Chapter 11: Talk Of The Town

Lia stared in shock at the news article, reporting the secret love affair between Bianca and Noah being the reason for the recent partnership. She scrolled to the bottom to see a photo of Noah holding Bianca by the waist as they entered Bianca's hotel. The caption under the photo says that Noah and Bianca were seen going into the same hotel room after the banquet.

Lia: I can't believe this. I feel so betrayed by Noah. How could he do this to me. I don't want to believe it, but it's hard to ignore this picture of them in the hotel dressed in their clothes from last night!

She jumped when her phone suddenly buzzed. She glanced down to see another text from Clover.

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MESSAGE FROM CLOVER:

Clover: Hello? Lia! You left me on read!

Lia: Sorry Clover. I was reading the article!

Clover: So what do you think?

Lia: It looks that way!

Clover! I knew it! Hopefully she sticks around so he doesn't go back to being a hard ass.

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Before she could respond, her phone started ringing.

Lia: It's Noah, I'm not sure if I'm ready for this conversation!

She took a deep breath and answered the phone.

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ON CALL WITH NOAH:

Lia: Hello?

Noah: Hey sweetheart. I'm at your door, can you come let me in?

Lia: Umm .... ok!

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Lia: He's here?

She quickly hopped up and threw something on to answer the door. She opened the door and saw Noah standing there, looking as upset as she felt.

Noah: Hi, Lia!

She let him and sat on the sofa next to him.

Lia: So, is there something you want to tell me?

Noah sighed deeply, running a hand over his face before he looked up at her.

Noah: Lia, I know how bad this looks. Something unexpected happened last night that needed my attention. Afterwards, I helped Bianca to her hotel as a favor. But I left after I helped her to the room!

Lia: But .... the photo -!

Noah: That photo was total bullshit, it was waken out of context. Bianca slipped on the way into the hotel, I caught her so she wouldn't fall!

Lia: Well, what was the unexpected emergency that you had to deal with huh?

Noah sighed again, his face full of concer.

Noah: I wish I could tell you, honey. But I can't violate Bianca's privacy like that. I'll talk to her and make sure she's ok with me telling you. I don't want secrets between us!

Noah gazed at her with pleading eyes. He reached out, gently taking her by the arm and pulling her into a tight hug.

Noah: I can only imagine how upsetting it must have been to see the article. I promise I will deal with the media. I just came here first because I needed to know that you were alright!

Lia: Alright? I don't really feel alright after all of this. I wish I could read his thoughts right now. But he came here first thing before anything. That must means he cares for me. Maybe I just need to trust him. Noah, I trust you. I believe that you love me and will never try to hurt me.

Noah breathed a deep sigh of relief.

Noah: Thank You Lia!

Lia: What for?

Noah: Fro trusting me. I know how terrible this looks, but I swear to you, I'm going to fix it. You're the most important person to me and I want to make this right!

Noah leaned down and gave her a sweet kiss on the lips.

Noah: I love you!

Lia: I love you too Noah!

Noah: It's been a rough morning. Why don't you take today off?

She nodded as she she nestled into his embrace.

Lia: This is when I really wish I could hear exactly what he is thinking!

Despite not going to work, she decided to meet Clover at their usual lunch spot after she got off.

Clover: You missed everything today! Lia! Everyone at work was taking about Bianca and Mr. Kason. There were reporters everywhere. It was nuts. But Mr. Kason was swift with his response. The PR staff released a statement that all the rumors are false!

Lia: Well, hopefully that's the end of if then!

Clover: I don't think so. One of the sources say that they think it is true because Noah rushed to squash the rumors. They said that he's never addressed rumors about him before, regardless of what they said!

Lia: Of course. It would just be too easy if this all just went away. I guess this is a small taste of what it's going to be like to date Noah ...... Always in the spotlight!

Clover noticed the uncomfortable look on Lia's face. She reached over and and took her hand.

Clover: Don't worry! I know your concerned about our boss because you really respect him a lot. But I don't think he's lying. You've helped me to change my own opinion of Mr. Kason. I probably would believe all the rumors if it wasn't for you. I know this is a lot but try not to let it worry you too much, I'm always here if you need to talk!

Lia: I don't really think about how this was going to affect everything!

Lia smiled and nodded at Clover who's already moved on to the next juicy piece of gossip. As she and Clover finished their food, she got a text message from Noah.

Noah: Hey, can you come me at the office?

Lia: Sure, Noah I can meet you!

Noah: I'll send you a driver to come pick you up!

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Lia: It's after hours. Why does he want to meet at the office this late? That's strange. Shoot I need to hurry and get home then. I need to make up an excuse to leave so Clover doesn't get suspicious!

Clover: What's wrong?

Lia: I Don't know. Maybe the food is just not agreeing with me today. I'd better go home!

Clover: Alright, feel better! See you tomorrow!

Lia and Clover waved to each other as they went on their seperate directions. The driver pulled up to the office building. She was surprised and saw so many cars in the parking lot. Noah suddenly met her at the door, a look of relief in his face.

Lia: Why are there so many people here after hours? What's going on?

Noah; Lia, I'm so glad you're here. How was your day off?

Lia: Um ... it was relaxing!

Noah: Good I'm glad to hear that!

Lia: Noah what is going on here? Ther are reporters everywhere!

Noah: Well, it turns out that this isn't going away as easy as I'd hoped it would. I thought a press announcement would be enough, but with Bianca's popularity and her winning that award, it's not that easy. The press assumed my announcement was just a cover to smooth things over and keep our so-called relationship a secret!

Lia: I guess that makes sense. Bianca is a huge star these days!

Noah: But I want to clear everything up and I have a plan. I just need to help!

Lia: What the plan?

Noah: I want to make our relationship official and go public with it, tonight!

Lia: What?

Noah: I want everyone to know who is it that I'm in love with! As long as you remain secret, this is bound to happen again. I don't think the media will stop with Bianca. But if they knew more secrets for them to tell. Besides, it's going to come out about you and me eventually. This way, we have control over how that information is released!

Lia: ......

Noah: I know it's scary Lia. But I love you. That isn't going to change. I'll be with every step. This may makes things more challenging for us once everyone finds out, but I think what we have is worth it. I don't really care whay everyone else says or thinks, but I won't do this if you're not ready!

Lia reached up, wrapping her arms around his neck as she pressed her lips to his. Noah pulled her in close as he deepened the kiss.

Noah: So is that a yes?

Lia: Yes Noah. let's do it. Let's tell everyone about us!

Noah grinned happily as he took her hand and walked with her towards the front door and the waiting reporters. From her moment the doors opened, she was blinded by flashing lights, microphones shoved in her face and relentless reporters.

Lia: This is so overwhelming!

The reporters hurled questions at Noah from ever direction as she tried and composed herself
She looked at Noah and noticed how calm amd relaxed he seemed even in the middle of all the chaos.

Lia: I'm going to have to ask him to teach me how to do that!

Noah waited calmly until the reporter's questions die down.

Noah: Thank You everyone for coming and giving me the opportunity to clear up thi misunderstanding. Last night, some pictures were taken of me while I was trying to do a favor for an old friend. These pictures were taken out of context and led the public to believe that I was in a romantic relationship with this friend!

Reporter 1: You already released a statement saying it ain't true. What proof do you have of this?

Noah turned to look at Lia before gesturing to her in front of the reporters.

Lia stood quietly off to side as Noah expertly fielded questions from reporters.

Noah: This beautiful women right here is my proof. This is my actual girlfriend, Lia!

Lia: .......

The cameras began flashing once again as she tried to remain as calm and cool as Noah had. After answering senerak more questions, Noah thanked the reporters for coming before taking her hand and heading back inside. Thankfully, the next day was Saturday, Lia Woke up in Noah's bed after spending the night with him. She joined Noah in the living room where he was sitting on the sofs watching the news.

Lia: Any good news?

Noah: Yes actually. They've stopped reporting that Bianca and I are dating!

Lia: Yaaaaaay that's good news!

She sat down next to Noah on the sofa.

Lia: I'll be so glad when all finally blows over. But I guess I have some explaining to do Clover!

Noah: Do you think she'll be upset?

Lia: I think she'll be happy for us, but she's going to give me an earful for keeping a secret from her!

Noah checked.

Noah: I don't want to be around when that conversation happens. I'm a little scared of Clover, honestly!

Lia laughed as she laughed as she into Noah. He shifted so that his arms were around her as the two of them sat comfortably together. As the two of them wrre taking and laughing, the doorbell suddenly rang.

Noah: I wonder who that is!

Noah stood up and Lia followed him to the door.

Noah: Bianca?

Bianca: Hey Noah, I need to talk to you!

Lia: What could she possibly want?

END OF CHAPTER 11 .....
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