His Untold Lies

Chapter 19 Press Conference

As I walked toward the parking lot, I heard voices behind me, prompting me to hurry toward a nearby car for cover. After ensuring that whoever was behind me had passed, I stood up and resumed my walk. However, my relief was short-lived as someone suddenly seized my arm and forcibly ushered me into a van. I struggled to break free, but my captor was too strong.

"Calm down!"

"Nathan?! What are you doing here?"

"Well, hello again, Kianna Myst Saavedra. I'm here to discuss the rumors circulating around campus. I thought we had an agreement that no one would ever find out about what happened in that restroom, but it seems you've changed the narrative, and now everyone believes that lie!"

His grip on my arm tightened, and his eyes blazed with anger. He appeared so furious that it felt as if he might harm me.

"It wasn't me! I didn't spread that awful rumor!"

He regarded me seriously. "What do you mean? Then who did?"

"It's Vera Eunice Ventura..."

He fell silent, deep in thought. The rumors seemed to be taking a toll on him, and I couldn't blame him. The unexpected turn of events had caught me off guard as well.

"I heard you spoke with the dean. What did you discuss? Is she taking any steps to resolve the issue?"

"Vera was present too. She kept fabricating stories to the dean, but fortunately, the dean decided to conduct an investigation before imposing any punishments. By the way, I kept our agreement intact; I changed the story. I told them I had severe cramps that day, which is why I went to the restroom. On my way there, I tripped, and you helped me. I said you offered to buy me sanitary napkins, and that's all. So if the dean decides to question you, make sure our stories align, okay?" I raised my eyebrows, waiting for his response.

"You've never broken our agreement... That's good to hear. But I need to know more about the girl spreading false rumors. Kendra, right?"

"Vera. She's Vera Eunice Saavedra. She claims to be a campus crush. You've never heard of her?"

He looked at me in shock, shaking his head. "If she's a campus crush, why don't I know her? What a self-proclaimed campus crush..."

"Well, I don't know, and I don't want to find out. Anyway, I need to go home. I don't want to be stuck here at risk of being attacked by your die-hard fans!" I said, preparing to leave, but he stopped me abruptly.

"I'm about to hold a press conference on campus. We're just waiting for everything to be ready. I want you to be there to help me clear our names. If you remain silent, those fans won't stop targeting you."

I was about to decline when there was a knock on the door.

"Yes?" Nate responded.

"Everything is ready. Let's go. You have ten minutes for this," a woman outside informed us.

"We'll be there," Nate replied before closing the door. He took my hand and looked into my eyes. "You don't have to say anything if you're afraid. I'm not pressuring you to defend yourself. I just want everyone to see you and make clarifications easier. Will you cooperate with me?"

Did I have a choice to refuse his offer? If I declined, I knew he would drag me out and keep me behind him during the press conference, so...

"Let's do it!"

We exited the car and entered the building. As we made our way to the gymnasium, I was taken aback by the sight of Nate's fervent fans waiting for us. Their loud gossiping already clued me in to the topic of their conversation. As we stepped onto the stage, his fans erupted into screams, and some even hurled objects in my direction. I was fortunate that Nate positioned himself to shield me.

His secretary approached him and handed him a microphone. She indicated a spot for me to stand, and I positioned myself there, wary of the objects that might come my way. Surprisingly, a minute passed, and no one threw anything at me. Perhaps luck was on my side?

"Nate! Is it true that she's your girlfriend?"

"Did you two really make out in the girls' restroom?"

"If it's not true, then why is she here with you?"

"Nate! Nate! Nate!"

A barrage of questions rained down on us. Nate gestured with his hand to silence the crowd, and remarkably, they complied, falling into a hush.

"Everyone, I want to clarify the rumors that have been circulating. In this world, some incidents are difficult to explain. However, they happen for a reason. This woman..." He pointed at me. "The so-called mysterious girlfriend you're talking about, met me for the first time that day. She's just a regular student who happened to be suffering from period cramps that day, and being the gentleman that I am, I offered my assistance. Out of kindness, I lent her my coat and even bought her sanitary pads from the mall. Many people saw me buying those pads. If you doubt it, you can check the mall's surveillance cameras. I, Nathan Zac Ramirez, am single and innocent."

He concluded his speech and briefly looked my way. I could see a faint grin on his face before he handed the microphone to his secretary.

"That clarifies things."

"I knew Nate was a true gentleman. How could he possibly have a girlfriend!"

"Nate's so kind-hearted. I'm head over heels for him!"

"Whoever's spreading lies about Nate, they'll pay for it!"

After the press conference, I hurriedly made my way home. "I'm back!"

"Hi, hon! Dinner's ready. What do you want to devour first? Dinner or me?" Ares joked.

Was he serious? Well, let's see...

Dinner, of course! I'm starving!

Though Ares did look quite handsome in that apron... maybe him first?

Both!

I shook my head and playfully punched him.

"You rascal!"

"I was just kidding! Come on, let's eat," he said, laughing.

We headed to the dining table, where a delicious spread awaited us.

"Wow, it looks amazing! Did you cook all of this?"

He nodded. "Here, try this!"

"It's wonderful to have dinner after a day at school. Thanks, hon..."

"You're welcome! How was your day? Feeling tired? What did you do at school today?"

"Well, I had some things to take care of, but it's all sorted now. By the way, have you heard of the Vueravista Company? Miaree mentioned they've been causing trouble for the Rivera Family lately. It's been all over the news, and even the mysterious CEO of the Vueravista Company is making headlines!"

I waited for his response, but he remained silent, so I continued. "And then it hit me-don't you work at the Vueravista Company? Have you ever met their mysterious CEO?"

...

ARES

I rubbed my head as I listened to her. Well, it's not like I haven't seen the CEO before. He's right here in front of you, hon!

"No, hon. He always takes the VIP elevator. Ordinary staff like me don't get to see him at all. Could it be that..." I feigned a hint of sadness. "That you're actually into those CEO types?"

She abruptly stood up and waved her hands. "No, no! That's not my type at all! I'm just curious, and honestly, I prefer someone gentle like you!"

Gotcha! I grabbed her hand and planted a playful kiss on it. "I knew you liked me!"

"W-what?! You're completely misunderstanding! That's not what I meant!"

"Oops, you're blushing!" I teased.