Chapter 97: A Public Display

Ava's POVThe applause was deafening, a tidal wave of sound that washed over me as I stood on the stage, bathed in the golden light of the transformed phoenix dress. The audience, a sea of faces both familiar and unknown, was captivated, their eyes wide with awe and admiration.I had done it. Aria Technologies had launched, and it was everything I had ever dreamed of. The culmination of years of hard work, sleepless nights, and unwavering determination had finally come to fruition.But amidst the cheers and flashing cameras, my gaze was drawn to Liam, standing at the edge of the stage, his eyes locked with mine, a look of pride and adoration painted across his face. In that moment, the applause faded, the crowd blurred, and the only reality was the connection we shared, a silent language of love and support that transcended the spectacle of the event.As I descended the stage, a swarm of reporters and photographers engulfed me, their eager questions and flashing cameras a stark contrast to the intimate moment I had just shared with Liam. I answered their questions with practiced ease, my voice steady and confident, my words carefully chosen to convey the vision and ambition of Aria Technologies."Ms. Bennett, how does it feel to be a pioneer in the gaming industry?""What inspired you to create Aria Technologies?""What are your plans for the future of the company?"I fielded their questions with grace and enthusiasm, my passion for gaming shining through. But my mind was still on Liam, on the warmth of his gaze, the pride that radiated from his every pore. I searched for him through the crowd, my heart yearning for the reassurance of his presence, the comfort of his touch.And then I saw it. A commotion near the bar, a cluster of reporters surrounding Liam, their voices raised in a frenzy of questions. I couldn't hear what they were saying, but I could see the tension in Liam's posture, the way his jaw was clenched, his eyes narrowed.My heart sank. I knew that Jessica's drunken antics had caught the attention of the press, that they were eager to exploit the scandal, to paint Liam as the "Grumpiest Bachelor" once again.I couldn't let them tarnish his reputation, not when he had worked so hard to shed that image, not when he had shown me such vulnerability and love.With a surge of determination, I pushed through the crowd, my gaze fixed on Liam. I reached him, my hand finding his, intertwining our fingers in a silent gesture of solidarity.The reporters turned to me, their cameras flashing, their questions now directed at both of us."Mr. Blackwood, is it true that you assaulted a woman at this event?""Is this behavior consistent with your reputation as the 'Grumpiest Bachelor'?""Ms. Bennett, are you concerned about your business partner's violent tendencies?"Liam remained silent, his gaze fixed on the reporters with an icy intensity that silenced their clamoring questions. I squeezed his hand, a silent message of support passing between us.And then, I did something that surprised even myself. I stood on my tiptoes, my lips finding his in a soft, lingering kiss. The room fell silent, the cameras flashing, capturing the unexpected display of affection.Liam's eyes widened in surprise, but he didn't resist. He deepened the kiss, his arms wrapping around my waist, pulling me closer. In that moment, the world faded away, the only reality the warmth of his embrace, the taste of his lips, the undeniable truth of our love.When we finally broke apart, breathless and flushed, the room erupted in a cacophony of gasps and whispers. The reporters, momentarily stunned into silence, quickly regained their composure, their questions now laced with a mix of curiosity and awe."Mr. Blackwood, is this your new girlfriend?""Ms. Bennett, can you confirm your relationship with Mr. Blackwood?""Is this a publicity stunt, or is this the real deal?"Liam, his eyes still locked with mine, a soft smile playing on his lips, finally spoke. "Ava," he said, his voice a low rumble that echoed through the room, "is the woman I love. And I won't let anyone, not even the press, disrespect her or our relationship."His words, a public declaration of his love and devotion, sent a wave of warmth through me, erasing any lingering doubts or insecurities. I had found my champion, my protector, my love. And together, we would face the world, our love a shield against the negativity, the gossip, the prying eyes that sought to diminish our happiness.The headlines the next day were a mix of shock, admiration, and a touch of scandal. But amidst the sensationalism, one truth shone through: Liam Blackwood, the "Grumpiest Bachelor," had fallen head over heels in love. And the woman who had captured his heart was none other than Ava Bennett, the rising star of the gaming world.