Vanya's POV
"Take it easy."
Cliff whispered, his voice lowered as if it was just a casual reminder to me by his side.
"I'm not nervous," I whispered back.
I faced the various cameras in front of me, acting very relaxed.
Cliff remembered that I rarely attended such occasions in the past.
It was because I was protected by my family and didn't participate much in the public activities of the Dalton family.
And after I became Cliff's mate, he demanded that I stay with the pack as Luna.
Of course, what he didn't know was how much effort I had made in my previous life to get closer to Cliff.
Unfortunately, until my death in the previous life, Cliff never knew what I had done for him.
Soon, the emcee finished the introduction, and Cliff led me onto the stage.
The media below all picked up their cameras. There had been news about the two of us recently, and many media outlets wanted to seize the opportunity to grab the headlines.
"This new real estate project developed by the Todd family is divided into two areas, A and B. The four and five-bedroom large spaces are in Area A, while one, two, and three-bedrooms are in Area B. There are large shopping malls, primary schools, and secondary schools around, with well-developed subway and bus systems. Top landscape architects have designed the community's greenery, and the layout of the houses is dedicated to creating a cozy family apartment, allowing every homeowner to feel the warmth of home."
Cliff detailed the real estate information on stage.
His voice was steady and magnetic, capturing the attention of everyone present.
As he spoke, he slightly tightened his grip on my hand, like a silent hint.
I caught on immediately and flashed a smile on cue, trying to make it look happy and content.
As if I were truly a wife immersed in the sweetness of a new marriage.
I knew that all of this was just a performance for the public.
Soon, it was time for questions from the press. A reporter stood up and asked loudly, "Mr. Todd, there have been rumors on the internet lately. Can you take this opportunity to respond?"
Hearing this question, I immediately understood that it must have been arranged by Cliff in advance.
Otherwise, in such a setting, who would have the audacity to throw out such a sensitive question first?
"Rumors are just rumors. I never interfere with my wife's life because I trust her enough," Cliff replied calmly, and then he looked at me affectionately.
I quickly returned a knowing smile, playing along with his act.
At that moment, Cliff's image as the perfect husband was on full display.
And I became the lucky wife whom he deeply loved.
As I glanced at the camera during a break, my peripheral vision inadvertently caught Melinda in the corner.
I was surprised that Cliff had also invited Melinda.
In that instant, I thought I saw a flash of jealousy in Melinda's eyes.
The look was so intense that I couldn't help but wonder if I had imagined it.
Suddenly, a man's voice broke the brief silence in the venue, "But I heard that Mr. Todd, you have a close relationship with a female college student. Is that true?"
The moment the words left his mouth, the entire venue fell silent, and all eyes were on Cliff.
Cliff looked at the reporter, his eyes first cold for a moment, then quickly softened. "She's just a student I'm helping. There's no close relationship."
I subconsciously glanced at the reporter, and his press badge seemed to be from a media outlet under Derrick's company.
I wondered to myself if Derek had asked him to say that.
"I love my wife, and I believe she feels the same way," Cliff's voice rang out again, and I could genuinely feel his gaze on me, burning with affection.
I turned to look at him and met the deep emotion in his eyes.
At that moment, I couldn't help but be slightly stunned, and a ripple stirred in my heart.
I had never been looked at by Cliff in such a way, and for a moment, it seemed as if he truly loved me deeply.
It almost made me lose myself in this false affection.
However, I quickly came to my senses. In my heart, Cliff was a businessman who only cared about profit. Such affection was probably just an act.
The press conference finally ended, and Melinda quickly made her way forward against the crowd.
Elliot saw this and wanted to stop her, but Melinda was too fast. By the time he caught up, Melinda was already standing in front of Cliff and me.
"Mr. Todd, Mrs. Todd, you both spoke so well just now. I really learned a lot," Melinda said with a smile.
I heard her words but couldn't bring myself to smile.
After all, Cliff and I had just been showing affection on stage, and her words sounded like she was implying that we were just putting on a show.
However, what she said was also the truth. There had never been any real feelings between Cliff and me.
"There are too many people and eyes here. Just go back to school," Cliff's voice was cold and distant.