Chapter 2 A united front

Evelyn and Drake's honeymoon began in the picturesque island of Kauai, Hawaii, one of the most sought-after destinations for luxurious honeymoons. With its lush greenery, pristine beaches, and jaw-dropping sunsets, the tropical paradise offered the perfect backdrop for the newlyweds to celebrate their union.

But behind the breathtaking views and five-star resorts, a tempestuous undercurrent threatened to shatter their idyllic paradise.

Evelyn stood on the balcony of their suite, the ocean breeze ruffling her hair. She smiled as Drake wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close for a selfie. "For our honeymoon album," he said, his voice playful.

Evelyn laughed, but the sound was forced.

The sun set over the ocean, its golden light bathing the couple in a warm, romantic glow. They stood close, a picture-perfect image of love and happiness. But beneath the surface, a chill lingered in the air, a shadow of doubt and secrecy lurking in the corners.

" I love you," Drake whispered as cameras began to click.

She smiled, but her eyes were distant, and her thoughts elsewhere. "I love you too," she replied hesitatingly.

After the photo, Drake pulled Evelyn into a kiss, but she could feel his doubt, his hesitation. He knew something was amiss, even if he couldn't quite put his finger on it. She had to be careful, or their facade would crumble.

As they broke apart, Drake's eyes searched hers, but she looked away, pretending to admire the sunset.

After a chaotic wedding ceremony, they found themselves on their honeymoon, trying to figure out how to be husband and wife to the public.

Just then, a notification sounded on Drake's phone, and he reached into his pocket. Her heart skipped a beat-what if it was a message from his admirers or his unrequited ex that wanted to confirm the news of his marriage to a bartender he met few days ago at a bar?

Nevertheless, Drake's expression remained neutral as he read the message.

The notification was from Drake's Instagram account. It showed thousands of comments from fans reacting to the photo he had just posted of their honeymoon.

" It's from the post on Instagram, people are loving it!" He smiled to himself. Evelyn didn't have to look at the comments to know what they were saying. "They think we're so happy together," she said, a hint of bitterness in her voice.

Drake smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Of course they do. That's why we're doing this, isn't it?"

**

During another romantic dinner with Drake, just as the sun was beginning to disappear over the horizon, another awkward silence filled the lit room causing an uncomfortable atmosphere for well decorated room.

Drake cleared his throat, with his hands wrapped to an expensive wine. " There shall be a press conference when we get back from our honeymoon," he said, his voice neutral. "The media is expecting a big announcement."

Evelyn's stomach twisted. This was it. The moment when their deception would either hold strong or collapse. "And what are we announcing?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

He met her gaze, his eyes unreadable.

" We'd be announcing our new joint venture," Drake said. "Evelyn Blake, CEO of Blake Enterprises, and Drake Langston, CEO of Langston Industries, will be working together on a new project.This would establish our appearance as a power couple."

Evelyn's pulse quickened. "And the reason for this partnership?"

Drake's expression was impassive. "It's a mutually beneficial arrangement."

Evelyn's jaw clenched, the air around her growing tense. "So you just decided this on your own? Without consulting me? Who made you the dictator of my life?"

His eyes narrowed, his voice cool and collected. "I think you'll find that I'm more than capable of making decisions for both of us. After all, that's what you signed up for when you agreed to this marriage, isn't it?"

Evelyn fell silent, her gaze shifting towards the tablecloth as her pulse quickened. She knew that arguing with Drake would be like swimming against the tide. His air of authority and confidence was stifling, leaving her breathless.

He took a sip of his wine, watching her with an amused glint in his eyes. "I'm glad we're on the same page, my dear. Now, shall we discuss the logistics of the press conference?"

Evelyn's heart hammered against her chest, her mind racing. She knew better than to challenge him in public, not when their image was at stake. She forced a smile, repeating his words in her head as a mantra.

* I have to maintain a facade for the sake of our reputation. Just get through this. Just get through this.* She exhaled slowly.

" The press will have a lot of questions," Drake continued, " But we need to be prepared. We'll present a united front, a vision of a happy, successful couple in love. And we'll deflect any personal questions with humor or charm. Our private life is none of their business."

She nodded again, her mind already whirling with potential questions and answers.

**

The press conference took place in the grand ballroom of a five-star hotel in Manhattan after a week of a tumultuous honeymoon at Kauai, Hawaii. The room buzzed with energy as reporters, camera crews, and guests jostled for position. The atmosphere was electric, the tension palpable.

Evelyn and Drake stood hand-in-hand behind the podium, their gazes fixed on the sea of cameras and eager reporters. The bright lights of the conference room illuminated on their faces. And the reporters, they were all hungry for a piece of the Langston drama. The sudden clamor of cameras clicking and pens scribbling was also deafening.

Evelyn's palms were slick with sweat, her heart thumped against her chest like a caged bird. She felt Drake's hand brush against hers, grounding her. She forced a smile as she began to speak...

"We're thrilled to be here today," She began, her voice smooth and polished.

Looking at drake lovingly, she ushered him to speak;

" I'm glad to share this joyous occasion with all of you. My beautiful wife and I are excited to start this new chapter in our lives, and we're eager to share a glimpse of our happiness with the world."

Evelyn bit her lip, her gaze darting to the cameras. Her eyes flicked to the swarm of reporters, their hands already raising with questions. She took a deep breath, the weight of the Langston name heavy on her shoulders. But she was determined to play her role. After all, she had a reputation to uphold. "We're grateful for your interest and support," she said, her voice clear and steady.

" We're ready to take your questions."

A reporter in the front row, whose hand was raised, spoke up. "Evelyn, you've had a whirlwind romance with Drake. How did you two meet, and how did he propose?"

Evelyn smiled, remembering their rehearsal for the perfect answer to this particular question incase it was asked. It was time to show her outstanding talent of acting.

"Well, it's quite the story..." She began with an infectious smile

"Drake and I met at a business meeting, and it was love at first sight. Well, not quite love, but definitely intrigue." A playful grin spread across her face as she glanced at Drake, who chuckled in agreement.

"And the proposal? Well, Drake is a man of grand gestures. He whisked me away to Paris and proposed under the Eiffel Tower."

Drake's face remained impassive, but his grip on Evelyn's hand tightened slightly. He couldn't help but recall how he'd simply handed her the ring in a box, but she'd taken that moment and turned it into a romantic story that the press ate up like cake.

Evelyn continued, her eyes sparkling as she described her nonexistent trip to Paris. "It was a magical night, with the Eiffel Tower sparkling in the background."

She leaned in conspiratorially, her eyes twinkling. "And you know what was even more romantic? After he proposed, Drake booked a private dinner at a Michelin-star restaurant. We dined on caviar and champagne under the stars..."

Drake brows shot, nearly disappearing to is hairline.Recovering from his initial shock, he smoothly picked up where Evelyn left off. "And the violinist who serenaded us! He played 'La Vie en Rose' as we danced under the stars. It was like a scene straight out of a movie."

Evelyn giggled, playing along with the lie.

The room erupted in a flurry of questions, all vying for Evelyn and Drake's attention. One reporter shouted, "Evelyn, your wedding dress was absolutely stunning. Can you tell us about the designer?"

Evelyn flashed a radiant smile, basking in the glow of admiration. "Why thank you. The dress was designed by none other than Vera Wang herself."

" We also heard you have a juicy announcement for us Mr Langston, would you like to share?" Another reporter asked

Drake's voice was smooth and polished, his tone confident. "Today, I'm proud to announce that launching of Blake's enterprises and Langston Industries & Blake Enterprises will be working together on a groundbreaking project. This partnership will leverage our individual strengths and help us achieve new heights of success."

Evelyn smiled and nodded, her expression perfectly poised. But inside, her heart was racing. She could feel Drake's eyes on her, questioning, distrustful.

The reporters, as expected, were quick to pounce on the news. "Mr. Langston," one journalist called out, his voice sharp, "you just got married to Mrs. Blake. Are you sure this partnership isn't just a marriage of convenience, a way to gain control of Blake Enterprises?"

Drake's expression didn't falter. "I assure you, this partnership is based on sound business principles."

"But Mr. Langston," another reporter chimed in, "the timing is rather suspect. You just tied the knot and now you're launching and merging your company with hers? Are we supposed to believe that it's just a coincidence?"

Drake flashed a tight smile. "As I said, this partnership was months in the making."

Evelyn was shocked but didn't show it. ' Months in the making?, what does he mean?'. She maintained a strong charisma addressed the reporter who asked the question.

" I understand that some of you might be questioning the timing of our marriage and this partnership," Evelyn said, her tone warm and sincere. "While it might appear that we only recently met, the truth is that Drake and I have been acquainted for years. We simply chose to keep our relationship private until now."

The reporters looked skeptical, but a few seemed to be buying her story.

One reporter's voice cut through the silence, his words like a razor blade. " Ms. Blake, we have reports that you used to be a bartender, even a stripper. How can you possibly have the skills to manage a financial empire like Langston Industries?"

Evelyn's expression hardened, but her tone remained cool and controlled. "While it's true that I once worked as a bartender, the claims about my past are completely unfounded.

" As for my qualifications," she went on, gesturing to Drake, "I think my husband can attest to my skills. I graduated summa cum laude from the Wharton School with a degree in finance and have spent years building a successful career as a financial advisor. I'm more than capable of handling the responsibilities of this partnership."

One of the reporters, his brow creased with skepticism, pressed on. "Ms. Blake, you just admitted that you were a bartender, even if you claim that the stripper allegations are false. How can we, or the public for that matter, be convinced of your abilities as a financial expert?"

Evelyn took a steadying breath, refusing to let their jabs rattle her.

"My background as a bartender might not fit the typical narrative of a financial expert," She said, her voice clear and even. " But my unique path has given me a perspective and understanding that most others don't possess. I've worked with clients from all walks of life, in all kinds of situations. And I believe that my diverse experiences have made me even better at what I do."

The reporters exchanged glances, some nodding in apparent agreement, others still unconvinced. One of the older men in the front row, a veteran of the business beat, leaned forward, his voice low and gruff. " You make a compelling case, Ms. Blake. But the truth is, we've heard these kinds of stories before. What can you tell us that will prove your expertise beyond a shadow of a doubt?"

Evelyn met the man's gaze, her expression calm and confident. "I understand your skepticism, but I'm not asking you to believe in me blindly. I invite you to look at my track record, speak to my clients and colleagues. They'll tell you that I've always exceeded expectations, whether I was pouring drinks or managing investments."

" You mention clients," the reporter retorted, his voice dripping with disdain.

" Let's be honest, the customers at the bar weren't interested in your financial expertise. They were interested in..." He paused, his eyes raking over Evelyn's figure. "Other things. And you seem to have been quite generous with those things. Why should we believe that you're capable of being anything more than a pretty face?"

Drake's jaw clenched, his nostrils flaring as he fought to maintain his composure. He shot Evelyn a protective glance, then turned back to the reporter. "You're out of line," he gritted, his voice a low growl. "And I suggest you watch your mouth. Evelyn is more than capable of proving her worth, as both my partner and my wife. Your personal vendetta has no place here."

The reporter's eyes narrowed, but he held his ground. The other reporters leaned forward, sensing a potential confrontation. Some whispered excitedly to each other, while others scrambled to record every word.

"And why exactly are you so quick to defend your wife?" the reporter asked, an accusing edge to his voice.

"My wife was a bartender, not a slut," Drake chided, his voice laden with warning. " And I fell in love with her for her strength, her intelligence, and her capabilities as a businesswoman. Your insinuations say more about you than they do about her. Perhaps you're just upset that she turned you down whilst she was a bartender and you're one of the numerous customer wanting a chance for her honey pot, hmmm?"

The room erupted in whispers and murmurs, some in agreement, others laughing at Drake's accusation.

"That's the proof we need !!" the reporter voiced , a smirk twisting his lips. "You two are clearly in love, as evidenced by your honeymoon photos and your fierce defense of each other."

Evelyn and Drake exchanged a glance, their expressions careful. "We are," Drake confirmed, keeping his voice level.

The room erupted in a flurry of questions, the reporters clamoring for more details.

As the questions kept coming, Drake reached over and took Evelyn's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. " I think that's enough for today," he said, his voice authoritative. Then, in a gesture that surprised even Evelyn, he turned to face her, his gaze softening. " Evelyn Blake, I love you. And I believe in you," he said, pulling her closer.

The reporters fell silent, their cameras clicking rapidly.