In the aftermath of the scandalous incidents yesterday, the pressure is mounting on everyone to make a public appearance as soon as possible. The higher-ups and fellow politicians are pushing for a united front, brushing aside any excuses. "It's your first public appearance as a couple; don't mess things up!" Her mother's stern voice echoes in the changing room as she places a dress before her daughter. The color is scrutinized carefully, with an emphasis on ensuring it complements her body tone. It's a moment of both personal and political significance, with appearances now carrying an added weight.The lingering excuse that Oryx is not yet comfortable with public appearances is no longer valid. The unfolding events have thrust them into the spotlight, demanding a response. The coming public appearance is not just about personal image; it's a strategic move in the political chess game that requires careful consideration and precise execution.Oryx, standing before the mirror, sighs
Oryx's heart pounds wildly against her chest as Marquis's hand gently encircles her waist, holding her with both tenderness and respect. The incessant flashes of cameras illuminates the scene around them, creating a surreal ambiance. However, she can't bring herself to meet Marquis's intense gaze; he is staring at her with a depth that seems to reach into her very soul.This isn't a contrived stare; the touch around her waist feels genuine and unforced. Oryx senses the sincerity in Marquis's recent actions towards her. It leaves her unsettled, introducing a layer of complexity to her carefully laid-out plan.The cameraman chuckles, his laughter blending with the distant hum of camera shutters. "That's so graceful to watch. Look at Ms. Turner. She is blushing red!"Oryx, enveloped in a sudden spotlight of attention, doesn't utter a word. Instead, she allows her head to dip slightly, her gaze finding refuge in the ground below. A shy smile plays on her lips, a silent acknowledgment of t
" I have to leave now. Mom is waiting for you in her car."A phone call, which appears as " Liliana" on his phone screen, makes Marquis leave Oryx's side as soon as possible. The moment he received the call, he acted as a perfect husband before the guest disappeared. Now, he is heading out without any better explanation. She had already realized, that the moments she had spent with him last two hours, were all fake to him but to her, it's her forever sweet memories." Mom!" Wearing a mask of a sweet smile, covering her deepest sadness, she moves to the car. The appointment with her mother-in-law is still available." My Sweetest!" Mrs. Williamson extends her hand, with genuine care for her, and she hugs Oryx. " You must have been worried about the party. I am sorry that I didn't push Marquis more to help you out!"" No. Mom. It's fine." She smiles bitterly. " It's not fine. I know that Marquis has been neglecting you. We aren't blind. Just we don't know what possibly we should do t
Her tired body somehow manages to crawl into the house after a long day at the hospital. The weight of the day's pressure weighs heavily on Oryx, and all she yearns for is the comfort of her own bed.Like any other human, she craves rest, love, and affection from someone waiting at home. Unfortunately, luck hasn't placed that someone in her life.She trudges towards her room, hastily tying her hair into a messy bun, her fingers instinctively touching the necklace she received as a cherished gift from Marquis.With a weary sigh, stretching her fatigued arms, she resigns herself to enter. However, a sudden realization grips her as she notices the door—it's unlocked.Immediately on high alert, Oryx steps cautiously into her home, noticing the absence of any workers downstairs. Concern grips her—could someone have broken in?Suspiciously, she tiptoes towards the partially open door, nudging it slightly with a silent creak. Startled, she jumps in place at the sound of a whisper."Happy bir
Gallian's fingers tremble slightly as he reaches out, a futile attempt to grasp the elusive silhouette of Oryx lingering in his mind. The soft cadence of the curtain's dance with the wind mirrors the tumultuous rhythm of his emotions.He watches his hand, his yearning palpable, yet his touch unable to bridge the impassable distance separating him from Oryx. Her presence, an intangible force, eludes his grasp, leaving a hollow ache in his chest.Every flicker of the room's bulb casts fleeting shadows across his face, echoing the fleeting hope of seizing her heart. He knows the truth, anchored in the certainty that the person she desires, Marquis, remains an unattainable aspiration.Amidst the chance dangling within his reach, a daunting realization looms—a challenge more formidable than seizing the moment—dealing with the impregnable fortress that is Oryx. Unlike others who would surrender their affections to care, she stands resolute, guarding her heart against any trespass.But why?G
"Someone's toying with me, aren't they?" Oryx grasps the captivating princess dress that has initially caught her eye, glancing around to check if Marquis is nearby.Speaking over the phone, she hands the dress to an employee standing a short distance away."Seemingly. All the data on Liliana's social accounts has vanished. How has Liliana been acting lately?" Ben inquires while diligently attempting to recover information about certain clients."She hasn't made an appearance yet. Marquis's behavior is odd too as if he already knows that she is a damn bitch!" Oryx remarks, passing another dress to the employee."He's not oblivious. One of your guards mentioned she hasn't been visiting Maria lately. Maybe she's aware of the change in doctors," Ben informs."In that case, it's improbable for her to target Maria when my guards are present. But you mentioned someone else is supporting her. Who might that be?""No clue. I tried to breach the account that hacked into my computer, but I cou
As Ben settles the chilled glass of water on the table, he turns to Gallian, who has just returned from the hospital after admitting Marquis. Twirling the straw, the clinking of ice echoes in the room. "What did the doctor say?""He's okay. The injury wasn't severe. Marquis shielded the strike with his hand, so that took a deeper cut, but it'll mend soon," Gallian replies, wondering how Ben knows about it."That's a relief. Hopefully, Oryx won't lose her composure over this," Ben remarks, taking a seat while noticing Gallian's troubled demeanor. "Is something else bothering you?"With a frustrated sigh, Gallian gulps down the cold water. "She's utterly fixated on him. He's shown no interest in her, doesn't want her, yet... I can't fathom why she persists. She seems content despite not having him!""Here, try some beer," Ben offers, sliding another glass toward him while reaching for a napkin to tidy up the table."Why is she so unperturbed witnessing him with another woman? He even pu
In the stillness of the night, Marquis's voice breaks through the quiet room as his assistant settles the laptop before him."Any updates on the assailant?" Marquis inquires, his eyes fixed on the screen, awaiting crucial information."Yes. It's a beggar residing near the Carton Bridge slum. The police have detained him. He claims he was offered ten thousand dollars to attack you," the assistant relays the latest developments."And who's behind this?" Marquis questions,a tinge of frustration lingering in his voice at the anonymity of the Mastermind."He insists he doesn't know. The cash was found in a box featuring your image next to his tent," the assistant continues, observing Marquis's contemplative expression.Marquis hums softly, thoughts swirling as he acknowledges the array of adversaries amassed during his rise as a prominent businessman. The exploitation of a vulnerable beggar troubles him deeply, considering it a cowardly move by whoever is responsible."Refrain from pressu