Chapter Ten
1190 Words
The Sinclair Empire was buzzing with staffs busy preparing for the big press conference that would introduce Jack and Eleanor to the public as husband and wife.
Tables are being set up for guests, the press were busy arranging their cameras, and flowers were placed in the large hall. Victor Sinclair stood from a distance and observed everything.
Next to him stood his assistant Gerald, holding a copy of the script which he has prepared for both Jack and Eleanor to use in the conference to steer the media narrative in their favour and sway the public's opinion.
"Everything must be flawless. The public needs to see the Sinclair's heir as a man who is truly in love and not involved in a scandal." Victor ordered coldly.
Gerald nodded and replied, "The script gives details on how Young Master Jack and Miss Eleanor met, their sudden romance, and how fate brought them together. Everything is here sir."
"Good. Now all we need is for them to play their roles perfectly ." Victor smiled. The day of the press conference arrived sooner than Eleanor had expected. Eleanor's heart kept on beating faster as she stood backstage preparing herself.
The crowd of reporters Eleanor saw was too much for her to handle. Eleanor kept on adjusting her dress for the hundredth time, and her palms became sweaty despite the cool air from the air conditioner.
Jack stood next to Eleanor, calming fixing his cufflinks. He was completely at ease which annoyed and intrigued Eleanor at the same time. "You're nervous?" Jack asked.
Eleanor breathed deeply “Is it that obvious?”
“A little. You’re restless.” Jack teasingly smiled. "I haven't been in this type of situation before. What if I mess up?" Eleanor replied in a calm whisper
"Hey," Jack called, locking his eye onto Eleanor's. "We are in this together. Just follow my lead." Eleanor heart flustered as the unexpected warmth in Jack's voice. "But, what if..."
"No buts," Jack cut her off. "You are going to be fine. Don't think about the reporters and cameras. Just focus on me."
Eleanor breathed hard, taking Jack's word as her source for motivation.
"Besides, if you do mess up, at least it will give them a good show." Jack teased with a smile. Eleanor's anxiety broke under a sudden laugh. "You're not serious."
"But you are smiling now, and that's all that really matters." Jack smiled. "What the media needs to see is a confident woman standing beside her husband. That's all we need to show."
Eleanor's racing finally slowed as she regained her confidence. "Okay. Let's do this." Eleanor whispered, her yes blazing with confidence.
In the conference hall, the atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation for what was to happen.
Top reporters from major news media, Bloom News, StarScope, Elite Magazine, and the others have already positioned their cameras in the best positions under the spotlight.
Murmurs filled the room as journalists shared their notes and prepared their questions.
One of the reporters leaned in and whispered to her colleague, "This is going to be a goldmine for the headlines. The elusive Jack Sinclair suddenly gets married out of nowhere? It's definitely a scandal wrapped up in a love tale."
The host voice spoke through the speakers , cutting through the chatter.
"Everyone, thank you for taking your time to come. Today we want to present to you Mr Jack Sinclair and his wife, Madam Eleanor Sinclair, as they share with us their romance story.
Everyone became silent as they turned their cameras towards stage, ready to capture the moment. Jack and Eleanor joined their hands together and walked onto the stage, attracting camera clicks and flashes.
Jack exuded an air of confidence with his tailored suit and charming smile. While Eleanor was dressed in an elegant dress that complemented her natural beauty.
Eleanor wrapped her fingers tightly around Jack's like he was her last lifeline.
The entire was filled with the sound of camera clicks and flashes, with reporters shouting out Jack and Eleanor's names, but Jack raised a hand and everywhere became calm.
"Thank you all for coming here today," Jack spoke with confidence. "Eleanor and I wanted to take a moment to personally share with you our story."
Eleanor, following the script, added, "Jack and I... we never expected things to turn out this way. Sometimes, life has it own ways of surprising you with anything or anyone you never knew you needed."
As the crowd's murmurs softened, the camera flashes captured the perfect moment of Jack's gentle and affectionate glance towards Eleanor.
A reporter from StarScope called out, “Mr Jack, how did you know Eleanor was the right person?"
Jack replied, "From the moment we met, I knew Eleanor was different. She challenged me, made me laugh, and reminded me of what truly matters beyond business deals. It wasn't a choice to make. I just knew she was the one." Jack looked at Eleanor with warmth that made her heart skip a beat.
The reporters loved the story and quickly typed away on their laptops, writing articles on the spot.
Another reporter asked Eleanor, " Madam Sinclair, the public is in shock of how sudden your marriage to Jack was. What do have to say to those who are in doubt of your sincerity?"
Eleanor's heart was racing, but she stick to what she had already planned to say. "I would say that love doesn't come with a schedule. It happens when you least expect it. And when it does, you hold on to it."
For a moment, Jack's eyes showed genuine admiration, and Eleanor wondered if it was part of their act or it was real.
---
Within moments, social media was suddenly filled with breaking news.
"Sinclair's Sudden Love: A Fairytale Romance?" - Elite Magazine
“Jack and Eleanor: The Power Couple We Never Saw Coming” — StarScope
“Sinclair’s Surprise: Marriage, Intrigue, and Enchantment” — Bloom News
As Victor watched from the shadow, a satisfactory smile spread across his face. The media has fallen to their plans and his empire's image has gained a better recognition.
However, his gaze shifted to the stage, towards Jack and Eleanor. He observed their interactions and the chemistry between them, wondering if it was genuine or just part of their act.
---
As the conference ended, Jack and Eleanor walked offstage to the back, still holding their hands according to the script. Eleanor exhaled deeply. "We made it through."
Jack chuckled lightly. “Told you.” Before Eleanor could reply, Jack's phone buzzed from his pockets. Jack glanced at the screen and his expression changed instantly.
"What's wrong?” Eleanor asked. Jack's cheerful expression disappeared. "It's a message from Madeline." Jack replied with a tight voice.
Eleanor’s heart sank at the mention of Madeline's name. “What does she want?” Jack already told Eleanor about Madeline's situation so she knew who she was.
Jack shoved the phone back into his pocket. "It's definitely trouble." An uncomfortable silence grew between the both of them as the applause from the crowd faded into the background.
- Writer
