First Meeting

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Riley sat at the edge of the bed, her heart pounding in her chest. Today was the day. The day they would officially announce their marriage to the public. She glanced at Adrian, who was buttoning his shirt, his movements calm and deliberate.

"Ready?" he asked, his eyes meeting hers with a reassuring smile.

Riley took a deep breath and nodded. "As ready as I'll ever be."

They had discussed the announcement in detail. Adrian's PR team had crafted a careful strategy to handle the media frenzy. Still, the prospect of facing the cameras and reporters was daunting. Riley had never been one for the spotlight, and the thought of her life becoming a public spectacle filled her with anxiety.

Adrian stepped closer, taking her hands in his. "We'll get through this together," he said softly. "Just remember, I'm right here with you."

She squeezed his hands, drawing strength from his presence. "Thank you, Adrian. I don't know what I would do without you."

He kissed her forehead, a tender gesture that made her heart swell. "You'd be just fine, Riley. You're stronger than you think."

They left the apartment, the city bustling with its usual morning energy. A black car waited at the curb, and as they climbed in, Riley felt a flutter of nerves. The drive to the press conference seemed to take forever, each passing minute heightening her anticipation.

The venue was packed with reporters and photographers. Flashing cameras and murmurs filled the air as they stepped onto the stage. Adrian held her hand firmly, his presence a steady anchor. They took their places behind the podium, the crowd quieting as Adrian began to speak.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here today," he said, his voice confident and composed. "We are here to share some important news. Riley and I have decided to take the next step in our relationship. We are married."

The room erupted in a flurry of questions and camera flashes. Riley felt a wave of dizziness but kept her focus on Adrian. He continued to speak, explaining their decision with grace and poise. The reporters' questions were relentless, but Adrian handled each one with ease, deflecting any that felt too personal or invasive.

Riley watched him in awe, marveling at his ability to remain composed under such pressure. When it was her turn to speak, she took a deep breath and stepped forward. "Thank you all for your support," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "This has been a whirlwind experience, but we are excited to start this new chapter together."

A barrage of questions followed, but Adrian intervened, guiding the conversation back to safer territory. His protective nature was on full display, and Riley felt a surge of gratitude. Despite the chaos, they navigated the press conference as a united front, their bond strengthening with each passing moment.

As the press conference drew to a close, Riley felt a sense of accomplishment. They had done it. They had faced the media storm together and emerged unscathed. Adrian wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close as they left the stage.

The car ride back to the apartment was filled with a quiet sense of triumph. Riley leaned against Adrian, feeling the warmth of his body against hers. "We did it," she whispered, a smile spreading across her face.

Adrian kissed the top of her head. "Yes, we did. And we'll continue to face whatever comes our way together."

Back at the apartment, they collapsed onto the couch, the adrenaline from the day slowly fading. Riley rested her head on Adrian's shoulder, feeling a deep sense of contentment. Their first public appearance as a couple had been a success, and it had only strengthened their resolve.

"We make a good team," Riley said, her voice filled with conviction.

Adrian smiled, his eyes sparkling with warmth. "We do. And this is just the beginning."

Riley felt a surge of hope and determination. With Adrian by her side, she knew they could handle anything. The future was still uncertain, but for the first time in a long while, she felt truly optimistic. They had faced the media together, and

now, they were ready to face the world.