They were almost done with the interview session when her eyes went in the direction of the door.
She could see him through the glass wall.
He was standing outside the closed door with a pensive look on his face.
What was he doing there?
Reyona stumbled on her train of thoughts for a moment and Rouarke had to repeat the particular question he was asking at that time.
Reyona quickly answered the question and took her mind off any distractions to answer appropriately.
Some of the reporters had a few other questions which stemmed from some of the things that Reyona had said during the interview.
So, Rouarke asked if she would like to answer a few more questions from them.
Reyona agreed and Rouarke read out the few other questions that one of the crew had passed to him from the reporters.
She mentioned that she only just got married to President Rohan a few months ago. Does that mean they had been having a relationship a long while ago?
Maybe even before her divorce?
Reyona's answer was clear and direct: "No, marriage is a sacred thing to me. I never cheated on my husband. The relationship only started after the divorce. It was a short courtship."
The elites have always married for different reasons over time. For business, alliance and even for convenience at times. It has not always been because of love. Is that also the case for CEO Dexter and President Rohan? Is it just so they can have custody of the children?
Reyona had learned long enough that in any crisis management, it is crucial to lead with the truth.
So, she said "There is attraction and friendship. And it was also the right thing to do for those who depend on us."
Will ReyDexter be merging with the Rohan Group of companies?
"No, that was never in the plan. ReyDexter is an independent entity, and it will continue to be. In fact, we are working on…"
As Reyona went on to talk about what they should expect from ReyDexter soon and why companies shouldn't hesitate to hand over their accounts to them, she could see the pride on her employees' faces just as she could see the admiration in Rouarke's.
The interview ended soon after and Reyona had never been more sure about anything before in her life.
She knew there was still more to do, but she was certain she was going to beat this.
Not to mention, she had subtly mentioned that everyone who slandered her companies was going to face the music.
The message was clear yet vague enough that they might not know just what she intended to do about them.
Well, they would find out soon enough.
Reyona personally bade all the reporters goodbye before she stepped out of the room flanked by her beaming employees.
She thought he had left when she didn't see him where he was standing for a moment,
But then, just as she was stepping out, he came towards her from the other direction.
Reyona tried not to remember the look on his face that morning and smiled at him for the sake of the reporters who were still packing up their equipment in the conference room.
But then he surprised her by kissing her right there and then.
Not just a peck or a kiss on the cheek but a full, lingering kiss as he wrapped his arms around her in a loving hug.
Phil's low whistle penetrated Reyona's momentarily foggy mind.
What was he doing?! Her mind screamed.
He leaned back before she could react, and then he looked at her like she was the most precious thing he had ever seen.
"I am so proud of you, babe," he said for everyone around to hear.
"What are you…"
He hugged her to his side in a one-armed hug as he waved at the reporters who had not even bothered to pretend they were not watching.
At that moment, one of them raised his camera and took their pictures together.
As if he had not noticed, he turned her around and led her towards the elevator.
"Oh, my God. I feel so single." Reyona heard Phil crooning behind them.
"What the hell are you doing?!" Reyona snapped the moment the elevator door closed behind them.
He easily let go of her and leaned against the elevator wall as he said "Being a supportive husband."
"Nobody asked you!" she said.
"Well, too bad. Since you have chosen to let the world know, well you will have to bear the consequences of having an affectionate husband, ma'am. I have a reputation to defend after all."
Reyona gawked at him. "What reputation? You are mostly referred to as standoffish and ruthless!"
"What can I say? Love changed me," he said with a shrug. "Everybody loves a story like that."
"Okay, I don't know what this is all about, but I want you to stop it! You said I could tell them what I want! Now, I did, and you are acting like a…a caveman or something."
"No, I am acting like the loving husband that I am. Yes, you said we have attraction and friendship. I appreciate that, but who says I can't be in love with my wife?"
Reyona looked at him incomprehensibly for a moment as she said "You were angry earlier, and now you are…" She waved her hand in exasperation.
"Did I mention that you look so hot in that? So bossy too," he said in a low tone. "I wouldn't mind having you boss me around for the rest of my life."
"Maxwell!" she called urgently.
"What?!" he asked in the same tone. Then he smiled and said "Yes, I was, but now I am not. You can choose not to acknowledge my feelings, but then you can't force me not to love you. I want to love you. I will love you with the hope that you can return that feeling one day. I am so proud that you let the world know about us today. You can't understand how proud I am right now to have my name linked with a woman like you."
"I…" Words failed Reyona as she looked at his carefree face. "I…" the elevator stopped and the door opened.
Reyona stepped out and raised her hand as if to stop him from following her. "Please, stay away from me. I have other things to deal with. I can't deal with you right now."
Maxwell stepped out as he said "I will be here while you deal with what you want to do. I will help you when you allow me and I will quietly be by your side even when you won't accept my help."
"We only have three weeks left," Reyona said softly as he held her outstretched hand and placed it against his firm chest.
Every beat she felt through her hand mingled with her racing heartbeat until she had no idea where her heartbeat started and where his stopped.
"Then I had better do my husband's duties well, shouldn't I?"
She shook her head in confusion, then felt her heart dip as he swiftly turned to her and carried her in his arms.
"I will be here, babe," he said as he headed towards her office.