Diplomatic Affairs

Damage Control

I was taken aback, my eyes widening in disbelief. "You want me to go on a date after everything that's happened?"

Seeing my reaction, Michael quickly responded, "Let me explain. Currently, the media is focused on speculating about your 'mystery lover' in the tabloid photo. Take a look at this." He handed me his tablet, and I examined it while he continued, "This graph shows an 85% increase in public engagement regarding the question. To put it simply, people are eager for a glimpse into your romantic life, and it's time we steer their attention in the right direction."

His point was sinking in. "So, we're going to create a fake relationship to divert attention from the scandal?" I asked for clarification.

"Exactly," Michael confirmed.

"I've already arranged with one of your classmates' security detail for him join you. You'll be heading to 'Le Posh,' the finest restaurant in town, at eight. So need get ready; the time is approaching," he advised.

I nodded in agreement before heading back to my room, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on my shoulders. As I stepped inside, the door swung open, and Ari entered with a visibly concerned look on her face. She wasted no time in asking, "Are you okay?" Letting out a sigh, I settled onto the bed, feeling the urge to share my feelings. "I messed up, Ari," I admitted, my voice heavy with regret. Ari sat down beside me, her arm wrapping around my shoulders in a gesture of comfort.

"No, you haven't," she countered reassuringly. "Michael updated me on what's been going on. I was worried about you, and I'm not the only one." Her genuine concern was evident as she added, "Have you talked to Alex since the incident?"

I shook my head in response, my frustration evident. "I haven't had the chance," I admitted. "I've been caught up in damage control all day."

Ari's concern deepened as she suggested, "Why don't you try texting him?"

Sighing, I explained, "It's too risky. If someone hacks my phone or my mother finds out, it would not only ruin my life but his too."

As we were discussing this, another knock echoed through the room. Michael's voice followed, "Benjamin, it's time for you to start getting ready." With a nod, he disappeared from the doorway.

Turning back to Ari, I wore a somber expression, and she tried to offer some comfort. "I'm sure things will work out, Ben. Just give it some time," she said before leaving the room.

Eventually, I reached the driveway where Michael was waiting beside a sleek limousine.

Summoning whatever enthusiasm I could muster, I opened the limo's door and stepped inside. To my surprise, Sebastian was seated there, offering me a smirk.

As I settled into my seat, the limo began its journey to our destination. The atmosphere inside fell heavy with silence and an undeniable awkwardness as I sat beside Sebastian, our shoulders touching slightly with each turn.

Expectations hung in the air, each of us burdened by the knowledge that we were about to be thrust into a world of pretending. The hum of the engine provided faint background noise, but it did little to alleviate the tension that permeated the space.

After what felt like an eternity, the limo finally pulled up in front of a grand and ostentatious fine dining restaurant. Gazing out of the window, I was met with a shocking sight - a throng of reporters eagerly awaiting our arrival. Their cameras flashed incessantly, capturing every moment as if it were a spectacle worth documenting for eternity.

"I understand the point of tonight is to be seen with you, but did Michael have to invite so many of the press?" I voiced my worry. Sensing my anxiety, Sebastian took my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, reassuringly saying, "Don't worry, Benjamin. Michael informed me about the situation, trust me we'll give them quite a show."

While appreciative of his words, a lingering unease remained within me. "I wish that brought more comfort," I replied, hoping for stronger reassurance. Just then, his bodyguard chimed in to address my concerns. "Rest assured, sir, we can handle a few photographers," he confidently stated. Despite his assurance, the memory of how everything had started with just one photographer still lingered in my mind.

Summoning a deep breath to bolster my confidence, I prepared myself before stepping out of the limousine. As soon as I emerged onto the street, I was instantly blinded by the relentless flashes of cameras. Yet, amidst the chaos and the barrage of questions being shouted at me, I managed to maintain my composer.

"Benjamin, everyone is eager to know: who's the mystery person in the photo with you?" The question hung in the air, feeding the hunger for answers and stirring up speculation.

Another reporter grasped the chance to dive into a more contentious topic, querying, "Do you feel accountable for your mother's plummeting political standing?" The weight of guilt and responsibility welled up inside me.

The reporters pressed on with their unyielding pursuit of information, one of them remarking, "After the headline scandal, people presumed you'd go into hiding. So, is tonight's dinner a solo endeavor?"

I responded to the question with a smirk, saying, "Actually, I'm here to put an end to all your curiosity." Just as if it had been planned, Sebastian stepped out of the limo at that precise moment. The cameras went wild, capturing the mesmerizing scene as he took my hand, leaving everyone stunned.

"Is that Sebastian Burkley, the prince of Solara!?" a reporter exclaimed in disbelief. Sebastian answered with a charismatic smile. Another reporter jumped in, asking, "Is he your mystery lover, Benjamin?" The crowd erupted in excitement, reporters talking over each other, their voices mingling with the constant flashes of cameras. The bodyguards worked hard to maintain order amidst the frenzy.

Amid the clamor, a reporter demanded teasingly, "Show us some proof if he's really the mystery lover." In response, Sebastian turned to me, his voice a soft whisper in my ear, "Shall we put an end to their questioning?" Curious, I looked at him and inquired, "What do you have in mind?" Unexpectedly, Sebastian dipped me down, catching me securely in his strong arms, taking me by surprise. He closed the gap between us in a passionate kiss that commanded attention, then pulled away slowly, offering me a wink that sent a wave of emotions through me.

The air around us became charged with excitement, camera flashes illuminating the scene while chatter filled the atmosphere. As we navigated through the crowd of journalists, leaving their clamor behind, a feeling of relief swept over me. The overwhelming weight of media scrutiny eased, at least for the moment.

Facing Sebastian, I found my words, saying, "Good thinking back there." I couldn't help but appreciate his deftness in managing the chaos. A playful smile danced on his lips as he retorted, "Shall we locate our table, my dear?"