Chapter 19

My eyes flickered. "Yes, I know. You talked about this earlier on the phone, right?" I said calmly.

Hugo nodded in satisfaction.

During the press conference, Hugo sat beside me, looking dignified. "Everyone, please settle down. Now, we would like to clarify the entertainment rumors circulating this morning. I was accompanying a friend to the Civil Affairs Bureau. I did not register with anyone else, as speculated."

"My relationship with Sophia has always been good, and I hope you won't make baseless assumptions and speculations that damage our relationship. Otherwise, I will take legal action to protect our rights and interests. Now, you may ask questions!"

Immediately, reporters surged forward, raising microphones and cameras.

"Excuse me, Miss Roberts. Do you believe Mr. Joseph's explanation? Could Mr. Joseph have been two-timing you, unbeknownst to you, as the internet suggests?" a reporter asked.

I smiled slightly, furthering my plan. "My relationship with Hugo has always been good. I believe him; he explained that he was helping a college friend's girlfriend out of humanitarian concern. I hope everyone can trust him."

After the press conference, Hugo and I appeared before the public as a loving couple, our relationship seemingly unfazed by the baseless rumor.

As the conference ended, I spotted Mr. Strakovski's assistant in the crowd of reporters. My heart skipped a beat. I had just displayed affection with Hugo; hopefully, it wouldn't upset Lukas.

Afterward, I returned to the design department to work on a draft. Midway through, Hugo called, requesting a design draft. While preparing it, I discreetly attached a pinhole camera to my clothing before handing it to him.

At 7 p.m., Lukas's assistant arrived to pick me up. I was still working on a design draft. Receiving the call, I quickly went downstairs.

Opening the car door, I saw Lukas in the back seat, looking strikingly handsome. I was momentarily stunned but quickly composed myself and entered the car. "Mr. Strakovski, you're here!" I exclaimed.

Lukas glanced at me, his cold gaze softening slightly. "We're spending our wedding night together. Are you sure you want to call me 'Mr. Strakovski' all night?"

I blushed. "Then… Lukas?"

Lukas frowned slightly.

My face reddened further. "Hubby?"

Lukas's eyes flickered, and he looked at me gently. "That's it."

I lowered my head, unable to speak.

"I heard you and Hugo Roberts were very affectionate," Lukas said thoughtfully.

My body stiffened. "It wasn't true! It was an act!" I responded, my voice laced with resentment.

Lukas remained unfazed. "I remember you took pictures of him and that woman leaving the Civil Affairs Bureau earlier."

My expression hardened. "It wasn't enough. I just wanted him to be the bad guy. How could that relieve my anger?"

I loved deeply and hated fiercely.

Lukas raised an eyebrow but said nothing. He privately assessed me as strong-willed, stubborn, and clear about my loves and hates. My determination for revenge seemed formidable, and he sensed it might be unwise to interfere easily.

Later that night, after dinner, Lukas took me to his private suite on the top floor. The bed was strewn with red rose petals. My face flushed. "This is…"

Lukas entered. "It's for our wedding night. My assistant prepared it," he stated simply.

Blushing, I entered the room, closed the door, and leaned against the wall.

"I'll take a shower first. Anything to say?" Lukas asked, casually removing his shirt.

I shook my head and turned to face the wall. "No!"

As Lukas, shirtless, walked toward the bathroom, he turned. "Are you… shy?" he playfully asked.

Summoning unexpected courage, I faced him, blushing furiously. "I'm not!"

Lukas teased, "Then why is your face so red?"

I blushed even harder, flustered.

Lukas's phone rang, interrupting the playful atmosphere. It was Emily. Frowning, he said, "I'll be out for a moment."

I was stunned. Was Lukas annoyed? It made sense; I'd suggested they get their marriage certificate, seeking a way out for myself. Now that they were married, he'd mentioned fulfilling their marital duties. My hesitation would naturally annoy him.

Chapter 20