Written In The Stars

Chapter 15:Rumours and Resolve

As Emma and Lucas entered the packed conference hall, the air buzzed with excitement and chatter from fellow journalists and photographers. Emma could feel Lucas’s pride as he looked around, taking in the crowd gathered to celebrate new work and new connections. It was his chance to shine professionally, and she was happy to support him. But she also couldn’t shake the lingering discomfort from her earlier encounter with Vivian.

It wasn’t long before Lucas was pulled aside by a group of colleagues who wanted to congratulate him on his recent projects. Emma watched as he fell into easy conversation, his charisma shining through as he recounted a few of his latest assignments. She smiled, proud of him—but the moment was interrupted when she noticed Vivian across the room, watching her with a cold, calculating gaze.

Emma stiffened as Vivian walked over, her expression unreadable. She looked polished and composed, her smile almost friendly, but Emma knew better. Vivian was like a storm waiting to break.

“Emma, there you are!” Vivian greeted her with a saccharine smile that made Emma’s skin prickle. “I was hoping we’d get a chance to talk again.”

Emma forced a polite smile, determined not to let Vivian’s presence rattle her. “Hello, Vivian. I thought you’d already said what you wanted to say.”

Vivian’s eyes glinted with something that made Emma’s stomach twist uneasily. “Oh, I have so much more to say,” she replied smoothly. “I’ve been thinking about you and Lucas… and the situation you’ve put him in. It’s quite a precarious position, you know.”

Emma raised her chin. “If there’s something you want to say, Vivian, then say it.”

Vivian leaned in, her voice dropping to a low, taunting whisper. “You don’t know Lucas like I do, Emma. I know his dreams, his fears, everything that makes him who he is. And trust me, he’s not ready for someone like you—someone who doesn’t understand what it takes to succeed in this world. If you really cared about him, you’d let him go before you become the reason his career falls apart.”

Emma’s jaw tightened. “If you cared about him, you wouldn’t be here trying to sabotage his life over something that’s already ended.”

Vivian’s smile remained, but her eyes flashed with irritation. “Let’s not kid ourselves, Emma. Lucas and I share a history, a bond you could never understand. I have connections here—people who respect me. All it would take is a few well-placed comments, and suddenly, his precious reputation might not look so spotless.”

Emma felt her stomach clench. The threat wasn’t just about their relationship; it was a direct attempt to undermine Lucas’s hard-earned career. She forced herself to remain calm, refusing to let Vivian see any hint of weakness.

“So this is what you do, then?” Emma replied, her voice low but steady. “You come here to ruin things for him because he’s moved on? That’s pathetic, Vivian. And I don’t think you care about him as much as you pretend to.”

Vivian’s expression soured, her polite mask slipping. “Don’t pretend you’re some kind of saint. I’m just looking out for what’s best for him—and clearly, that’s not you.”

With that, Vivian cast a dismissive glance at Emma and turned to walk away. Emma took a deep breath, her hands shaking slightly as she watched Vivian weave her way through the crowd, stopping here and there to speak in hushed tones with various attendees. Emma’s heart sank as she saw a few people glance her way, their faces shifting with expressions that were anything but friendly.

Later That Evening

When Lucas finally returned to her side, he immediately noticed her tension. “Emma, are you okay?” he asked, concern clear in his voice.

Emma hesitated, glancing around at the few lingering stares directed their way. “Lucas, Vivian’s here, and… she just threatened to ruin your reputation if you stay with me.”

Lucas’s eyes darkened, his jaw clenching. “What exactly did she say?”

Emma told him about the conversation, her voice steady but laced with worry. As she finished, she saw the frustration flicker in his gaze. She could see the hurt in his eyes, too—the betrayal of someone he’d once trusted.

“I can’t believe she’d go this far,” he muttered. “I didn’t think she’d sink to using the conference like this. I’m sorry, Emma. You shouldn’t have to deal with any of this.”

Emma placed a hand on his arm, grounding him. “Lucas, this isn’t your fault. Vivian’s the one who’s trying to tear us down. But… I don’t want her to ruin everything you’ve worked for. If it’s better for you, I can leave for now—”

“No,” Lucas interrupted, his grip on her hand tightening. “I’m not going to let her get between us, Emma. This is my life, my career, and I choose to be with you. I won’t let Vivian take that away.”

Just as he finished speaking, Sarah, one of Lucas’s supportive colleagues, approached them, looking sympathetic. “I couldn’t help but overhear a few things,” she said quietly, her gaze flicking to where Vivian was mingling with a group nearby. “Vivian’s been spreading some… questionable rumors. But I just wanted to say that not everyone here believes her nonsense.”

Lucas exhaled, grateful. “Thank you, Sarah. I appreciate it.”

She nodded, giving Emma a warm smile. “Anyone who’s spent time with you two can see you belong together. Don’t let her get in your head.”

After Sarah left, Lucas looked down at Emma, his resolve clear. “Emma, if you’re willing, I want to stay, to show everyone that Vivian’s rumors are nothing but that—rumors. I don’t want to hide our relationship just because she’s causing trouble.”

Emma felt a surge of strength from his words, her fear dissipating. “Then let’s face this together.”

They spent the rest of the evening standing united, refusing to let Vivian’s attempts undermine them. Though the stares and whispers continued, Lucas’s presence by her side gave Emma the confidence she needed. Every time someone looked their way, she met their gaze with quiet strength, making it clear that she was here to stay.

By the time the conference was winding down, Emma and Lucas had held their ground, and Vivian’s influence seemed to be waning. They left the conference hall that night knowing they’d faced down the worst of Vivian’s attempts to sabotage them, and together, they felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.