Chapter 21: The interview (disaster)

Lilith’s POV

I took the phone from him without a word, before following him out of the mansion. We got into the waiting car and then, Jayden became cold again.

He pulled out his phone and became immensely busy, ignoring me totally as the car began to move. I expected him to give me some instructions regarding the phone but when he said nothing, I took matters into my own hands.

I expected it to be locked, since it was obviously hers, but when I swiped the screen, it slid open instantly. There was no password. My brows furrowed as I stared at the bright icons. It felt wrong, like I was trespassing into someone’s private matters. But with Jayden’s silent orders to go through it, I knew I had to.

It would help me to know more about her and so, to fit into her life more perfectly.

I had just clicked on the messages icon when Jayden’s cold voice reached me.

"Put that away," he snapped without looking up from his tablet. "We are five minutes out. I need you to focus." I shoved the phone into my purse, knots forming in my belly.

“Make sure to turn it off, we don’t want any distractions.”

I nodded, before trying to settle on my seat. A few minutes later, the car pulled up to a high-end studio that was filled with reporters and blinding lights. They attacked the car immediately, seeking an audience but only a few seconds later, about four bouncers walked to us and made a way, before we all got out of the car. I was almost blinded by flashes of their multiple cameras but then, Jayden’s hand found its way to the small of my back, guiding me through the crowd. His touch was possessive, a silent command for me to stay close.

We were led into a brightly lit room with two chairs facing a woman in a tailored blazer. I could tell she was the host from how she held herself.

She welcomed us warmly as we took our seats and then, the cameras started rolling, while I tried not to fidget. The whole attention was still very new and nerve-racking to me but I tried not to let it show.

"We are here today with the man of the hour, Jayden Smith, our top one presidential candidate, and his stunning new wife, Celine," the interviewer said, her smile not quite reaching her eyes.

“Jayden, your fans are dying to know how you’re preparing for the election. Your marriage was a sudden boost for sure and now, people are really invested in your life. What do you have planned for the upcoming election?” She asked.

Jayden relaxed into his seat, exuding a power even I felt. He looked nothing like a man that married a fake bride. He looked nothing like the man that was panicking a few hours ago because he woke up and couldn’t find me. This man looked like he had everything in control, which was exactly what the crowd wanted to see.

“Well, what can I say?” He said, smiling lightly. “My plans for the upcoming election remain the same as before. All I want is a chance to show my people how much I cherish them,” Jayden began. “Surely, the path is tough but my focus for my people remains the same. I love them now, forever and always.”

The woman let out a smile, clearly satisfied by his response. As I tried to relax, she suddenly turned to me.

"So, Celine, everyone is dying to know this. You disappeared from the social scene for months. Some say you were tucked away in a private villa in Italy, while others suggest a secret falling out with your father. Where have you been?"

I felt a bead of sweat roll down my back at the sudden question. I leaned forward, trying to look relaxed like Jayden and make my voice steady. I could feel sweat gather in my palms.

"I... I was traveling," I began, my voice a bit shaky. "I needed some time away from the noise. It was a very private time of reflection," I said, without thinking. I swallowed hard as the interviewer tilted her head to the side.

"Reflection?” She asked, her eyes holding an evil glint. “And did that reflection include the secret charity gala in Paris last month? Your father mentioned he expected you there, yet your seat remained empty. There have been some rumors yet again that all the drama is because something is going on between you and your dad.”

Panic flared in my chest as I swallowed hard. Paris? Jayden hadn't mentioned a gala in Paris. I felt the walls closing in as the camera zoomed in on my face, catching my every reaction. "Well, you see, the thing about Paris is... the timing was quite difficult because of the—"

"Because of our engagement," Jayden interrupted, his voice calm. He reached over and took my hand. I watched his thumb rub over my knuckles in a way that looked romantic to others but to me, it felt like a warning. "Celine and I were in the Greek Isles at the time and I’m afraid I’m the one to blame for her absence. I wanted her all to myself before the world claimed her again. Wouldn't you do the same, Sarah?"

The interviewer laughed, a real laugh this time, as she was charmed by his easy charisma and obviously charming looks.

I sat there like a statue, my hand trapped in his, smiling until my cheeks ached while Jayden handled the rest of the questions with terrifying ease. He didn’t give me an opportunity to speak again, which made me both relieved and terrified, because I knew I almost messed up. I didn’t know what I was saying but I sure knew it was a wrong move on my part.

After a couple more questions, the interview came to an end. Jayden helped me out of my seat and we were escorted back to the car but the moment the door closed after us, his loving mask melted away.

Jayden exploded.