Backlash

Adeline's POV 

Mikhail's assistant went to the TV, enlarging the comment section so it sat side by side with Conrad's wicked face. That way we would be able to see what everyone else was thinking and know what points we would need to use to counter. 

‘But she's the one who left you - Green15’

‘Why would she need to destroy you? - Ib78’

‘I made a bet with Mads,I told her you both would break up. This doesn't surprise me. Fake celebrity couples-Ty09’

‘Your foundation didn't help much anyway-Theblackkidonyourblock33’

‘Tell us the story- pea47’

‘There was always something in her eyes. I knew it wasn't right-whoareyou27’

I couldn't stand to read the comments any longer. Even though Conrad was spitting venom, at least I knew he was a snake. I had accepted that. But the public burned a little more because they believed these lies. 

Conrad continued, “Please be patient with me" , that fake sadness still in his tone. “It's a little hard talking about this" he gestured behind him. “My assistant wanted to do this for me but I refused, I needed the world to hear the truth from my own mouth" 

“His lies," Father said, shaking his head with a look of disappointment. I couldn't even blame him, he had warned me and yet my rose colored glasses had prevented me from seeing the truth. 

“A few days ago, I found Adeline's body on the ground of my hotel balcony, I panicked, I called the ambulance, I tried to revive her and yet nothing happened. She was taken away by the well-known LEONIDOVICH Hospital ambulance after being announced dead there in front of me" he had added that fake teary voice again and the comments were eating it right up. 

He sniffed before he began again, "And then you can imagine my shock and pain when she was suddenly alive again. Right after she had died in my arms” he made his hands into a cradle. 

Oh, the way he lied so smoothly sickened me. He was talking like he hadn't been the one to try and kill me again even after he had pushed me. 

My eyes watered, head turning almost involuntarily towards Mikhail. He stared back at me, an expression of support on his face. It was a small nod but it was more than enough, somehow I just knew things would work out eventually. 

Conrad hadn't finished, but by the time I had turned to listen fully again he had gone further in the story. 

"And now it's been brought to my knowledge that she's gone ahead to tarnish my reputation alongside her uncle. Both of whom have tricked me severely in a bid to ruin the company I've built for so long" he looked genuinely stricken, if I had been a viewer, I would have believed him as well. 

“She connived with Mr. Mikhail, a professional and noble awarded doctor to pretend to me and the world that she was dead just so they could bring her back alive. All because she couldn't forgive me" he dropped his head. “I plead with the public to stand with my family and I as we navigate this issue. Your support would be greatly needed. And please do not believe the lies told you." 

My eyes went to the comments again, watering as I read them. 

‘Oh, you cheated and she couldn't tolerate it, I can't blame her - Jae11’

‘Idk man, you cheated - Ree33’

‘I mean she could have simply left. I knew those years were fake - Rin21’

‘This looks like a problem only the rich would have - Tro31’

‘Why would the daughter of a multimillionaire want you that bad man?- Tory_laneztwin’ 

‘She looked so much like a bitch whenever you stepped out with her anyway - Ronald's_home’

‘I don't know what you're saying man, I just need to know if she's really single. I would like a piece of her- Jason_thebigdog’

‘You should be grateful you're free from her. I remember the only time I met her. She was such a bitch - Lina_Conradsgirl77’

They didn't stop but I couldn't read anymore, not just because I stopped but because the screen had gone blank. I turned to see it was Mikhail. He had the remote in his hand, with his face hard and stern. “It's done with." 

Father shook his head, “This whole situation is going to take a lot of damage control. How are you going to manage it?" Father looked at me, the disappointment had left but a look I couldn't place replaced it instead. 

I dropped my head, unable to look him in the eyes for any longer. He was right, it would take far too much. Conrad had basically accused us of conspiracy, a crime, who knew if the police would be on their way soon? All of it raced in my head but I couldn't let them hold me back. I had to try at least. 

Since I didn't respond, it was Mikhail that responded instead, “She's not alone. We're both going to make sure something is done about it” he paused, "My reputation is at stake as well. He's involved me in this spectacle and I'll be damned if I don't make sure he regrets it” even from where I stood I could see his jaw clench and unclench. 

My father sighed, standing up from the seat. "I'll see everyone in the morning” he faced his assistant and as if a silent message passed between both of them, they both began to leave. 

I wondered what they were going to talk about. Would father decide the risk wasn't worth it? Having a fool as a daughter, one that was dragging his name through filth. I wouldn't even blame him. 

I felt the sag of the chair beside me, turning to see it was Mikhail. His face was blank and yet I could feel the anger emanating from him. 

Neither of us said anything. We both sat in silence, our breathing the only thing we could hear. I wasn't even sure what to say. It was my fault all this was happening. I had brought him into this mess. 

"I'm sorry” I finally said. 

There was a small shuffle as he faced me, "For what?”

My head dropped, "Bringing you into this. Your reputation is at stake because of me. Because I wouldn't listen, I let my heart lead me for so long” the tears began to push at the back of my throat, causing my voice to shake. 

He made a sound in his throat, “You shouldn't be sorry. None of this was your fault. All you did was love." There was a small longing in his voice. “It is what the heart does. He should be the one sorry" 

I didn't know what to say. He was partly right but still, I should have known. It was far too good to be true. The way he had loved me, all of it lies. 

I could feel the tears gather again but I refused to let them fall. Instead, I shut my eyes tightly, pushing them back. “We have to do something. The damage done is too great. If we don't start now, it'll be so much worse to deal with later" i forced my mind to go back to the survival mood. 

He nodded, "Yes, we must do that. But first of all, you need some sleep. Let me handle it for a while" the pressure beside me lessened and i knew he stood up.

It was only then I could look at him, our eyes jammed, staying there for a while. I didn't want to look away. The assurance in his eyes begged me to keep looking but I couldn't. Before anything else could happen, I looked away, “I guess you're right" 

He cleared his throat, moving back, “I'll see you tomorrow" he turned around to walk away, his suited broad back the only thing I could see. 

I wanted to call him back, beg him to stay but I knew I couldn't. It would be crossing too many boundaries - ones I wasn't ready to even acknowledge.