She walked past Andrew's secretary. Before she even had the opportunity to open her mouth, she had given her the okay to head into his office. She gave a smile she knew that couldn't possibly be genuine after the whole ordeal yesterday.

She looked her up and down. "Make sure you look presentable enough and brace yourself for what you're about to meet. " She stated which made her furrow her brows.

"Take this" she stretched out a little box. Whoa! It was a diamond ring, a stunning symbol of luxury and elegance showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and sophistication.

"He demanded you put it on."

"Sure." Savannah responded as she slit it down her finger.

Just as she was still contemplating about her words, she had turned the door knob and with her hand on her back, she gave her a little push to take steps forward which she then did. Suddenly, she froze. Her eyes wide open in surprise.

Camera's fluttering, their lights flashing, most of them affecting her sight for the meantime. This experience was all too familiar. He must have hosted a press conference of some sort. She was told but... I guess she still didn't expect him to really host a conference the very next day. how did he get a lot of reporters to show up here today. It was such a short notice and where on earth is Andrew?

As if reading her mind, a warm arm slipped its way around her waist without warning. On instinct, she try to slither out of her current position. His grip slightly tightened in response to her struggling. He held her closer as a pair of people romantically involved might be. Oh no, this is way too soon for them to announce anything! What if she want to back out?

"Stand here and look pretty; remember what we talked about." He clearly threatened in a whisper. His eyes barely stayed on her as he then shifted them back to the press in front of them.

Her heart was pounding like bass drums; it was all she could hear. He then guided me to a spot before the gathered press and they took their seats behind the table.

A lady stood up, a pencil and notebook in her hand, "Where did you two meet?"

"In a club."

"In a meeting," they responded simultaneously.

Andrew slightly turned his head to her and shot her a look of annoyance.

"We met in a meeting." He quickly covered up.

The crowd seemed to buy the lie, many jotting notes down and a few more camera's fluttered. The meeting felt like a chore, and felt like she couldn't handle too much more of this and so she picked up a bottle water from the table, opened and drank down some.

"Could we get a brief overview of your relationship?"

Andrew cleared his throat, "As I have previously stated, we met after an important meeting. Small talk turned into a full blown conversation in the lobby of the building and we exchanged numbers. We started dating in private and grew incredibly closer. I recently proposed and she accepted. We couldn't be any happier." He ended with a simple but fake and brief smile. The first smile she had seen on him. He had taken it down way too quick as she couldn't quite describe it. Her eyes had remained on him, a little surprise at how good of a liar he was. God, he must have no conscience to lie just like that to the world.

He shifted his eyes to her. Something about his stare felt like he was giving a warning and so she looked away from him and to the press to showcase her own fake smile as well. She may have been forced into this but she know how to fake a show when needed. His voice had held only confidence and finality, it almost made question whether or not it had ever happened.

"Is that an engagement ring, Miss parker?"

The attention was directed at her wedding finger.

"Ms. Parker, how do you feel to be the lucky woman to be chosen by Mr. Andrew?"

Lucky? She wish she could scream; this is binding her to a man who does not care about her at all, for the rest of her life. Now she have to spout lies to build up the impenetrable wall that is his ego.

"I honestly don't think words can express the joy that fills me every time we are together." She stopped to smile at him, yet he didn't smile back.

"He is genuinely a caring. Loving, and generous man. I am grateful God has given me a man like him. I am indeed lucky." Andrew's eyes left her as soon after she finished the torturous speech.

"Mr. Andrew, when is the date of the wedding?"

"In about a few days."

Her heart stopped.