Chapter 0087 +25 BONUS Why didnt you tell me sooner ? I demanded .
I could have defended you tnore forcefully ! Its going to be harder to win people back to your side now because of the delay .
Will it ? he asked , a slight smirk tugging at his lips .
I think if I had rushed out to make a statement immediately , it wouldve made me seem guilty .
I paused , considering his words .
Maybe he was right .
If hed hurried to respond to the first one or two women who had spoken out , it might have seemed overly defensive , even suspicious .
Perhaps it was my own anxiety driving my frustration , not his lack of action .
What have you done to address it ? I asked , trying to keep my voice steady .
You dont need to concern yourself with all the little details , but I believe that someone has hired these women .
There are some of them posting now that Ive never even met .
This seems to be an organized attempt to smear my name .
he said , his tone tight with anger .
Ill make a public statement tonight .
Ive already arranged it .
Well … Im relieved to hear that , I said quietly .
I was relieved , but something still felt off .
I had an idea of who would be willing to go to such lengths to hurt Alexanders reputation , and it angered me to think that David was still trying to manipulate me like this .
Alexander POV The way Ella was pouting was almost cute , though guilt gnawed at me for the situation Id inadvertently put her in .
It couldnt be easy for her to receive all those messages and letters from my exes .
In a way , it was embarrassing .
If there was something real between us , Id be infuriated .
But since our relationship was just for show , it was more of an annoyance though one that seemed to be wearing on her .
I had consulted August , of course , and he agreed with my decision to make a public statement .
Addressing the situation all at once seemed like the best option , but seeing Ella like this made me wonder if it was already too late .
Maybe I should have communicated my plans to her earlier it might have eased her mind and avoided this growing tension between us .
Would you like to come with me ? I asked .
Ella looked up at me in surprise , her big , dark eyes wide and innocent , and I had to glance away for a moment , the intensity of her gaze stirring something in me .
To make the public announcement ? she asked .
Yes , I replied .
It might look better if you were by my side , to show that youre standing with me through this turmoil .
That does make sense , she said , nodding thoughtfully .

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When will it be ? In about an hour , I said , checking the clock .
Itll be brief I promise .
Just a quick statement to a few media outlets downstairs in the lobby .
Okay , Ella agreed , her tone soft but resolute .
After all , it wont be long before were announcing our engagement .
We cant let people think theres any strain in our relationship .
Thats right , I murmured .
But I couldnt shake the thought that there was a strain between us now , and it was likely my fault .
+25 BONUS Chopter 0087 Im going to get a cup of tea , and Ill meet you in the lobby in 45 minutes , Ella said , her gaze lingering on me as if searching for something .
Yes , that sounds good , I replied , pretending to be absorbed in the work on my desk .
But as she stood and left the room , I couldnt help but watch her go .
Ella was certainly doing her part to fulfill our agreement .
It was only natural , as I was upholding my end by helping her expose David for the manipulative , disloyal creep that he was .
But there was more to her than that .
Something she wasnharing , something she wasnt telling anyone else either .
I had a strong suspicion that she was keeping her own secrets , perhaps because she didnt have anyone she truly trusted .
I understood what that felt like .
The more time I spent with Ella , the more I realized we might have more in common than either of us had expected .
And the more I felt that we were a better pair than I ever could have imagined .
+25 BONUS