9
On the day of the press conference, the venue was brimming with high–profile figures./
The media swarmed the place like ants.”
My brows knitted tightly. I hadn’t invited this many reporters.”
I knew perfectly well this scheme of mine was only a temporary measure. If the matter got too big and someone exposed Harper and my son, it wouldn’t matter even if I publicly announced that Freya and I had divorced long ago.”
After all, anyone could do the math when they saw Freya’s daughter’s age.”
With that thought, I couldn’t help but wave my assistant over.”
“I told you to invite only a portion of the media. Why are all of them here now?”
Saige stammered, “S–Sir, these reporters weren’t invited by us. Ms. Driscoll–ah, Mrs. Laurent–asked them to come.“%
I froze at that.
We had already agreed this press conference was just for show, a convenient façade. Why would Harper blow it up into such a spectacle?
Many in the crowd were already sighing over what they saw as deep, enduring love between me and Harper.
They remembered how she had gone abroad after the Laurents went bankrupt, and how, upon her return, I had divorced Freya without hesitation so I could reunite with her.”
The power of a man’s first love seemed as formidable as ever.
At first, hearing these comments–paired with Harper’s actions–left me deeply displeased. In my heart, I had always regarded Freya as my wife. Granting Harper an official title in front of so many people was already something I’d been cornered into doing.”
And now she had made such a spectacle of it.
This would mean I could no longer appear in public with Freya in the future.”
My frown deepened. I had never wanted to make my relationship with Harper public in the first place. But somehow, our photos had spread everywhere.[
Thankfully, our child’s identity had not yet been exposed. Otherwise, no matter how I tried to explain, both Harper and I would be nailed to the pillar of shame.
My gaze fixed on Harper as she approached. I spoke bluntly, “Why did you call so many reporters here? If this gets too big and someone starts digging, neither of us will come out of it well.“”
Her eyes glistened with wounded grievance.”
“I’ve been nameless, without status, yet I bore Kayden for you. Now I’m carrying your second child. I don’t ask for much, Rodney–only to stay by your side. Now that we finally have the chance to go public, I just want our child to be able to speak of our love one day… so he doesn’t have to live with such an awkward identity.“}
Hearing that, my heart softened. I reached out to gently pat her head, though a crease still formed between my brows.” “That’s not what I mean, It’s just… our relationship isn’t suitable for public exposure.“N
A glint of steel flashed in her eyes, but when I looked at her again, she seemed to transform, speaking softly, almost submissively.[
“Rodney, as long as you acknowledge me at the press conference, I’ll treat you well from now on. I won’t fight with Freyal anymore. I’ll be content… even if I can only watch you from afar.”
“If you want to bring her back later,” she added, “I promise I won’t make trouble.“N
I hadn’t expected her to humble herself so much.
If she hadn’t gone abroad all those years ago, if she’d stayed by my side to help me rebuild, perhaps it would be Harper who was my wife now.”
With that thought, I waved a hand, signaling for my assistant to go buy jewelry.”
If Harper was going to be this “sensible,” I might as well give her the dignity she craved.
6:11 AM P
Rodney’s POVE
