The plan finally begins...

Pov Koen

I wake up tired, my eyelids heavy and my muscles still numb from sleep. The first thing I notice is the absence of Huyn by my side. The bed is empty and the room is bathed in subdued light, filtered by the thick curtains. A feeling of emptiness settles inside me.

I get up, hoping maybe to find her somewhere in this huge two-story apartment. I wander through the silent rooms, from the kitchen to the living room, from the library to the terrace, but Huyn is nowhere to be found. A light wind makes the curtains dance, adding a touch of melancholy to the scene.

-Mr Koen, one of the bodyguards calls me from the corridor

-What is it? I asked him coldly.

-Madame left this morning, he warns me

-Did she have breakfast?, I asked

-No, he replied respectfully

In reality no lunch had been prepared, I thought with an amused smile, it was just a lie to make her stay

Back in the bedroom, a detail catches my attention: a piece of paper placed on the bedside table. Huyn's words are simple but full of meaning: "We'll see each other again. Show me you're worth it." After reading the note, I leave it lying on the desk.

I then head to the bathroom. The hot water from the shower gradually wakes me up, dissipating the fatigue of the night. I get lost in my thoughts, reliving every moment spent with Huyn, every conversation, every look.

I dress carefully, putting on a black suit. Each button, each fold is adjusted with precision, a reflection of the rigor that I apply in my professional life. Once ready, I call my driver to come pick me up.

The journey to my business is quick. Arriving in front of the imposing building, I immediately notice the mass of journalists camped at the entrance. Their presence is usual, but today there is a particular tension in the air. I get out of the vehicle, surrounded by my bodyguards, and I hear them whisper a single word: "Huyn."

I navigate my way through camera flashes and pressing questions. The looks are curious, the whispers insistent. The name Huyn is on everyone's lips. I remain calm, my face impassive, although my mind is in turmoil.

Upon entering the building bows to greet me respectively.

Arriving in my spacious office, I head straight to my leather chair, my head still full of the events of this morning. I sit down, taking a deep breath to refocus before calling my secretary.

-Liya, I said, picking up the internal phone, can you come to my office immediately?

A few moments later, Liya knocks on the door and enters, a file in hand. His face is a canvas of worry hidden behind a professional smile.

-Yes, sir?, she asked me

-Why are there so many paparazzi and journalists in front of our building this morning?, I asked her annoyed

Liya hesitates, avoiding my gaze. She takes a deep breath before answering.

-Sir, it seems that journalists took a photo of you last night with Huyn... the famous idol, she said to me in a small voice

"What exactly are they saying?" I ask, keeping my voice as calm as possible.

Liya quickly flips through the folder, searching for relevant articles. "They speculate on the nature of your relationship with her. Some articles refer to you as her new lover, others suggest a secret collaboration between your company and her."

I rub my temples, trying to calm the beginnings of a migraine that threatens.

-Alright. Thank you, Liya. Prepare a press release, I'll tell you what to say. We need to clarify the situation before these rumors get too big.

-Okay sir, she replies before leaving the room with formidable efficiency

I sit there for a while, staring at the wall without really seeing it. The photo of Huyn and I must be everywhere now, every moment shared with her a subject of speculation. Part of me is irritated by this intrusion into my privacy, while another part can't help but be satisfied that everything is going as planned.

The day promises to be busy. I pore over my files, trying to concentrate on current affairs, but the image of Huyn and the words she left on that piece of paper keep coming to my mind.

The intercom crackles, and Liya's voice comes out: "Sir, the press release is ready. Would you like to read it before we send it to the media?"

-Yes, bring it to me, I said, standing up.

Liya enters my office again, handing me the document. I scan through it quickly, approving every word.

-It's okay, send it, I replied.

-Good sir, she replies before go out.

I look out my office window, the city stretching as far as the eye can see. Today's challenges are many, but one in particular stands out: proving myself worthy, as Huyn asked. The world's eyes are on me, but it's her gaze that matters most.

I get up, ready to face the day. Rumors, speculation, it's all part of the game. But at the end of the day, it will be my actions that speak for me. And I'm determined they'll tell nothing but lies.

The press release:

Subject: Clarification regarding the CEO's recent outing with Huyn**

Following recent speculation and discussion regarding our CEO's presence with famous idol Huyn last night, we would like to provide some important clarifications.

Our CEO and Huyn were spotted together in a private setting. We confirm that the CEO wishes to maintain a relationship with Huyn. We would like to point out that Huyn and Donovan ended their relationship several months ago, as was publicly announced. Their separation is a well-known fact, and any insinuation to the contrary is erroneous.

We understand the public's interest in the lives of public figures, but we respectfully ask that everyone respect the privacy of our CEO as well as that of Huyn. They aspire to live this new relationship in a peaceful and serene manner, far from rumors and speculation.

We thank you for your understanding and respect for their privacy.

End of Pov Koen