Chapter 23 No More Running?

Chapter 23 No More Running?
Rinoa / Sloane 

I was lost in so many different ways, in every life, I couldn’t stop looking for his midnight eyes in the crowd. 

I had no guide, no family, nor friends. That devastating feeling of loss —could I take another one? 

In my last life, would I let him in again?

Our kiss ended, and Cillian took a deep breath, his eyes searching mine. 

“Give me time, okay?” I told him. 

“Take all the time you need, wife.” 

He cupped my face with the palms of his hands as his lips molded against mine, teasing me until I felt dizzy. 

Taking control. 

Claiming me. 

His thumb brushed across my cheek back and forth, and heat rushed down my spine straight to my stomach. He makes me feel cherished. Protected and loved in a way that makes me never want to come back down to reality.

I could spend forever being kissed like this and still feel like it wasn't enough. At the same time, my fake husband might not be the best with words.  

His kiss said it all.

He was falling in love with me. For now, that is what matters. 

A knock on the bedroom door interrupted our session, “Cillian.” I whispered in his mouth. 

“Fuck!” 

I cackled at him; he was a child hiding in this perfect manly body. 

“Come on in.” I declared, Janice was waiting at the door, her face a little red. 

She must have heard everything we, Cillain, and I spoke about. 

“Sir, the team from Sir Silvanus is here.” 

Team? Silvanus? 

I glanced at Cillian, his face revealed no clue. 

“Oh, right, the interview, we’ll be down in a few.” 

Janice nodded in acknowledgment and locked the door. 

“I thought the interview was on a TV station?” 

Cillian shook his head sideways, “No, I requested the interview to be here, so you’ll be more comfortable in our home.” 

Was he after my comfort? Rinoa, he was falling for you —think straight, lady. 

I laughed inside. Dear Love Cupid, made it makes sense. I didn't enjoy being stupid. 

Oh, that’s fine, do I need to wear something nice? Or wear makeup? I scratched my head. 

He touched the tip of my nose, “Just be you, I’ll go down to brief them, join us when you're ready.” 

What should I wear? Gosh, the jitters were getting into me. 

I decided to wear a white silk top and a pencil-cut skirt, comfort before glamour. I patted some cream blush into my cheek, and a light, natural-looking eyeshadow to the crests of my eyes. 

I pulled the nightstand drawer to get a pair of stud earrings, only to see an emerald diamond-cut ring. 

And a note. 

“I never got you a proper ring. I chose this myself. Indeed, it would fit you perfectly. You're my better half, Sloane. You can fight this all you want, but I wouldn't make you less mine. “ 

Yours, C.K.” 

I snatched the ring out of the box. The stone was outrageously massive, but it shone so brightly that I placed it on my finger; it was flawless. 

So perfect, my heart ached. 

As I stepped out of the room, some men were setting up lights in the living room. 

“There is my wife,” Cillian announced, beaming in euphoria. 

Heads turned, and prying eyes sent me into overthinking. 

“Hi, Mrs. Montgomery, finally putting a real face to the woman who captured the richest man in the country.” 

Cillian placed his hand on my lower back, calming my nerves. 

“Hi,” I answered, giving her a sweet smile. 

“You have a beautiful home, perfect place to raise kids.” She commented, her eyes roaming around, observing the surroundings. 

“Sloane, meet the editor in chief of Starthunt, Andy. She’s also Silvanus's sister,” Cillian uttered. 

Her face did resemble Silvanus; she was stunning. 

“Okay, just answer every question naturally, and look at the camera, you see that red dot?” She pointed. 

“Give us some glances, and you know, you’re married, in love, so that everything will run smoothly.” She said, giving me a relaxed grin. 

We sat down on the couch, the lights were blinding, the production team was waiting, and Andy shouted, "Cue!” 

“Camery rolling in one, two, three.” 

“Ladies and gentlemen, Welcome to Starhunt, live your favorite lifestyle channel.” 

Her profile was plastered on a wide monitor, “The past week came as a surprise for all of us, Cillian King Montgomery rumoured to be married, what’s the truth and what’s not? Let’s dive in together to find out. Please welcome Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery. 

Cillian and I came to the camera view. “Welcome to the show, how are both of you doing today?” Andy gazed upon us. 

Cillian grabbed my hand, breathed Rinoa. 

I felt like I was hyperventilating. I ought for some air. 

“We’re good, enjoying married life,” Cillian said, a man who never cracked under pressure. 

One of the many things that made him a great king. 

“How about you, Sloane? You look ravishing by the way.” Andy complimented me in her soft tone. 

“To be honest, I was nervous going into this interview, but knowing my husband's support means the world to me.” 

Andy bobbed her head up and down, “Our viewers are curious about this whirlwind romance.” She smiled, shifting her attention back and forth to the camera and to us. 

Andy commanded the room like a true journalist. 

“My wife works for me, a true dedicated employee, our relationship didn’t happen overnight, I woke up one day and I couldn't let her go.” 

My heart soared; I was on cloud nine.

“A true loving husband, we love a green flag man.” She said,

“Sloane, you were so brave saving that woman at the charity ball. What was on your mind at that moment?” 

I stared at Cillian. He raised a brow, a silent cheer for me. 

“I know what it feels like to experience loss, and seeing her choking just triggered my protective instincts. The world is full of cruelty and uncertainty, so when I can, I try to help. I want to live like it was my last day on earth.” 

Cillian squeezed my hand lightly. 

“What a noble thing to do, since we're already here. If you don't mind me asking, the internet world is buzzing with people calling you names. Questioning your morals about how unethical it is for you to marry your boss?” 

My face squirmed —how bad did they think I was? 

“Well, I believed that we couldn't choose who to love, our hearts rule, love is something mysterious and powerful, not even I can control it.” 

“I also want the public to know that my wife didn't seduce me or anything. I made a move, and she accepted me. She’s a wonderful person; if there is a person here who doesn't deserve her affections, it's me.” 

Cillian added, shielding me from scrutiny, We’re going to be fine. For the first time in history, my king got my back. 

It could be the start of something new, something everlasting and true.