''Didn't you see that they all retired back to their quarters? Right now… it is just you and me. You are dressed like this. Gu Nian, you think too highly of me''

Niania closed her eyes and mustered up some courage. She pushed him away and stood up. ''I am not a saint. Just so you know, the money is already in my accounts and the meals are still on me. Whatever I cook this weekend, you will have to eat it. I don't care'' Niania said and turned to go.

​​

''Wait!'' Thomas said to her, ''I will drive you home. Do you want to hurt people's eyes with your dressing? This little girl doesn't think about other people'' Thomas shook his head and went towards his room.

Niania looked at him. When he got into his room, she touched her beating heart and sighed. Her face became red.

Thomas returned wearing loungewear. He was holding a black blazer in his hand. He threw it at her and started walking out.

''Let's go'' he said and started walking out.

Niania put on the blazer and hurried out to catch up with him. She got into the car and strapped on her seatbelt.

Thomas looked at her before driving out. Even though he was smiling, his face was relaxed and his gaze was warm.

….

''Thank you for bringing me home''

''You owe me four meals now''

''Huh?'' Niania turned to look at him. She pouted her lips.

''No?'' Thomas asked and she shook her head.

'No, good night'' she removed the blazer and Thomas stopped her.

''Wear it. I will take it over the weekend'' he said to her.

''Mm, goodnight'' Niania said and hurried to her apartment.

Thomas sighed and smiled. He waited till there was light coming from her apartment before he drove away. He felt fulfilled.

…..

BB entertainment Conference Hall.

Zeya looked at the crowd of reporters seated inside the conference hall and turned to sister Lylia feeling nervous.

''Sister Lylia, what if they ask me a question I don't have an answer to? I feel so pressured right now''

''Zeya, relax. This is just to clear your name. This is the only way out. Just now, you also saw how Lucas' side is trying to push the blame on you''

''That jerk. I curse the day I met him''

''There is something else you should be worried about. Zeya, we still don't have the contract to show that AGATHA really signed you''

''Sebastian gave me his word. He will definitely come with the contract. When I called him this morning, he said he had a photoshoot and will be back this evening''

''But, it is almost time for us to go in and meet the reporters. Why don't you call him again?''

Zeya sighed. She tussled her hair as she paced about. She wanted to scream, yell at someone but she knew she couldn't do that. She had herself to blame. But, she trusted Sebastian's words. She believed him.

''Zeya, sister Lylia'' Alice walked to them.

''Alice, thank God you are here. I really needed moral support'' Zeya went forward to hug Alice.

''How is the situation, sister Lylia. Why are you not there already?'' Alice asked.

''We are waiting for the contract from AGATHA. The reporters will definitely ask for it. I wanted to be sure Sebastian isn't messing with Zeya''

''Do I look like someone who messes with the future of other people? I didn't know this was the image the popular manager has of me?'' Sebastian walked with Lex behind him.

''Mr. Bassey, you are here'' Sister Lylia bowed in a polite manner.

''Lex, give the contract to them'' Sebastian turned to see Lex hugging Zeya tightly.

''My idol. My beautiful big sister'' Lex held on to Zeya tightly as she spoke.

''Lex, let go right now'' Sebastian said to her before she stepped back.

''I just wanted to smell my idol a little. Do you have to act like that?'' Lex frowned.

''You are Lex, right? We met last year''

''You still remember me, my idol?''

''Yes, I do. I've always wanted to meet you but didn't get the time. I hope you don't hate me for it''

''No, no. I can't hate you'' Lex shook her head.

''We are done here. Let's go'' Sebastian said to Lex.

''Cousin, let's stay for the press conference. What if we leave and a reporter tries to bully my idol? Since two days ago, people have been bashing her online. Shouldn't you take responsibility for causing such a thing to happen?''

''Hey, whose side are you on? I am your family''

''She is my ancestor'' Lex said and held Zeya's hand. Everyone looked at her and laughed.

''Lex, your brother must be tired after returning from the photoshoot. Besides, we are not dating. At the press conference, I will tell everyone the truth''

''No!'' Lex shouted at once. Everyone turned to look at her.

''Well, I mean that… since you are not dating Lucas and the rumour is already spread. Then, it won't do any harm if you just allow it to be, right cousin?'' Lex hit Sebastian's hand.

''That will not be a good idea. People might start to spread that Zeya got the contract because she is dating Mr. Bassey. Besides, the two of them are going to be in the same drama starting next month. It will not do them any good if they are wrapped up in a dating scandal''

''Handle it the way you want to. I don't really care about it. Lex, let's go''

''I want to be there and show my idol some support''

''You don't have a free pass. There are only reporters in there''

''She can sit with me'' Alice suggested.

''Really?'' Lex turned to Alice excitedly.

''It's up to you. I will be in my car then'' Sebastian said and turned away. Zeya looked at him as he walked away and she smiled.

''Let's go in, Zeya''

''Yes, sister Lylia''

''Let's go and get a seat, Lex'' Alice turned to a private door leading to the conference room.

Inside the hall. Zeya and Sister Lylia sat on the podium arranged seats and looked at the many reporters who had come to meet them.

''Good evening, everyone. Thank you all for your love and support for my artiste, Zeya. Tonight, we are here to clear some issues that have made headlines recently and to also answer a few questions from you'' Sister Lylia started.

''First of all, regarding the rumours of the dating scandal between Zeya and Lucas. We know the other party has already come out to debunk the rumours. Our company have been careful these past few days. One of the reasons was because our artiste was going through a lot of pain caused by the other party.

Two years ago, our company actress, Miss Zeya met with Mr. Lucas Biden through a mutual acquaintance and became friends. later that year, they realised they had a lot in common and decided to take care of each other and also grow their feelings.

It is indeed true that they were dating but because they were worried and concerned, they decided to keep it a secret. Before the end of last year, they started to plan their future together and decided it was time to take their relationship further. So, they bought a house together which our company actress made the down payment. We have records to prove this point''

Sister Lylia paused when she saw the gasp and whispering amongst the reporters. They were busy recording what she said and also making small talks amongst themselves.

'The other party cheated on our company actress, once with her best friend and twice with her stylist which resulted in their breakup early this year.

Since the breakup was initiated by Zeya, the other party didn't want to accept it and kept trying to find means and ways to talk her into getting back together with him again.

Once of such occurrences was what happened during the Governor's Congratulatory party. What was supposed to be a happy party turned into a chaotic one and rumours started spreading.

''BB Entertainment is by this press meeting stating that our company actress, Miss Zeya has no relationship with Lucas Biden now or in the future except when they are involved in their professional lives. I hope that those spreading malicious rumours about our actress stop doing so because we will be suing anyone who does so. And to those who stalk her home, we will not be lenient to anyone who is caught''

''Thank you everyone for the love and support that you have shown and continue to show towards our actress, Miss Zeya''

Sister Lylia finished and turned to look at Zeya. She smiled warmly at her before turning to face the reporters once again.

Zeya looked at the door and saw Sebastian looking at her. His gaze was unwavering as he stared at her without breaking eye contact. Zeya blushed and looked away.

''We will now allow for questions but I want to emphasise that those questions will be about today's topic''

One reporter stood up suddenly and asked immediately after Sister Lylia finished speaking. He took the mic from the man who brought it and started asking.

''So, the news denying the dating rumours between Miss Zeya and Lucas Biden was true? Why then did Lucas' side deny it?''