Embers of Betrayal

chapter 51: trip to Santorini

The morning after their wedding, Alexander and Bernadette boarded a flight to Santorini, eager to start their honeymoon and escape the frenzy that surrounded their lives. However, as they waited in the airport lounge, the media once again managed to find them, a persistent crowd of reporters eager for the latest headlines.

"Bernadette, any comments on the homicide case now that it's closed?" a reporter shouted, thrusting a microphone toward her.

Another journalist immediately followed up, "Do you feel any remorse for allegedly killing your husband's paramour? The public still wants answers!"

Bernadette's face tightened with anxiety, but before she could react, Alexander stepped forward, shielding her from the barrage of questions. His expression was calm but his eyes were steely.

"Enough," Alexander said firmly. "The case is closed. There is nothing more to discuss about it."

The reporters were undeterred. "But Dr. Alexander," one persisted, "why would you marry someone with such a controversial past? An annulled marriage, a closed homicide case—don't you worry about your reputation?"

Alexander's jaw clenched slightly, but he kept his voice measured. "I married Bernadette because I know who she is. The accusations against her were investigated, and the case is closed because there was no wrongdoing on her part."

"Still, the public wants to know—why marry an annulled murderer?" another reporter shouted provocatively.

Alexander's eyes flashed with anger, but he remained composed. "Firstly, Bernadette was never convicted of murder. She was cleared of all charges because she's innocent. Secondly, the annulment of her previous marriage was a legal process that has no bearing on our relationship. What's more important is the person Bernadette is—a person of integrity, strength, and grace. She has been through a lot, and I admire her resilience and courage."

A voice from the back of the crowd called out, "But don't you think the public has a right to know the truth about her past?"

Alexander turned to the crowd, his expression resolute. "The public may have an interest, but that doesn't give anyone the right to harass her. Everyone has a past, and everyone deserves the chance to move forward without being hounded by baseless accusations and media sensationalism. Bernadette has shown incredible strength in facing these challenges, and I'm proud to stand by her side. If you truly want to know the truth, look at the facts: the case is closed, she's a free woman, and she's my wife. That's all you need to know."

The reporters fell into a brief, stunned silence. Bernadette squeezed Alexander's hand, feeling a wave of gratitude and love. His unwavering support gave her strength amidst the chaos.

One reporter, still holding out his microphone, tried once more, "Dr. Alexander, do you think people will accept this marriage after everything that's happened?"

Alexander smiled softly, his tone firm but kind. "People will think what they want, but what matters most to us is our truth and our commitment to each other. We're here to live our lives, not to please everyone else."

But the questions kept coming, more pointed and personal. "Why did you marry someone accused of murder, Dr Alexander? Do you think you can save her?"Alexander's eyes flashed with anger, but he kept his voice steady and firm. "I married Bernadette because I love her. This isn't a public spectacle—this is our life. The allegations against her are just that—allegations, not facts."

"Bernadette, do you have any comments on the ongoing homicide case against you?" one reporter shouted, shoving a microphone towards her face.Another voice pierced through the crowd, "What about the killing of your husband's paramour? Did you really do it?"Bernadette flinched, her face turning pale. She instinctively moved closer to Alexander, who immediately stepped forward, shielding her from the intrusive cameras."Please, everyone, we're on our honeymoon. Give us some space," Alexander said, trying to maintain his composure.But the questions

A reporter persisted, "But marrying someone with this kind of past, don't you worry about your reputation, Dr Alexander?"He turned to face the crowd directly, his expression fierce. "Reputation?" he echoed, his voice now stronger. "What matters to me is the truth and the person I know Bernadette to be. I stand by her because I believe in her innocence and in our love. Whatever happened in the past is behind us, and we're looking forward to a future together. If you can't respect that, then I ask you to at least respect our privacy."

With that, he gently guided Bernadette away from the media, heading towards the boarding gate. As they walked away, Bernadette felt a sense of relief wash over her. She knew that no matter what came their way, they would face it together.

As they walked away from the persistent crowd of reporters, Alexander could feel the tension radiating from Bernadette. He gently guided her to a quieter corner of the airport lounge and turned to face her, his expression softening as he looked into her eyes.

"Bernadette," he said quietly, his voice filled with tenderness, "I need you to be strong. I know this isn't easy. The embers of betrayal don't die down quickly. They may linger for years, maybe even for the rest of our lives. But remember, what matters most is our love and our commitment to each other."

She looked up at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I know, Alexander. It's just...sometimes it feels like the past will never leave us alone."

He reached out and took her hands in his, squeezing them gently. "I understand. But we have to keep moving forward. People will talk, and there will always be those who doubt us, who judge us without knowing the truth. But their words can't define us or our happiness. What we have is real, and it's ours alone."

Bernadette nodded, taking a deep breath. "You're right. I just need to remember that."

Alexander smiled, brushing a stray strand of hair away from her face. "We made vows to each other, remember? To be there for one another in sickness and in health, through the good times and the bad. That's what counts. That's what will see us through."

She leaned into him, resting her head against his chest. "Thank you, Alexander. For always believing in me, in us."

He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "Always," he whispered. "We'll face whatever comes together. And as long as we have each other, nothing else matters."

As they stood there, holding each other amid the chaos of the airport, Bernadette felt a sense of calm wash over her. Despite the lingering shadows of the past and the uncertainties of the future, she knew that with Alexander by her side, they could face anything. Together, they were stronger than any doubt, stronger than any scandal. And that strength would carry them through whatever lay ahead.