Chapter 8: Buzz then buzz, buzz, buzz!

RUSSELL'S P.O.V
I look at him. They'll know it soon either. I took a deep breath and raise my left hand. I even shake my palm and smiled.
"Yes, coach. Just a few days ago."-I said.
"Huh? But I didn't know you have a girlfriend."
"Sometime being an heir is an enough ticket for marriage."-I said. They didn't get what I mean but instead they started buzzing about why I didn't invited them and so on so forth. But that man named Edzen, he left and went on his practice ground. He's strange one.
"So who is the lucky girl?"-he ask.
"You will know it later. But for now, its time for my practice."-I said. They nodded.
"Okay then."-coach. On the pool area, I started my daily practice routine and make sure that I'll stay into shape. That I'll do better than before. I wanted to make sure that I'll win as the golden medalist. To prove myself to dad. When I saw the time in the clock, I went off and get ready. Come to think of it, what kind of speech will Simone have in mind? It's better if we just release an official statement.
"Coach, I have to do something. I will be back maybe later in this afternoon."-I said.
"Okay. But make sure that you will be back for your afternoon practice."-he said.
"Yes coach. I will. Later."-I said and leave the sports gym. As I drove my car to Lavelle Global headquarters, I can't stop myself from getting nervous. When I get out of the car, I bump into a woman that seems to recognize me.
"Good morning, Sir. Follow me please, Simone is still in a meeting."-she said.
"Wait. Who are you, miss?"
"I'm her secretary, I'm Zyril Adams."
"I see. Okay."-I nod. I followed her. In elevator, I saw that she also had the same expression that Simone always had. A poker face.
"Zyril, can I ask a question? How many years did you work here? Especially as a secretary of Simone."-I added. She didn't look at me.
"Since we graduated Sir. We both graduated with the same course and university. She offered me a job even if I am just an average student. It must be 5 years already."
"I see. What kind of woman she is here?"
"Hardworking, bossy and great leader."
"Ah, you answered so frankly, huh?"
But she didn't answered until we entered Simone's office. I decided to read the magazine to kill some time until she entered.
"Zyril, make sure that the venue of the presscon is ready. Also, inform Mr. Trass that I won't change my view to the project for Lavelle Bank. Also, for the project for Lavelle Beverages should be presented better for the next meeting. Lastly, the lawsuit against D.O Corp, how is it?"
"It's been rolling and the next court session will be next week. These are the folders for the next presentation of evidence for their imitation. The lawyers will be waiting for your feedback and you will have a meeting with them tomorrow around 2:30pm."-she said.
I suddenly realize that she is indeed a woman with so much achievements that makes my father envious. While I am here taking a different path. That's why he is nagging me.
"Good. I'll read this later. Anyway, get ready for the presscon and make sure that we accommodated them generously."
"Understood, Simone."
"Thank you. Leave us for a moment."
She nod and leave us. She sat down beside me and take off her ponytail. She suddenly smile sweetly and that creeps me out.
"What kind of two-face person are you?"
"What? I always watch women in social media who smile like this."-she said. Weirdo.
"But for the likes of you, it's creeping the hell out of me."-I said honestly. She pouted.
"Russell, tell me. Am I not attractive to you? I mean if you rate me from 1-10, where am I?"
She corners me off. But why is he even asking that? This woman is hard to read!"
"Look Simone. I am not a horny person. I am not into the sex starve animal. Women are the same to me okay? They're humans. I don't know why are you asking but...stop it."
"Okay. If you don't want to answer then so be it. It's your choice anyway."-she said. Zyril came in with a snack in her hand.
"Here's some snack, Simone and Sir Russell. Eat some before the conference start at 10 minutes."-she said. I smiled.
"Thanks, Zyril. Just call me Russell. It's awkward to hear the word Sir before my name."
"Okay, Russell."-she said and leave. She sip her coffee and just look at her phone. I don't now if that's her way to elevate her irritation.
SIMONE'S P.O.V
I don't know why I am pissed off. I am not offended but I hate the fact that he can't even show sexual interest on me. Did he lied when he said I can be a potential intimate partner? Then I suddenly saw an interview clip of him in Facebook. I played the video and use my earphone. I sip my coffee and eat my sandwich.
"Mr. Maxwell, now that you are a handsome and successful athlete, did you ever think of settling down? You're one of the greatest bachelor in town."-the interviewee.
"Well, I have plans of having a family myself. But I can't predict when it happens but I will surely tell everyone who is the woman I choose to be my wife and cut my ties as a bachelor."
"Okay. So ladies, you might be one. The Ms. Right for our national champion and soon holder of gold in Olympic games. As of now, what is your plan as the summer Olympics is approaching this year and our country will host this prestigious sports event."
"Well, I am planning to stay focus and make sure that I surpasses my records as well as the other athletes that I might face in qualifiers, semifinals to finals. I wanted to make our country proud and make sure that I will be one of our athletes who brings gold for our country."
"Wow. That's quiet a big pressure for you, Mr. Maxwell but we know you can do it. We will support you along the way."-she said.
"Thank you. For my fans and supporters out there. Thank you for being with me in this journey. I will do my best and meet your expectations from me. I will make our proud for me. I love you everyone!"-he said. His smile is genuine and you can see how he love his sport. I wonder if uncle Paulo even watch these and saw how happy his son is. I doubt that.
"You heard it everyone. Let's cheer Mr. Maxwell and thank you for giving me this opportunity to have a one-on-one interview with you. That's all everyone. Thank you."
I put down my coffee and take off my earphone. I hope that one day he will have his dad's support. Maybe I should...
"Hey, are you okay?"
"What do you think?"-I said in sarcasm.
"Are you still mad, Simone?"
"Shut up. Finish that off and we should go to the conference hall in 2 minutes."-I said.
After he finishes his food. I tried to calm myself as we headed to the conference room.
"Ladies and gentlemen, here's Simone Lavelle and Russell Maxwell. Let's give them a round of applause."-Zyril. They stood up and after a short clap the camera's are rolling.
"Good morning everyone. Thank you for coming for this press conference."
"What is this all about Ms. Lavelle?"
"Well, that's why we are here to answer that question. Let us speak first before we answers questions from all of you."-I started. They must be curious because Russell is also here with us.
"Please settle down and let Mr. Maxwell and Ms. Lavelle starts their statement."-Zyril. When they all stop buzzing, I cleared my throat.
"Russell Maxwell and I got married last Wednesday in a intimate ceremony with our family. Before everyone will have wild guesses on how the two of us ends up marrying each other, I will answer that."-I paused.
"This famous swimmer athlete had known to be single and never had any rumored relationship to any women. As for me, everyone knew that I am just a strict and successful heiress who put Lavelle Global into its more successful era. I don't have any intimate or even rumored relationship as well."
"Then how did the two of you ends up together and how did the two of you mana—"
"Please, questions are after their statements."
"I'm sorry."-the reporter said. I smiled and look at his face. He seems to be waiting when he's going to speak and what I'll be telling next.
"Our father are best friends since they're in grade school and sworn brothers they even became best man of each other's wedding. So you see, Russell and I are not like them. We're not friends and most especially we're not even classmates or schoolmates. We just meet occasionally. That's very odd, right?"
"Everyone will have three guesses. First, we meet each other again and starts to be friends then became lovers. Two, it's a contractual marriage just to please our parents and we will surely be filing a divorce anytime soon."
"That's typically how drama's, series and films makes every couples heart flatters and jump over their head isn't it? That's typically be seen on television. Lastly, fixed marriage. Yes. We are on the third one."-I said. And they buzz off.