Chapter 11: Relationship Launch
1022 Words
EVE
I still think about Darren's words to the paparazzi today, as we're about to land in Los Angeles.
Not about Darren loving me, but about the fact that I was his first love.
Honestly, I just found out that I was Darren's first love.
When we were dating, I thought I was his umpteenth girlfriend. But yesterday he confirmed it himself and even wanted it to be on the news.
Somehow that made me feel guilty. It's fine if he loves me because that's his right, but first love? That's really sad.
I can't help but think of the six years he's been looking for me. It made my heart ache and I wanted to cry.
Meanwhile, articles had started popping up about us. I read them on my phone.
For the first time, my picture was posted online. I'm sure it was chosen by Darren because it didn't look like a random snapshot.
“No need to worry, as long as I hold your hand, you'll be fine,” he said as he gripped my hand tightly.
Darren has been reassuring me since yesterday that the decision to reveal our relationship was the right one.
He also told me that it could be the beginning of Ethan's revenge because Darren had known for a long time that Ethan's company was trying to get investment from his company.
“Are you okay too?”
I looked into his eyes gently.
“What about your parents' reaction?”
He shrugged, “I don't know and I don't want to know.”
“Darren....” I sighed.
“They're your parents even if they're foster parents. You should at least think about their feelings.”
However, I didn't want to make Darren and his adoptive parents' relationship worse because of my presence.
Even though they are adoptive parents, they have contributed greatly to making Darren who I know today.
“Why should I think about the feelings of other people who don't think about me?”
“They're your parents Darren, not other people,” I corrected.
Darren didn't respond to my words about his parents anymore, but he changed the subject.
I'm honestly very curious why Darren and his parents aren't that close.
“When we get out of the airport later, there will be some reporters who will intercept us. I'll confirm one thing and then we'll get in the car,” he explained.
Reporters? How many?
I mean, Darren is the CEO of the Vega Group, a giant company with subsidiaries scattered all over the place, so I'm not sure the few Darren is referring to are one or two reporters.
Honestly, I'm not ready to be in the public eye. I'm not used to being in front of the camera.
“If you're scared, you can hold my hand tight.”
He lifted our hand.
“Like this.”
I smiled slightly. Alright, I'll try to calm down and do as Darren says. It's going to be short, right? It's not going to be tens of minutes, so I guess I can endure it.
Our plane finally landed at Los Angeles International Airport, signaling that our vacation was over.
And as much as I'm glad I enjoyed my vacation yesterday, it's definitely a bit of a relief despite being caught by the paparazzi.
As the plane completely stopped, Darren took my hand and led me out. He doesn't let go of our grip and instead rolls up his sleeves to make it visible to everyone.
Seeing him so eager to introduce me to everyone that I was his wife was quite touching.
Darren wasn't ashamed to admit me, he didn't hide me, he truly appreciated my existence.
From here I sensed that people's eyes were on us. I'm not lying, some were even seen to compare our faces with something on their phones that was probably a picture of us on the news.
And as soon as our feet stepped outside the airport, the waiting journalists rushed us.
The few Darren refers to are more than 20 reporters. With their camera flashes on and questions raining down, it was making my head spin.
I wasn't used to standing confidently in front of this many cameras, unlike Darren who didn't look stiff.
“Is she really your wife?”
“She got pregnant so you decided to get married?”
“Are you guys really married?”
And there were many more questions asked by the reporters.
But all these questions were not answered directly by Darren. Or maybe he didn't want to answer. Maybe he just wanted to confirm it like he said before.
Finally, when we reached the side of the car, Darren stopped and turned to the cameras.
“Yes, I'm married to Eve and we just got back from our honeymoon. She's my wife and I married her because I love her not because she's pregnant so this marriage is to cover that up.”
Darren quickly opened the car door and let me in first and then he followed.
One of the things that hasn't changed about Darren is that he always speaks to the point, doesn't beat around the bush.
So even though it was short, his words could summarize everything.
“How was it, not as bad as you thought?” he asked.
I nodded. “Because you're beside me like you said. So what should we do next?”
Darren thought for a moment.
“What are the things you want to do?"
I really want to do a lot of things. I want to try more things that I've never done before.
But I realized that I walked out of Ethan's house without a penny.
“Just say the word Eve, I'll grant it. You need something to keep you busy.”
I'm not dreaming right? I can get what I want and do whatever I want to do without any restrictions anymore?
“I'll give you time to think. When you know what you want to do, just tell me. My secretary will make a schedule for you too.”
- Writer
