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Chapter 8 - The Rumor That Changed Everything

The morning after the charity event, Elena woke to the sound of her phone vibrating endlessly. At first, she ignored it, thinking it was Daniel calling for another briefing. But when she checked the screen, she froze.

News Alert: "Alexander Knight's secret wife — who is she really?"

Her heart skipped. She opened the article.

The headline was bold, followed by pictures from last night's event — her standing beside Alexander, smiling for the cameras. But below that was a new set of photos — ones she had never seen before. They showed her at the café where she used to work, carrying trays, laughing with a male coworker. The caption beneath read:

"Rumor has it, Mrs. Knight once had a relationship with another man before marrying the billionaire."

Elena's hand trembled. She scrolled down, reading lines that twisted the truth — her past job turned into gossip, her friendship into scandal.

She quickly called Daniel. "Did you see the news?"

"Yes, ma'am," he said in a calm tone. "We're already working on it. Don't panic."

"How did they get those pictures?"

"We're investigating. It seems someone from your past sold them."

Her chest tightened. "Sold them?"

"I'll handle it," Daniel promised. "But I suggest you stay off the internet for now."

Elena nodded weakly, though he couldn't see her. When she hung up, her hands still shook. She knew the story wasn't true, but she also knew how fast rumors spread — and how cruel the public could be.

---

An hour later, she found Alexander in the living room, already dressed for work. He was scrolling through his phone, reading the same news she had just seen.

"Alexander, I—" she began.

He looked up, his eyes unreadable. "I saw it."

"I swear, it's not what they're saying. That man in the picture was just a coworker. We weren't—"

He raised a hand, stopping her. "I know."

She blinked. "You believe me?"

"I do," he said quietly. "But belief doesn't stop the media. They feed on stories like this. It will take time to calm down."

Something in his tone made her chest ache. "So, what happens now?"

He placed his phone on the table and walked toward her. "Now, we control the story. We show the world that nothing can shake this marriage."

Elena's heart raced. "You mean…?"

He nodded. "We go public — together. A new interview, a new photo shoot. If they want to talk, we'll give them something real to talk about."

"But I'm not used to interviews," she said softly. "I'll mess up."

"You won't," he said firmly. "I'll be there."

The confidence in his voice made her trust him — even when her heart wasn't sure it should.

---

By afternoon, the mansion became a scene of preparation again. Daniel arranged the interview, and the PR team filled the living room with lights, cameras, and flowers. Elena sat quietly as the makeup artist brushed powder across her face.

When she looked at herself in the mirror, she barely recognized the woman staring back — elegant, calm, yet holding secrets behind her eyes.

Alexander entered, dressed in a sharp navy suit. Their eyes met, and she could tell he was trying to reassure her with a small, subtle smile.

"You ready?" he asked.

She took a deep breath. "As ready as I can be."

When the cameras started rolling, the reporter's questions came fast.

"Mr. Knight, the world was surprised when you announced your marriage without warning. Was it love at first sight?"

Alexander smiled slightly. "You could say that. Sometimes, the best things come without planning."

The reporter turned to Elena. "And you, Mrs. Knight — how has life changed since marrying one of the most powerful men in the city?"

Elena hesitated, but Alexander gently reached for her hand. His fingers brushed hers, grounding her.

"It's… different," she said honestly. "But I'm learning every day. My husband has been patient with me."

The room went silent for a heartbeat. Then the reporter smiled, satisfied.

Later, as the interview ended, Alexander leaned toward her and whispered, "You did well."

Elena smiled shyly. "Thanks to you."

He shook his head slightly. "No, Elena. Thanks to you, the world just saw the real Mrs. Knight."

---

That night, the interview aired on major channels and social media. The tone shifted almost instantly. The hateful comments faded, replaced by admiration.

"She's actually very graceful."

"They look perfect together."

"The rumor must have been fake."

Elena watched the screen, a mix of relief and exhaustion washing over her.

Alexander entered the room quietly, carrying two glasses of wine. He handed one to her. "To surviving our first scandal."

She laughed softly, clinking her glass with his. "Let's hope it's the last."

"Don't count on it," he said with a smirk. "Being my wife means the spotlight never turns off."

She looked at him, her voice gentle. "You make it sound like I signed up for chaos."

He tilted his head. "Didn't you?"

Her smile faded slightly. "I signed up to help you, not to lose myself."

For a moment, the teasing look in his eyes vanished. He stepped closer. "You haven't lost yourself, Elena. You're stronger than you think."

His words made her chest tighten. She wanted to look away, but his gaze held her still.

"I mean it," he added, his voice softer now. "You walked into a storm that wasn't yours. And you didn't run."

Elena swallowed hard, her heart beating faster than she wanted. "Maybe that's because I had someone to hold on to."

The air between them grew still. For the first time, Alexander didn't hide behind his calm mask. His hand lifted slightly, as if to touch her face — but he stopped, catching himself.

He turned away. "Get some rest. Tomorrow will be another long day."

She watched him leave, feeling both grateful and confused.

Because every time he pulled he

r closer, he also pushed her away.

And though the world now believed in their marriage, Elena wasn't sure if her heart should go for this or not

But one thing is sure

The marriage isn't just an ordinary marriage,but by contract

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