Chapter Ten
The press gasped, cameras capturing every angle of Noah's admission.
I could hardly believe what I was hearing—Noah was telling the world his feelings for me, right there in front of everyone."Noah," one reporter pressed, "are you confirming that you're in a relationship with Rachel now?"
Noah didn't flinch. "I'm confirming that Rachel deserves better than what she's been given. She should be a role model to every young lady who wants to be independent in their room. And for the relationship aspect, that's between us, we don't owe anybody explanation about how we feel"
The questions kept coming, but Noah remained steadfast, giving them nothing more than what he already had. I could see the determination in his posture, the protective edge in his voice as he defended me against every insinuation, every half-truth.
While watching the videos I can't stop staring at him, his handsomeness, his sexy eyes, and posture.
He watched them talk, without giving any reply, he then turned his back and entered the compound. As soon as he entered the compound, I turned off my data and I went to the living room, waiting for him.
"What were they expecting me to say? I don't know why people can't just mind their business, like they don't have something important doing?" he asked rhetorically.
"Then there won't be anything called celebrity, it's because of the attention given to us, that's why we are celebrities"
"I wish there's nothing like that, I don't know why some people won't be able to focus on their own matter but another person's personal life matters to them. Something they are doing but they would rather criticize someone else, and not themselves" He said, "And do you watched the video, people I am sure people will be doing the live video"
"Of course, I watched and listened to it. Noah, is there anything you lack? You are outspoken, handsome, nice, kind and everything expected from a man"
"Nobody is perfect except for GOD, are you aware?"
"Of course I know, GOD created you in an exceptional way. I wish I had met you first. Oh! I did meet you first, but I blame you for not asking me out first, I would have been loved all this time when I was struggling to teach your brother how to love me"
"We met first or not, what's important to me is that we are together and that you appreciate my love for you" he said, stepping closer, his voice tender and reassuring.
I looked into his eyes, feeling the warmth of his words wrap around me like a protective embrace. "I do appreciate it, Noah. More than you know."
He came closer, tucking a stray stand behind my ear. "That's all I need to hear. I hope you aren't scared anymore. Actually, there was a time when people staree posting that I am into illegal activities. Perhaps, that was the reason I am more wealthy than my family"
"Really? I heard it then but I wasn't following the news then"
"They were expecting me to clear the air, take two or more step. But I didn't do anything, I just watch them say whatever they thinks"
"Whoa! So people just stopped saying it without you intervening?"
"Did they want to keep saying it? If they did, that's their choice. I don't care about people's opinion about me, it doesn't change who I am, so I do not worry"
"This is the first time the public will be criticizing me, people have always spoken well of me, I was scared of it will make clients stop giving me job"
"You don't need to be scared, thru can say whatever they wish. I'll stay beside you. Let them talk; we'll live our lives."
"What what you have done I owe you a dinner" I paused, stared at him, before continue. "I am not taking you out, I don't have the money too, butt I'll show you my skills, I'll cook you a delicious meal"
Noah's eyes lit up with amusement. "You're going to cook for me? Now, that's something I can't wait to see."
I playfully nudged him. Don't think less of me, I might not be a chef, but you know I'll enjoy my food. I prefer cooking myself than getting food from eatery or restaurant"
"Regardless of whatever you cooked, I am going to enjoy your food," he continued, "But you don't have to go through any trouble for me, Rachel. Just being here with you is more than enough.""It's no trouble,"
I insisted, feeling a surge of excitement at the thought of doing something special for him. "It is not about stressing or troubling, there's no about of money I can give you, it's just like dropping a bowl of water in an ocean, so cooking is just a way to show appreciation"
"I can't wait to taste what your food looks like"
As I moved towards the kitchen, he followed me leaning against the counter.
As I began gathering ingredients. I could see he was watching me, a comforting presence that made me feel at ease despite the slight nerves fluttering in my stomach.
"So, what are you planning to cook?" he asked, watching me with genuine interest.
"Well, I am thinking of cooking a pasta dish, Something simple but hearty," I said, pulling out some fresh vegetables and herbs.
"How does that sound?"
"It sounds perfect," he said, his voice full of warmth.
"But I have to admit, watching you cook is already the highlight of my day."
I laughed softly, glancing at him over my shoulder. "You're easily pleased, aren't you?"
"Only when it comes to you," he said, his tone light yet full of meaning.
As I started chopping vegetables, Noah stayed close, occasionally offering to help, but mostly just enjoying the moment. The atmosphere in the kitchen was relaxed, filled with soft conversation and the rhythmic sounds of cooking. It felt like a small piece of normalcy amidst the chaos of the outside world, a sanctuary where it was just the two of us, away from prying eyes and endless speculation.