The grandeur of the auditorium was palpable as the crowd buzzed with excitement. As the CEO of Marina Inc., Brad Marina was set to deliver one of the most anticipated presentations of his career. The event was a significant milestone for the company, and the audience, a mix of business executives, investors, and journalists, was eager to hear what Brad had to say.
Among the expectant crowd was Ophelia, Brad's wife and a seasoned journalist. She had positioned herself in the front row, her notebook ready to capture every detail of the presentation. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, and Ophelia could feel the energy of the crowd as they awaited Brad's entrance.
Ophelia glanced around the room, her eyes meeting those of several familiar faces. The sight of Brad's competitors and colleagues all waiting for his moment in the spotlight only heightened the sense of importance surrounding the event. As the lights dimmed slightly, the excitement in the room grew more palpable.
Brad had always been a remarkable speaker, known for his charisma and command of the stage. Ophelia knew that this presentation was a crucial one for him, and she wanted to be there to support him, both as his wife and as a journalist. She had spent weeks preparing for this moment, researching and gathering information to provide an insightful report on his achievements.
Just as the presentation was about to commence, Ophelia was approached by Andy, Brad's ever-vigilant bodyguard. Andy's expression was serious, and he moved swiftly towards her, his urgency evident.
"Ophelia," Andy said, his voice low and urgent. "You need to come with me. There's a situation."
Ophelia's heart skipped a beat. She followed Andy backstage, her mind racing with concerns about what might be happening. The bustling backstage area was filled with staff and crew members, all busy with last-minute preparations.
As she reached the designated area, Ophelia saw Brad standing with his tie slightly askew. His eyes met hers, and he gave her a sheepish grin. "Hey," he said, his voice carrying a hint of embarrassment. "Sorry about the sudden summons. I need a tie adjustment."
Ophelia's frustration gave way to confusion. "What the hell?" she exclaimed, crossing her arms. "Why did you call me here for this?"
Brad's smile softened as he approached her. "I know it's not an emergency, but I didn't want to distract you from your work. It's just... well, you're a distraction."
Ophelia's eyes widened in surprise. "Excuse me?"
Brad took a step closer, his hands gently adjusting his tie as he spoke. "Don't take it as an insult. It's actually quite the opposite. Babe, you're wearing this dress that's driving me insane, and it's going to make me stutter if I don't focus."
Ophelia's irritation began to dissolve as she processed his words. "So, let me get this straight. I make you nervous, but the hundreds of people in the crowd don't?"
Brad's gaze met hers with a mixture of amusement and sincerity. "Correct."
A small smirk tugged at the corner of Ophelia's lips as her irritation melted into amusement. "You're impossible, you know that?"
Brad chuckled, his hands moving to straighten his tie while his other arm wrapped around her waist. "I know. But can you blame me? You look stunning."
Ophelia's frustration faded completely as she softened, leaning into his embrace. "You have a presentation to give, Mr. CEO. Don't let me distract you."
Brad's smile widened, and he kissed her forehead with a tenderness that spoke of deep affection. "I'll be fine, as long as I get my good luck charm."
Ophelia raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Good luck charm?"
