Defiance

Lilly.

If Jake Rylland thought his threats would faze me, he was completely wrong. The world finally wanted to listen to me, and I was going to give it what it wanted. Moments like that did not last forever so I had to make the most of it before people moved on and focused on something else. 

I spent the weekend studying all the reactions to my article. I watched video clips, read articles and commentaries, and went through the hilarious memes on social media.

By the end of the weekend, I knew that people wanted more gossip about Jake. I was sure that even if I made up something, people would eat it up. 

But I was not that kind of journalist. I had integrity and would never cook up lies about anyone for money and fame. That was a low I swore not to reach in my life. I wanted to do my work right, only publishing nothing but the truth. Occasionally, I would spice things up a bit but nothing significant.

On Sunday evening, I took a big risk and wrote an article that I knew would blow up and drive Jake crazy. 

Jerk Rylland? Jake Rylland Threatens Reporter for Writing About Him.

“Nice, I love it especially the title.” Leah sent in reply to my email.

I slept with a big smile on my face. Jake was going to be really angry. All I had to do was use the taxi so I didn't have to go the basement alone. The basement parking of our rundown apartment didn't have any cameras so I was on my own. 

I couldn't prove my claims that someone kidnapped me there. In any case, I knew that the person had probably paid off our dodgy security guard in order to get away with the crime. 

Back then when I walked into the company building, no one seemed to notice. Even the security personnel barely glanced at me. I was a no body.

But things were different on that Monday morning. It was like a movie. I walked in and every eye turned to me, making me feel shy and confident at the same time. I wearing a blue suit and black heels, my black hair in a tight ponytail. 

Despite the intense gaze, I managed to   make it to my desk without falling over, a miracle considering that I rarely wore heels. Being the current star reporter did feel quite good. I'd admired others for way too long but finally my time to shine had reached. It would soon end if I wasn't careful.

I was called to Leah's office immediately. 

“Today's article was even better,” she said. “You're blowing up. Even Athena wants to meet you. There are so many people still calling to interview you to get more info on Jake. We'll be having a meeting in an hour to decide who'll go with.”

I barely heard the rest after Athena's intentions. Athena Morgan was the head of our newspaper generically named The Daily Paper. Getting a private meeting with her was one of the most desired things. It was a dream come true.

An hour later, I entered Athena's office. It was..

Athena was wearing a crisp blue suit and black heels. A smile lit up her face when she saw me.

“My favorite reporter,” Athena said, making me blush. I had spent my entire career trying to get noticed by her and thanks to Jake Rylland, I finally got what I wanted.

“Good morning, miss Morgan.” I greeted, staring in awe at one of the most influential women in the publishing business. Athena has got to the top through hard-work and grit. I had read every interview of hers and tried each day to be more like her which was very hard because Athena breathed publishing.

“Good morning, Lilly.” She said. “Please take a seat. I love your follow up article on Jake Rylland. While I know he's capable of making threats, all money hungry men are, I just want to know from the horse's mouth if it's true.”

“It's true.”

“If it's true, why did you not provide more details like where the incident occurred, how and many others. Although the tabloids are swallowing it up, details could have given your story more credibility.”

“If I divulged details, Jake and I would face off in court because he committed a crime. I didn't talk about it because when it comes to an actual crime, the system is rigged. Jake has contacts on the legal system and instead him ending up in jail, it would be me instead. Besides, I have no proof other than my word. Some people will think I'm just trying to ruin his name and I don't want that to happen.”

“As long as whatever happened didn't hurt or traumatize you, we can move past it. Things happen, terrible things too. Moving on, Leah gave me a list of platforms that wish to interview you and I want us to use this opportunities to promote our paper so I'm going to help you choose the best one.”

“Sounds good,” I said. I knew Athena cared more about her company than me but that didn't matter. It was her company that had seen potential in me when I was a lowly graduate with zero experience. It was that company that gave me the family I never had. I would fight for it.

Athena and I went through several options before settling for five of them. She asked Lena to contact them while I was released to focus on my other stories.

At the end of the day, Leah and I went to our favorite bar to relax. 

“Cool car,” Athena said. We both stared at the rolls Royce that was looking out of place among old cheap cars that the regulars drove.

“I wonder what rich dude decided to pop in today,” I said.

“Probably some celeb looking for nomalcy.”

I froze when I spotted Jake Rylland in the club. He standing by the bar scrolling through his phone. A few regulars were scattered allover the bar minding their business. They were middle aged local folk who didn't care about celebrity gossip.

“We need to leave,” I told Leah.

Jake was casually leaning against the counter, staring at us. His stare was hot, sexy and intoxicating. If he wasn't such a Playboy, I might have thought he was one of the most eligible bachelors in New York. He was top notch attractive.

“We can't leave because of him,” my best friend, the voice of reason said.

Jake started walking towards us and I quickly turned to leave before bumping into a rock hard chest that smelled so good.

Looking up, I saw a handsome man with a perfect stern face.

“Hello,” he said.

For a moment, I forgot that Jake existed.