Dani's POV
Everyone waited in silence, anticipating what I had to say. A few people had gathered and sat
behind the flashing cameras. Among them were media figures, influencers, business partners
and so many more. All wanting to hear what I had to say about the recent story about me.
I exhaled and started. "Good evening everyone. I have heard some unsettling news about me
and I am out here today to clear my name." I paused and gathered my breaths. Kenneth rests
his hand on mine and nods.
"Here's the truth about me and Raul grant."
I shared my story to the world. I started out with how I met Raul. The car accident that saved
Zacks life and cost me my legs. How Raul fell in love with me regardless of my disability. And
then the betrayal that destroyed my marriage. Camila. My painstaking path to recovery and
finally, Kenneth. How he helped me recover and helped me gain my strength.
"My Achievements didn't come from scandal or through any devious act, rather it was a journey,
an unrelenting will. That's what brought me back to where I am now." I finally stopped talking
and exhaled loudly.
Kenneth held my hand tightly and smiled at me. Satisfied.
I returned my gaze to the audience before me. They remained silent, watching me like I still had
something to say.
Maybe they didn't believe my story. Maybe they all think it's fabricated. I do not blame them, the
circulating news was well fabricated. One would call any other story a lie. I guess I have...
The sound of hands jamming together slowly started and within seconds, the whole crowd were
on their feet, giving me a standing ovation. My eyes watered almost instantly.
Kenneth gently put his screen in my face and I saw it. The whole live stream exploded with
comments. Supportive comment. With the swipe of his screen he showed me the sponsors had
reconsidered and now doubled their interest in my company.
Kenneth dropped his phone and locked eyes with me, squeezing my hand, his expression calm
and happy.
I turned back to the crowd who were still clapping.
I feel invincible again.
The media bursts into a frenzy. Shoving their mic asking different questions.
"What are your new plans, Miss Dani?" one asked
"What do you plan on doing to the ones who spread the rumours?
"Is there a new date for your campaign?"
They all had different questions to be answered, but I was done with mics for today.
Kenneth had already prepared for a situation like this. He called in some heavily built men and
they walked in and cleared a path for us.
Just as we stepped backstage Raul blocked our paths.
"Excuse us." one of the men spoke sharply
"Please…..I need a word with Dani." Raul replied to them, trying to see me.
"Sir, we ask that you leave the way." Another guard said.
"I won't move until I speak…."
Before Raul could finish what he was saying, one of the guards moved and picked him up,
ready to slam him into the side.
"Wait, let me hear what he wants to say." I called out, stopping the man.
Kenneth looked at me with worried eyes, but I nodded and walked from behind the men.
"What is it Raul?" My voice calm, but a bit raspy
Raul scowled at the huge man behind him, dusting his clothes. He then turned his gaze towards
me and his expression softened. "Dani."
"What is it Raul?"
"Dani," he said, with his voice low and rough, "I swear I didn't approve that article, I had nothing
to do with it."
I tilted my head, unimpressed at his words. "But you knew about it. You knew Camila was
capable of something like that and said nothing."
"I found out after it went live," he insisted, taking a step closer. "I was angry about it and I
confronted her."
"And yet," I said in a calm voice, "you're here and hoping I'll overlook it. Hoping your regret will
undo my public humiliation."
Pain flashed across his eyes. "I'm not asking you to overlook it, Dani. I'm asking you to believe
me. I never wanted this for you. I never wanted to hurt you."
We both remained silent and I took the liberty to give him a sorry look, from head to bottom.
"I don't care what you wanted," I finally said, my voice calm but still unyielding. "Whatever
feelings you think we shared, whatever guilt you're carrying, that is all yours now. I've moved
on."
He blinked, visibly shaken. "Dani, I mean it when I say I'm in love with you. I still mean it."
My jaw clenched, but I stood my ground. "And I mean it every single time, when I say I do not
love you anymore."
Raul looked like he'd been slapped. For a moment, he didn't speak, he Just stared, searching
my face for something, maybe regret, affection or maybe even softness. But I gave him nothing.
Finally, he nodded. "I see."
Then he shifted to the side and I walked past him, followed by Kenneth and the men.
I leaned on the railing of my rooftop, enjoying the cool breeze. Kenneth stood beside me, hands
in his coat pockets, his gaze focused on whatever he had been looking at for so long, in silence.
"This view never gets old," he finally muttered.
I nodded in reply. "No matter how much change that happens, it stays the same."
A short pause. Again.
"They went too far," he said with a low voice. "The article, Camila. All of it."
"I can handle it," I replied. "I've been through worse." I chuckled on the last part.
"I know you have," he said gently. "Doesn't mean you should go through it alone."
I turned my head to look at him. The tension in his jaw, the softness in his eyes.
"You're always here," I whispered, my voice barely heard. "Even when I think I'm alone."
"Because I do not want you to be alone," he said without hesitation. "I want to protect you."
The air between us changed.
He stepped closer, not touching, not rushing anything.
And then his face inched closer.
My heart pounded inside of me. His breath mixed with mine, his eyes shut and he leaned more.
But I turned my head.
He froze, his lips grazing my cheek.
"I can't," I said softly, stepping back. "Not yet."
He straightened himself.
He nodded slowly. "Okay."
It was real and that scared me.