41. That’s for harassing my fiancee!

After a brief introduction, they began to showcase the entirety of their five-day shoot in Benguet, Baguio. From their first day there until the last, everything was captured on video, but the highlight of the video was her dancing with the Igorots while wearing the dress designed by Janice herself. The entire video lasted almost an hour, and she didn't feel the boredom of the people there, perhaps because of the beautiful view of the Banaue Rice Terraces. A thunderous applause was heard after the video ended. Both she and Janice stood up, smiling, and thanked everyone present. Where earlier opinions were divided, now there was unanimity in praise. She responded to all with nods and smiles, even to the reporters. Next, Janice released the magazine, and the front cover was undeniably stunning. 'All the Editors with me have the same thing to say. Briella's a natural and one of a kind, they don't need much editing and filtering to fix Briella's face angles," Janice said with a smile as she handed her the magazine. 'Thank you, Janice, for giving me this opportunity. Despite all the negative words and ridicule I've heard, you didn't falter and still chose me. That's why I did my best not to disappoint you," she said with a smile, looking at Janice. Janice smiled back, and the reporters began to ask questions. She didn't answer them all until one question stopped her in her tracks. 'There's just breaking news trending right now, Miss Briella. Is it true that you're engaged?" a bespectacled woman asked. She and Janice exchanged glances, Janice nodded subtly, seemingly giving her the chance to speak. 'Yes, I am," she answered. Everyone present was surprised, not expecting her response. Another reporter asked, 'But where's the ring? I don't see a ring on your finger." 'Is it true that Xander Madrigal is the one you're going to marry? The CEO of the company that owns you? Didn't he embarrass you in front of many people before? Is that just for the show? Or is Xander really a harsh fiancé?" a stout reporter asked, evidently eager to get close to her, thrusting her tape recorder in her face. 'Uhm, I guess I can't answer that," she said, avoiding eye contact. 'Are you the heiress of Lé Fragrancé?" another reporter asked. She didn't answer, causing a commotion among everyone present, including the guests and even Janice, who looked at her in surprise. She expected news like this to come out, but she didn't expect it to happen in this situation. She sighed in her mind. 'No," she answered curtly. 'No? You mean you're not?" another reporter asked. 'That came from Xander Madrigal himself. Are you saying he's not telling the truth?" another chimed in. 'I didn't say anything, and I just said no. I don't want to talk about it, and please respect my privacy," she replied clearly and calmly. But it seemed like not everyone understood, and the noise continued. She clenched her fist, feeling like she wanted to go to Xander at that moment and slap him to make him stop his madness. Does he even realize what trouble he's getting into? Has he completely lost his mind and not even considered the consequences of his actions? Lé Fragrancé is out of his league! The moment her father finds out that their company's name is being used in such issues, he'll make sure the culprit pays, even if it's his child! A few moments passed before the commotion died down, and once everyone calmed down, the event continued. Janice announced that they had already distributed all the copies of the magazine, then proceeded to show the two types of one-minute advertisements that would appear on some large billboards here and in other countries. 'I also want to announce that Briella Montañez is one of the nominees of the Asian Runaway Awards on the thirtieth day of July." She said more, but all she could think about was the Awards Night. She needed to win an award to rise again in the International Runaways, and when that happened, she knew her ascent would continue. That day, she'll be ready to walk with Braun while holding his hand. After that announcement, there was a brief presentation and celebration. She didn't leave her table while Janice said goodbye to her to attend to the guests. She wanted to leave that place and go to Braun, but she knew she couldn't. She felt her phone vibrate and saw Braun's number on the screen. She immediately answered his call. 'Hello? 'Look behind you, wife," he said immediately. She subtly followed his instructions and saw him sitting at the table for two; their eyes met, and he subtly nodded at her. 'Have you been there all along?" she asked, avoiding eye contact. 'Yup, I can't sit in front of you... for now, but who says I can't sit behind you?" he asked softly. She suppressed the smile threatening to appear on her lips. 'Thank you," she whispered softly. 'I'll always support you. I'll be at your back and clap silently, shouting in my mind how I am proud of you. Congratulations, wife," he said on the other end of the line. She wanted to look back at her husband, leave her seat, and go to him, but she knew she couldn't. She took a deep breath and subtly glanced at him, catching him looking back at her. Janice approached him, and she saw Janice's expression change when she saw Braun. 'You're pathetic," she heard Janice say to Braun. Janice looked at her and smiled, and she nodded. 'Do you want me to introduce you to Miss Briella, President Braun?" Janice asked Braun. She heard their conversation because Braun hadn't hung up yet. 'President Braun? Is he here?" she heard another woman ask, not far from where Braun and Janice were. She ended the call herself, afraid someone might notice she was the one Braun was talking to. She adjusted her seat and pretended to be busy with the food in front of her. She received a message from Chelsey, greeting her and saying that what she requested was already okay; she was just waiting for her signal. She smiled to herself, knowing she could always rely on Chelsey for such things. 'Briella." She flinched when she heard Janice's voice behind her. She looked at her, surprised to see Braun standing right beside Janice, behind her. 'Did I startle you? I'm sorry, I want you to meet President Braun. I'm sure you know him, right?" Janice said, giving her a subtle wink as if telling her to go along with it. Didn't they think someone might notice their little game? Nevertheless, she stood up and faced Braun. 'Nice meeting you, Briella. I heard a lot about you from Janice," Braun said, extending his hand to her with a charming smile playing on his lips. She knew all eyes were on them, including those of the reporters who felt like they had won the lottery because of their exent coverage! She smiled as she shook his hand. 'The pleasure was mine, President Braun. It was such an honor that you're here," she said. If they can play games, well, I'm better at it! She felt Braun's hand gently squeeze hers, and she couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, hoping no one noticed it. 'Great! I'll leave you two alone for now, and I have some visitors to attend to. President Braun, please be nice to my model. She's somewhat very precious to me," Janice said, giving her a knowing look before leaving her and Braun at her table. Braun helped her sit down, and she thanked him. She discreetly bit her lip because she didn't know how to handle Braun in front of so many people. It was their first time attending the same event, not as a married couple but as strangers, and she knew what was going through the minds of the women there, seeing her seated next to Braun. She took a deep breath and subtly glanced at Braun, who was quietly sipping red wine. His face was emotionless, cloaked in an aura of black as if it were a warning that no one could approach him and talk to him. And that could be the reason why she felt the sharp stares of the women on her. 'Don't let them bother you, just stay with me. No one's going to hurt you," she heard Braun say as she turned to him, his attention seemingly on his phone, others might think he was talking to someone else, but in reality, he was talking to her. She quickly typed a thank-you message, included a heart emoji, and then sent it to Braun. She bit her lip because they looked like two fools doing what they were doing. They were just sitting beside each other, yet they couldn't talk properly. 'I wish I could go home," she said softly. 'Really?" he asked. She didn't look at him, nor did she respond, knowing he would find a way for them to go home together. She couldn't leave because it would be embarrassing for Janice and the guests there. She lifted her head when three women approached her. 'Hi, would you mind if we take some pictures with you? You look so amazing with that dress," the woman in the middle said, smiling, then subtly glanced at Braun. Was it me or my husband they were referring to? 'Sure," she replied. 'Let me take the picture," another one said. The two women quickly positioned themselves beside her, and she smiled subtly. She didn't know how many pictures they took, but she was sure the camera wasn't focused on her or the two women but on the man behind them. They left after taking the pictures, thanking her, and giving Braun one last glance before leaving her. She heaved a sigh. When will btches in the world scram? Tch! A moment later, a man approached her, wanting to take a picture with her, and she obliged. 'Uhm, can we take a photo of just the two of us?" he asked, moving his head towards where Braun was. She agreed, standing up so that Braun wouldn't be in the photo. She felt him wrap his arm around her waist and his face getting closer to hers, a move that made her think he was about to kiss her. She restrained herself from pushing him away and was about to give in to his request, but her eyebrows furrowed when she felt his bold hand squeezing her waist. Without hesitation, she pushed him away. Unprepared for her action, he stumbled and accidentally bumped into the waiter carrying drinks. 'What the hell is your problem?" he said with dark eyes fixed on her. 'I agree to take pictures with you, but I won't allow you to be rude," she replied emotionlessly. From the corner of her eye, she saw Braun about to stand up, but she shook her head subtly. She could see the intense anger in his eyes, ready to pounce on the one disrespecting her at any moment. 'Are you out of your mind? Where have you seen people taking pictures without being close? Don't you know who I am?" he snapped at her. She raised an eyebrow. The hell I care! 'No," she replied. 'What's with these commotions? Briella? Mr. Monde?" Janice asked, quickly approaching her. 'This bitch pushed me, and I only want a nice picture of us," the man complained, still trying to look dignified. 'Briella?" Janice turned to her as if asking for her side. She took a deep breath. 'He's harassing me," she answered tersely. 'What the fck are you saying? You're just making up stories to get more attention and stir up controversy! You're doing this to gain more fame! They were right, when you see a fat fish, you cling to it and find ways to—" Before he could finish his sentence, a loud slap landed on his cheek. The whole place fell silent, and attention was back on her. This is supposed to be my special day. 'What right do you have to insult Briella? You're insulting her, and you're also insulting me! I know the woman you're referring to and insulting. You should take care of your own business, Mr. Monde, and start today to watch your back. You offended someone you never want to offend. Now get lost, or I'll call security to throw you out," Janice said firmly and authoritatively. She glanced at Braun, who was sitting quietly with a dark look on his face. She felt sorry for Mr. Monde because she sensed he had offended two people that day. As he walked out of the venue, reporters were snapping photos of him, but he suddenly stumbled to the ground again before he could leave completely. She raised an eyebrow when she saw Xander in front of the man who had disrespected her. 'That's for harassing my fiancee," Xander said with a dark expression and glanced at her.