The morning after their tense lunch, Liyana returned to Celeste's headquarters with a mind full of conflicting emotions. The press had been relentless, and despite Damien's protective response, Liyana knew that the situation needed to be handled with care. She walked into her office with determination, already prepared to confront the storm.
Mira, as usual, was already at her desk, looking up at her with a mix of professionalism and concern. "Miss Xu, the media is still running wild with the rumors about you and Aiden. But... we've got a handle on it now."
Liyana raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What's the plan?"
"We've got a statement ready," Mira replied. "From both your side and Aiden's. We'll issue a joint clarification about the nature of the collaboration and put an end to the speculation."
Liyana nodded approvingly. "Good. Let's get it out there. No more waiting."
PR Statement – Liyana Xu's Response:
"There is no truth to the rumors surrounding my relationship with Aiden Zheng. Our collaboration is entirely professional, and we're both committed to our respective roles in our businesses. Any assumptions otherwise are simply unfounded and have been misrepresented by the media. We ask for privacy and respect as we continue our work."
Aiden Zheng's Statement:
"I have great respect for Liyana Xu as a business partner and a professional. Any claims suggesting a personal relationship beyond our professional collaboration are false. We are focused on the work we are doing together for Celeste, and that is all."
Liyana reviewed both statements carefully before sending them out. She glanced at the clock. It was almost time for her next meeting. The Xu and Lu families were gathering today to discuss something far more personal—something that had been lingering on the periphery for months now.
Xu and Lu Family Meeting – Early Afternoon
Liyana stood beside her father in the grand Xu family estate. Her mother sat across from her, and Damien stood tall beside his father, the Lu family patriarch. The air was filled with a sense of formality, but there was an underlying tension. Today was the day the families would discuss something that had always been expected of them: their engagement.
"Let's get straight to it," Liyana's father began, his voice commanding but warm. "Liyana and Damien have both made their decisions clear. It's time for us to finalize the date and move forward."
Damien's father nodded, his expression unreadable, but there was a flicker of approval in his gaze. "The date should reflect the importance of this union, and it must be one that respects the traditions of both families."
Liyana felt the weight of the conversation, but there was a steadiness in her heart. This was the future she was stepping into—one that would bind her to Damien in ways both personal and professional.
Damien looked at her then, his dark eyes softening just for a moment. "We'll work with both families to find the right day," he said, turning to her. "It's time to bring this together."
The meeting lasted for another hour, but in the end, a date was set, and the families agreed to formalize the engagement. Despite the formalities, Liyana couldn't shake the feeling that something else was brewing beneath the surface.
After the meeting, Liyana was exhausted but resolute. She had agreed to the engagement, but her mind was still racing with thoughts of the future. As she walked through the halls of Celeste, her phone buzzed. She glanced down at the screen—it was a message from Damien.
Dinner. 7 PM. Don't be late.
She couldn't help but smile. The tension between them was still there, but in his own way, Damien was trying to make space for something more than rivalry and power struggles. He was trying to make space for them.
Liyana arrived at the upscale restaurant, dressed in a simple yet elegant black dress. As she entered, Damien was already there, waiting. He stood as soon as he saw her, pulling out her chair without saying a word.
There was no need for small talk. The moment she sat down, Damien placed a menu in front of her, his eyes never leaving hers. The quiet understanding between them seemed stronger than ever.
"How was the meeting?" Liyana asked, sipping the water in front of her.
"Done," Damien replied, his voice calm. "It's settled."
She nodded, her heart racing. "Good. It's time."
Damien looked at her thoughtfully. "I know this isn't exactly how you wanted things to go, but we'll make it work."
Liyana smiled faintly. "We will."
After the dinner, as they walked to the car, Damien turned to her with a more playful glint in his eyes. "I was thinking... we haven't done anything just for fun in a while."
Liyana raised an eyebrow, curious. "What did you have in mind?"
He hesitated for a moment. "How about a date? Just you and me. No media. No expectations."
Liyana couldn't help but smile. "An amusement park," she said suddenly. "It's been ages since I've been to one."
Damien froze. "The amusement park? Why?"
Liyana's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Because I want to ride the roller coasters and eat cotton candy with you. Just like any other normal date."
Damien's brows furrowed. "But... what if something happens? What if you're in danger again?"
Liyana stopped walking, turning to face him. "Damien, you can't live in fear. You can't protect me from everything, and neither can I protect you from the risks that come with this life. But we can face it together."
He exhaled, his hand tightening around hers. "I just... I can't lose you."
Liyana's expression softened, and she gently cupped his face. "You won't. Not like that. I'm not going anywhere."
She took his hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "Now, how about that movie date? It's always been my wish to watch a movie with the love of my life."
Damien's heart skipped a beat at her words. The love of my life.
A smile broke through the tension on his face, his eyes lighting up with something that resembled hope. "A movie? What movie?"
Liyana grinned. "We'll figure that out. But first, let's go to the amusement park."
He chuckled, the weight of his fears easing for the moment. "Alright, Liyana. Amusement park it is."
As they made their way to the car, the world seemed a little lighter. For the first time in a while, they weren't defined by their business rivalry or the pressure of their families. They were simply two people, enjoying the present moment.