Falling For Director Lee

EPISODE 14

On the other hand, Adrian woke up to an empty bedroom, realizing Noah had already left. He went through his morning routine, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he thought of Noah. Heading downstairs, he saw the breakfast Noah had prepared for him neatly laid out on the table. Adrian couldn’t help but grin as he dug in, feeling the familiar warmth of being cared for.

After finishing, he left for work, the aroma of coffee still lingering in the air. Once at Eden Global, he went straight to his office and turned on the TV, determined not to miss a single moment of Noah’s press conference. Just then, Shina Cheng walked in, carrying a stack of documents.

“Director Lee, do you need anything? I’ve gone through your schedule for the day,” she asked, concern lacing her voice.

Adrian shook his head, still focused on the screen. “That will be all for now. You can get back to work, Shina.”

Shina gave a small nod and left, closing the door quietly behind her.

Meanwhile, at NovaStar Entertainment, the atmosphere was electric. The conference hall was packed, with journalists, camera crews, and media personnel all buzzing with anticipation. Every detail had been meticulously prepared—lighting, microphones, seating, and the cameras ready to capture every moment. Minutes later, Noah Reid walked in confidently, flanked by his personal manager, head manager, and CEO Yang. The crowd hushed as the team took their seats.

Noah gave a brief nod, introducing himself with calm composure. His team followed suit, and the press conference officially began, the room charged with anticipation for what he was about to say.

The room buzzed with anticipation. Cameras flashed as journalists leaned forward, pens poised. A voice finally broke the tension.

“Noah Reid, is it true that you are dating Adrian Lee, Director of the Design Department at Eden Global?” a journalist asked, his tone sharp but curious.

Noah looked around the room calmly, letting the murmurs settle before speaking. “Yes, that is true,” he said firmly. A ripple ran through the crowd.

Another journalist spoke up, this one with a skeptical edge. “Mr. Reid, aren’t you concerned that this relationship might damage your career? Fans have expectations.”

Noah leaned slightly forward, his gaze unwavering. “I’ve always been aware of my responsibilities, but my love life is not a crime. Adrian isn’t a distraction—he’s the reason I wake up every day with purpose. If choosing love is seen as a risk, then I’m willing to take it. Because he is worth it.”

A female journalist raised her hand, her voice tinged with disbelief. “But you’re in the public eye. How do you expect the world to understand that?”

Noah’s expression softened, and his tone carried both resolve and tenderness. “I’m not asking everyone to understand. I’m asking for respect. Respect for him, respect for our choices. I fell for Adrian first, and that’s a truth I won’t compromise. Fame is fleeting. Love… love lasts.”

Another reporter pressed, “So you’re saying you’d risk your career for him?”

Noah’s eyes glimmered with intensity. “Not risk—no. I’d gladly step away from the limelight if it meant protecting our relationship. Adrian deserves to be loved openly, without shame or secrecy. And I will not hide him, not for anyone.”

The murmurs grew louder, some voices supportive, some shocked. A reporter from a leading entertainment magazine asked pointedly, “What would you say to fans who feel betrayed or disappointed?”

Noah took a slow breath, letting his words carry weight. “I would say: I appreciate every fan who has stood by me, every cheer, every support. But loving Adrian doesn’t take away from my music, my art, or my career—it enhances it. If anyone cannot accept that, I can only hope they will find understanding in time. But my heart will not bend. I will not choose fame over love.”

Finally, Noah addressed the crowd as a whole, his voice steady, resolute. “Adrian Lee is my heart. And I love him so deeply that I would rather give up everything I’ve built than break up with him. That is my truth, and it is unwavering. Thank you for listening.”

A hush fell over the room, then a ripple of applause began, slowly growing louder. Cameras captured the moment, flashes illuminating Noah’s calm, determined face.

Murmurs filled the conference hall, rippling through every corner like a restless wave. Fans across the world were glued to their screens, and even through the cameras, they could tell—Noah wasn’t joking. His voice, his expression, every word he’d said carried a weight that couldn’t be faked.

At Eden Global, Adrian sat quietly in his office, eyes fixed on the screen. His heart thudded with every word Noah spoke. Downstairs in the company’s main hall, his subordinates and colleagues had gathered, watching the live broadcast in stunned admiration.

“Director Lee’s boyfriend is really something,” one of them whispered, eyes wide with awe.

“Lucky man,” another said softly, smiling. “Imagine someone being willing to give up fame for love.”

Even CEO Han, who rarely expressed emotion, was watching from his office. His usual stoic expression was replaced with quiet astonishment.

When Noah finally ended the press conference, Adrian couldn’t hold it in anymore. Tears streamed down his cheeks—tears of pure joy. His hand trembled slightly as he reached up to wipe them away, but the smile on his lips never faded.

He knew Noah wasn’t bluffing. He knew those words came from a place deeper than anyone could imagine. But to hear Noah say it openly—to tell the world that he would rather give up fame than give up him—it made Adrian feel seen, cherished, and loved beyond measure.

Outside, the world exploded. News stations ran headlines back-to-back:

“Noah Reid Chooses Love Over Fame!”

“Celebrity Actor Defends His Relationship in Powerful Speech!”

Television programs, social media platforms, and online forums lit up with endless discussions. Surprisingly, the tide was turning in Noah’s favor. People began voicing their support, praising his courage and sincerity.

“What he said makes sense,” one talk show host commented. “Being a celebrity doesn’t mean you stop being human. Love is a right, not a scandal.”

The hate comments that once flooded the internet began to fade, replaced by an overwhelming chorus of support and admiration. Fans were calling Noah brave, calling his love story real—and for the first time, both Noah and Adrian’s names trended not for controversy, but for something beautiful.

And somewhere in the midst of all that noise, Adrian sat quietly, his heart full.

He didn’t need fame, or fortune, or validation. He had something far more precious—Noah’s unwavering love.

Noah sat quietly in the conference room, scrolling through his phone, when the door burst open. Lily Wang, his personal manager, rushed in, her face lit with excitement.

“Noah! You won’t believe it—the tide’s changed completely!” she said, nearly breathless as she placed her tablet in front of him. “Look—every platform, every major outlet—people are supporting you now. The hate comments are gone! They’re calling you brave, genuine, even romantic!”

Noah glanced at the flood of headlines and the thousands of supportive comments scrolling across the screen. A faint smile curved his lips. “So… the world finally got it,” he murmured softly.

Before Lily could reply, the door opened again. CEO Yang Xiao walked in, calm and composed as always, but there was something lighter about his expression this time. He took a seat at the head of the table, crossing one leg over the other.

“There’s no need for you to leave, Noah,” CEO Yang began, his tone more cordial now. “You’ve managed to win the people’s hearts. The feedback was—” he paused, almost in disbelief, “—massively good. I’ll admit, I didn’t expect this outcome.”

Noah chuckled softly. “Neither did I, honestly. But I said what I meant. And I meant every word I said.”

Yang nodded, leaning forward slightly. “You did something most people in your position wouldn’t have dared to do. It paid off.”

“Maybe,” Noah replied, leaning back in his chair. “But I’m still standing by what I said earlier. I won’t be taking any new projects for now.”

Lily blinked. “Wait, what? You’re turning everything down?”

“Not exactly,” Noah clarified, glancing her way. “From now on, Lily, before you agree to any role or endorsement, make sure you talk to me first. I want to have a say in what I take on. No more blind decisions or PR-driven moves. I decide what represents me.”

Lily nodded quickly, a smile tugging at her lips. “Got it, Noah. Understood loud and clear.”

CEO Yang exhaled, shaking his head slightly but smiling nonetheless. “You’re really something, Noah Reid.”

“Guess I am,” Noah replied with a small grin, standing up and straightening his jacket. “Anyway, I think I’ve had enough spotlight for one day. I’m heading home. See you around, CEO Yang. And you too, Lily.”

He gave them both a polite nod and walked out of the room.

As he stepped into the hallway, he spotted Liam leaning casually against the wall, watching him. Liam raised a hand and gave him a thumbs-up, a proud grin spreading across his face.

“Told you it’d work out,” Noah said.

Liam chuckled. “Yeah… you did.”

With that, he slipped on his sunglasses, his expression softening as he thought of Adrian waiting for him at home. Without another word, he made his way out of the building, his heart lighter than it had been in a long time.

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