The Return (De Laurel Trilogy #1)

32

After an hour when the are article came out, the media was already outside of my building. I even had to contact my bodyguard unit to tame them. When I got out of the building, they were already surrounding me.

"Are the rumors true, Ms. De Laurel?"

"Can you confirm the articles, Olivia?"

"Olivia! A statement, please!"

I kept my head down as the bombarded me with questions. One even had the audacity to tackle me. Thanks to the little Karate that I learned in Okinawa, Japan when we went there, I put the man in the floor.

"Do not tackle me like that." I stated sternly.

The man then scurried away to the other paparazzis'. I got to my car and sighed heavily.

"Jeremiah, drive. Now!" I ordered, making Jeremy drive immediately.

I noticed that they still followed the car. Some were tired if running and some followed using vehicles.

"Jeremiah, to the De Laurel residence, please. I need emotional support right now." I sighed, massaging the bridge of my nose.

"Of course, madame." He nodded.

I also decided to call Nico since he is also a part if this issue.

"Nico." I said once he answered. "Have you seen the article?"

[Yes,] He sighed. [Unfortunately, when it came out and got viral, I was at the mall. And I was found by paparazzi immediately.]

"I'm sorry for bringing you up in this mess." I apologized. "I should've been more careful."

[It's okay.] He chuckled. [I'm sure it will die down before we know it.]

"God, I hope so." I groaned.

"So, are we still up for the date, girlfriend?" He teased.

"Nicholai!" I shouted. "I mean like, why not?" I chuckled. "When the rumors die down, though. I do not want the media pestering me when time comes."

[Of course,] He chuckled once again. [I don't want that too, anyways.]

I chuckled before he said goodbye since he was cooking comfort food. As we drove off, there were still cars that were following us.

"We're here, madame." Jeremiah stated as we arrived in front if my old house.

I got out and immediately ran to the door. Thankfully, it wasn't locked so, I got in easily. A fee minutes later, people were again, already clamoring outside.

"Thank goodness that I got here in one piece." I panted.

"Lena? Is that you?" I heard the voice if Olen from the living.

"Yes," I croaked out.

He showed up with a look of concern in his face.

"I've seen the articles, I-" He started off.

"I'm fine." I panted. "I'm just shocked, that's all."

"Have you talked to Nico?" He asked while helping me with my stuff.

"Yeah," I nodded. "He's okay with it too. As long as our outing will be continued." I rephrase the
'date' since I didn't want him to panic.