Vanya's POV
I knew that for a man like Cliff, who had been through countless storms in the business world, this kind of exposure was nothing more than a minor annoyance.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have just made one phone call in the morning and then taken no further action.
I thought for a moment, then said, "Alright, I was the one who made the mistake first, so of course, I'll do whatever you say."
"Accompany me to media events," Cliff's voice still had no ups and downs.
"Is it that simple?" I couldn't help but be skeptical.
How could Cliff just let go of this opportunity to use me so easily?
This wasn't like his style at all.
Cliff put down the newspaper, looked at me, and said slowly, "Being a loving couple is not as simple as you think."
Seeing his expression, I instantly understood his thoughts.
Yes, facing someone you don't like, even just doing one more intimate action, would feel extremely uncomfortable, even nauseating.
In my past life, Cliff always resisted attending various occasions with me.
Because playing the role of a loving couple with me was indeed a very difficult thing for him.
"I will cooperate unconditionally," as soon as the words left my mouth, I regretted it.
How could I have agreed to him so easily?
Cliff had Jenny prepare a set of evening wear for me, a dignified and strict style, the pure white of which made me involuntarily think of Melinda.
In my past life, this set of evening wear should have been worn by Melinda.
Cliff had it specially tailored for Melinda, who had returned from studying abroad.
But now, it was worn on me.
"I don't like it," I muttered, looking at the set of evening wear.
"Put it on," Cliff glanced at me coldly, his tone unquestionable, "To make everyone forget your visit to the nightclub, you must be noble, elegant, and pure."
I helplessly pursed my lips and had no choice but to put on the set of evening wear reluctantly.
This media event was to promote the new real estate project of the Todd family.
So all the major well-known media were present, and the scene was extremely lively.
I followed Cliff out of the car, holding his hand, under the continuous flash of camera lights, trying to maintain a perfect smile.
As if in front of everyone, we were really a loving couple, without any gaps or contradictions.
But in reality, only I knew how much helplessness and bitterness were hidden behind this smile.
Melinda's POV
Today, I just wore an ordinary, unremarkable evening dress here.
Standing among the people attending the event, I seemed so inconspicuous, like a pebble left in the corner, hardly attracting anyone's attention.
Cliff had always been training my horizons by often letting me attend such occasions.
I was used to it and thought this time would be just like usual.
But this time was completely different from before. The person standing next to Cliff was no longer me, but Vanya.
Soon, the press conference began.
I entered the venue and looked around in the crowd for a long time but couldn't find my seat.
Just as I was getting anxious and embarrassed, Elliot, who was at the door receiving journalists, saw me and came over.
He said with a bit of regret, "Ms. Coleman, Alpha Cliff said that your identity has been a bit sensitive recently, so he arranged for you to sit a little further back."
"A little further back?" I was stunned, full of doubts and loss.
Following the direction Elliot pointed, I saw that the seat Cliff arranged for me was actually the most inconspicuous one in the corner, as if I were a dispensable person who shouldn't be here.
My heart suddenly tightened, and a wave of sourness surged into my heart.
In the past, every time such an occasion, I could sit next to Cliff.
At that time, I could feel the envious glances from others, and my heart was full of sweetness and pride.
"Ms. Coleman, don't blame Alpha Cliff, because there have been rumors about you and Alpha Cliff. Today's occasion is special, and Alpha Cliff is also considering for you."
Elliot explained softly.
I forced a smile and said casually, "I know, how could I blame Alpha Cliff... My identity is not suitable to sit in front of any. I feel more comfortable sitting at the back."
Although I said this, my heart was as painful as being pricked by a needle.
That feeling of being ignored and marginalized almost overwhelmed me.
Seeing me so sensible, Elliot seemed a little relieved and turned to do other things.
I walked to the last row silently and sat down, looking up. From this angle, I could clearly see Vanya and Cliff.
They seemed to be talking and laughing, and that picture looked so warm and harmonious, but it was like a sharp knife stabbing my eyes painfully.
I subconsciously clenched my fist, my fingernails deeply embedded into the palm, but I couldn't feel the pain. My heart and eyes were full of unwillingness and resentment towards the scene in front of me.
I couldn't figure out why Cliff, who used to care for me so much, now treats Vanya so considerately.
And I, as if I had become a superfluous outsider.