EPISODE 12
1408 Words
The tension in the air at NovaStar Entertainment was palpable. The entire PR division was in chaos—phones ringing endlessly, reporters crowding at the entrance, and Noah’s face plastered on every major headline. Inside, the conference room was packed — managers, PR heads, legal advisors, all wearing the same strained expression.
Noah sat at the head of the table, calm in appearance but with a quiet storm in his eyes. His head manager, Liam, slammed a file shut.
> “Noah, what were you thinking?”
The words cracked through the room like thunder.
> “You didn’t just confirm the rumor — you announced it,” Liam continued, pacing in frustration. “Do you have any idea what this could do? Sponsors, partnerships, endorsements—”
Noah cut him off, his tone low but resolute.
> “I’m not breaking up with Adrian.”
A sharp silence followed. Every gaze turned to him, stunned.
> “You… what?” the PR head asked, incredulous.
> “I said, I’m not breaking up with him,” Noah repeated. “If it comes to choosing between fame and him, then I’ll gladly give up fame.”
Liam’s expression hardened. “Do you even realize what you’re saying? Years of hard work, the empire we’ve built—”
> “It’s my career, Liam. My life. And I’m not trading love for image anymore.”
There was fire in his tone — the kind that didn’t ask for approval.
The room went still.
> “Noah,” another executive interjected sharply, “you can’t make that decision so lightly. Do you realize how much we’ve invested in your image? The brand deals, the ongoing drama—”
> “Then let it all go,” Noah cut in, voice calm but cutting. “I've said and I will say it again. If I have to choose between fame and Adrian, I’ll give up fame.”
Liam’s hand froze mid-air. The other executives exchanged uneasy glances. This was the Noah Reid—their golden boy, their walking billboard for perfection—sitting there, choosing love over everything they had built.
> “You can’t be serious,” Liam murmured.
> “I’ve never been more serious,” Noah said, his gaze unwavering. “Adrian didn’t ask for this attention. I’ll take responsibility. Hold a press conference if you must. I’ll face the world.”
Silence swallowed the room. Finally, one of the executives sighed.
> “Fine. Tomorrow. Ten a.m. You’ll address the public.”
Noah simply nodded, standing up and heading for the door.
> “I’ll be ready.”
Behind him, Liam exhaled heavily, muttering, “You’re insane, kid… but damn, you’ve got guts.”
---
At Eden Global, whispers rippled like wind the moment Adrian stepped into the building. Heads turned, phones lifted subtly for pictures, and every corner buzzed with quiet speculation.
> “That’s him, right? Director Lee?”
“He’s even more handsome in person.”
“Do you think it’s really true? Him and Noah Reid?”
Adrian’s pace quickened, but the warmth in everyone’s smiles softened the embarrassment painting his cheeks crimson. When he entered his department, his team erupted into grins and teasing “awwws.”
His secretary, Shina Cheng, nearly tripped over her own feet rushing toward him.
> “Director Lee! Is it true? Are you really dating Noah Reid?!”
Dozens of eager eyes turned to him, expectant. Adrian paused, feeling the heat creep up his neck. With a small sigh, he nodded.
A collective gasp followed by squeals filled the office.
> “Oh my God, that’s so romantic!”
“Director Lee, we’re rooting for you!”
“If anyone says a bad word about you, they’ll deal with us!”
Their laughter and teasing eased the tension in Adrian’s chest. Despite everything, his team wasn’t judging him — they were happy for him. That warmth was something he didn’t realize he needed until now.
“Alright, that’s enough,” Adrian said, half smiling. “Back to work, everyone.”
But as he turned, Shina whispered, “We’ll defend you, Director. Don’t worry. No rumor can touch you while we’re here.”
He smiled faintly. “Thank you, Shina.”
Not long after, his phone buzzed. Message from CEO Han: ‘Come to my office.’
Adrian inhaled deeply, straightened his tie, and walked toward the CEO’s floor.
---
Inside the CEO’s Office
“Sit down, Adrian,” said Richard Han, the man whose tone alone could silence an entire boardroom.
Adrian obeyed, keeping his composure.
“I won’t beat around the bush,” Richard began. “You’ve seen the news, I assume?”
“Yes, Mr. Han. I have.”
The older man leaned forward, folding his hands. “You know, I’ve always respected your work, Adrian. You’ve been one of our most reliable department heads. But right now, you’re the center of a public scandal. Though many fans are cheering you two on, others… are not. And that kind of noise could hurt our reputation.”
Adrian took a deep breath.
> “Mr. Han, with all due respect, breaking up with Noah shouldn’t even cross your mind—nor mine. I’ve done nothing wrong. If the public can’t accept that we love each other, that’s their problem, not the company’s.”
The CEO frowned, but Adrian’s tone never wavered.
> “I’ve proven myself here, sir. My work speaks for itself. But if you think a few hate comments will tarnish Aurex’s reputation, then I’ll resign. So I ask you—what’s more important? My years of proven efficiency or public noise?”
Silence filled the room. Richard Han leaned back, studying him. Adrian’s composure was unshakable—eyes steady, voice calm but resolute.
Finally, Adrian stood.
> “Think about it and give me your reply. I’ll take my leave now.”
When the door shut behind him, Richard sighed softly. He’s got the same fire as Noah, he thought.
---
Back at his department, Adrian’s team looked up anxiously.
> “Director, everything okay?”
He smiled faintly.
> “Everything’s fine. Don’t worry.”
But inside, his chest ached. He had already accepted that if this love cost him his job, it would still be worth it.
Adrian had barely settled back into his chair, rubbing the tension from his shoulders, when his phone buzzed. The name on the screen made his heart ease instantly.
Noah 💬 Calling...
Adrian smiled faintly and answered, his voice calm but tired.
> “Hey, you.”
Noah’s voice came warm and low, like a gentle breeze through the receiver.
> “Hey, love. Are you okay? I’ve been worried sick. How’s everything at your company? They’re not giving you a hard time, are they?”
Adrian chuckled lightly, though his tone carried exhaustion.
> “No, everything’s under control. You don’t have to worry about me. What about you? I saw how your company’s been handling the situation. Is everything fine on your end?”
Noah exhaled slowly on the other line, the faint sound of papers shuffling in the background.
> “It’s... chaotic, to be honest. The management’s losing their minds. But I told them clearly—I’m not ending things with you, no matter what they say.”
Adrian’s lips parted slightly, surprised and touched.
> “Noah... you didn’t have to go that far.”
> “Of course I did,” Noah replied firmly. “You’re worth it, Adrian. I’m tired of hiding and pretending. They can say what they want. Tomorrow, I’ll face the world and tell them myself.”
Adrian’s throat tightened. His chest felt heavy with both pride and fear.
> “You really mean it?”
> “Every word,” Noah murmured softly. “This fame, the cameras, the noise—it all means nothing if I can’t have peace with the one person who makes it all feel real.”
There was a pause—quiet but filled with emotion. Adrian could hear Noah’s steady breathing through the line, could almost imagine his face, the curve of his lips when he spoke.
> “You sound tired,” Adrian whispered. “ Wait for me at home. when I'm done at the company, I will come to you okay...."
"Okay ." Adrian whispered
"Love you kisses bye." Noah said before ending the call
- Writer
