Heart and Track

-7-

☆꧁༒Louisa May Pearl༒꧂☆

✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽

I glance at him from the corner of my eye, wondering if now is the right time to ask. Today is the first day of us going out as a couple, and I am nervous. I don't know if the media will buy this fake relationship or not. I hope they will. But something has been on my mind.

"Are we getting each other's nickname or just call by name?" I ask, trying to sound casual.

He looks up from his phone, a curious smile playing on his lips. "What nickname?"

"You know, something like baby, sweetpea, babe, boo, dear, darling."

He laughs, a deep, hearty sound that fills the room. "I didn't say something funny though," I say, puzzled.

"Silly, I know what nickname means. You're just kind of cute when saying those names," he says, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

I feel my cheeks warm up, the blush creeping up my neck. I shouldn't be blushing by his words. He said the name was cute. Yes, let's keep it that way. He called me cute!

"W-well, then what should I call you?" I ask again, my voice a little shaky.

"Call me anything you want. I don't mind since you're my girlfriend now," he says with a wink, leaving me breathless.

The butterflies in my stomach flutter wildly, and I know I must be grinning like an idiot. "Girlfriend," I repeat softly, savoring the word. Fake one, Louisa. It's fake!

He stands up, stretching his arms above his head. "Come on, let's get going. We've got a whole day ahead of us."

We arrive at the charity gala, a lavish event filled with influential people and flashing cameras. Holden is effortlessly charming, mingling with guests and posing for photos. I feel a bit out of place in my elegant, floor-length emerald green gown, but his reassuring presence beside me keeps my nerves at bay.

As we approach the media area, he takes my hand, his thumb gently caressing my skin. The simple touch sends a jolt of electricity through me, making my heart race.

Holden turns to me, his eyes softening. "Ready?" he asks, his voice low and intimate. I nod, trying to steady my breathing. We step in front of the cameras, and I feel his arm wrap around my waist, pulling me close. The warmth of his body against mine is both comforting and exhilarating.

A reporter steps forward, microphone in hand. "Holden, who do you bring tonight to the gala? It is true that you've been abused your partner in a relationship?" Holden's grip on my waist tightens slightly, a subtle show of support and protection. He looks directly at the reporter, his jaw clenched, but his eyes remain calm and composed.

"This is Louisa May Pearl," he begins, his voice steady and confident. "She's my girlfriend, and she means everything to me." He pauses for a moment, letting his words sink in before continuing. "As for the rumors about abuse, they are completely false and baseless. I would never harm someone I care about. Louisa and I have been in a relationship for about 6 months and that articles just came out a few weeks ago which is a complete false accusations. I will take a legal action towards the person who trying to ruin my relationship with Louisa and also trying to bring my career down,"

The reporter hesitates, clearly not expecting such a firm response. Holden's words resonate with a sense of finality, leaving little room for doubt.

Another reporter steps forward, trying to shift the focus. "Holden, how has Louisa influenced your performance on the track? Has she been a source of inspiration for you?"